Essay 123 – Tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 123

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara Desert or the Antarctic.

What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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Model Answer 1:

There is an increasing trend for travellers exploring harsh places, like the Sahara desert or the South Pole of Earth, of late. It confers both advantages and disadvantages to the explorers and the writer will expound on both of them in the essay.

There are many advantages of visiting places with extreme ambience. A trip to a place with difficult conditions is quite an adventure for tourists. For example, the South Pole sky is the ultimate degree of expedition according to many daredevils. Moreover, tourists can get a glimpse into the wildlife that no aquarium or zoo can ever really replicate. For example, Antarctica is the paradise of the world’s most rare species such as the Weddell seal, emperor penguin, albatross, and petrel, to mention but a few. Besides, adventurers can take stunning photographs of breathtaking landscapes. A case in point is the Sahara Desert. Beautiful oases to brilliant white stones are best seen in the sweet light of the morning and dusk hours when surreal images can be taken.

Despite these benefits, places such as the Antarctic, Mount Everest or the Sahara Desert can prove extremely risky for tourists. The expedition could be terribly dangerous; nobody is able to predict the weather conditions of the earth’s coldest continent or hottest regions, as things could go against the plan all of a sudden. The temperatures can plummet to nearly 130F or winds can reach 322 kilometres per hour. Besides, crevasses, the clefts in the ice hundreds of feet deep, are lurking threats while travelling around the Antarctic. A very good example is a research team consisting of Jeremy Bailey, John Wilson, and David Wild. In 1965, they lost their lives in a crevasse accident during an expedition from the British Antarctic Survey base of Halley Bay. Thus, grave danger lurks around everywhere that tourists can lose their lives during exploration.

To conclude, although the expedition into places with extreme conditions offers overwhelming advantages to the daredevils, they may perish in these harsh places as lurking dangers present everywhere. Therefore, tourists should be given adequate training for the hazards of places with inhospitable weather.

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Model Answer 2:

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of tourists visiting remote and challenging destinations. While these excursions offer unique experiences and opportunities for adventure, they also present certain advantages and disadvantages for travellers. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of visiting such places.

One of the main benefits for tourists who visit difficult locations is the sense of exploration and adventure they derive from these experiences. Journeying to the Sahara Desert or the Antarctic allows individuals to step out of their comfort zones and engage with unfamiliar environments. This can lead to personal growth, enhanced self-confidence, and a broader perspective on the world. For example, an individual trekking through the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert may gain a deep appreciation for the resilience of desert-dwelling communities and develop a greater understanding of the challenges they face.

Another advantage is the opportunity to witness the natural beauty and unique landscapes of these regions. The Sahara Desert showcases stunning sand dunes, while the Antarctic boasts breathtaking icy landscapes and diverse wildlife. The chance to witness such awe-inspiring sights can leave a lasting impact on visitors and create lifelong memories.

However, there are also disadvantages to visiting challenging destinations. One drawback is the physical and logistical demands that these places impose on tourists. Extreme weather conditions, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to amenities can make the journey arduous and potentially dangerous. For example, tourists may face harsh temperatures and strong winds, which can pose risks to their health and safety.

Another disadvantage is the potential negative impact on the delicate ecosystems and local cultures of these regions. Increased tourism can disrupt the natural balance and cause environmental degradation. For instance, foot traffic and waste generation in fragile desert ecosystems like the Sahara can lead to soil erosion and habitat destruction.

In conclusion, while visiting challenging destinations like the Sahara Desert or the Antarctic offers unique benefits such as adventure and exposure to stunning landscapes, it also presents drawbacks including physical demands and potential environmental and cultural impacts. It is crucial for tourists to approach these journeys with respect, mindfulness, and a commitment to sustainable practices in order to minimize negative consequences and ensure a positive and responsible travel experience.