TASK 2
Test8
Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on
the following topic:
Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many
countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked.
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your
arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
Faster planes and cheaper flights are making it easier than ever before for people
to travel.
1
In most 'developed' societies, visiting exotic
places is a sought-after
status symbol. The tourism industries of both developed and developing countries
have recognised this fact and are learning to take advantage of it.
2
5
There are, however, some problems associated with this new industry. Firstly
1
,
there is the increasing crime rate. Some locals see tourists as easy prey because, not
only are they in unfamiliar territory and therefore less able to take care of
themselves, but also they carry visible items of wealth, such as cameras and
jewellery which can be disposed of quickly for a profit.
4
'Another major problem is health. With greater mobility comes greater danger of
spreading contagious diseases around the world.
4
One carrier returning home
could easily start an epidemic before their illness was diagnosed. Moreover
" the
emergence of many more diseases which resist antibiotics is
causing scientists to
be increasingly concerned about this issue.
5
Also to be considered is the natural environment, which can be seriously
threatened by too many visitors. Australia's Great Barrier Reef, for example, is in
danger of being destroyed by tourists and there are plans to restrict visitors to
some of the more delicate coral cays.
7
These are just three of the reasons why any country should be wary of committing
itself to an extensive tourism development program.
8
(232 words)
Notes
1 Introduction doesn't repeat question.
2 Tackles question.
3
Indicates that a number of points will be discussed in order.
4
Clarifies problem—keeps to the point.
5 New paragraph for new topic.
6 Appropriate use of connectors.
7. Gives examples.
Conclusion rounds off well without repeating question or wasting words.
Self-Rating Guide for Writing Tasks
TASKl
Answer the questions listed under A, B and C. If you answer 'yes' to most
questions, put a score on each line towards HIGH. If you answer 'no' to most
questions, put a score on each line towards LOW.
Join the scores together to
make
a triangle. If your triangle is very small you are weak in at least one area of
writing. If your triangle is very big then your overall rating should be quite good.
B
• Have I written accurate
grammatical sentences?
• Is my grammar varied?-
• Is my spelling accurate?
• Is my vocabulary varied
and appropriate?
A
• Have I done what
c
the
• Are the sentences in
question asked me to
my
do?
text well connected?
• Is my text clear?
• Have I used
• Is my information
appropriate
well
connecting
organised?
expressions?
(e.g. However, Firstly
etc.)
• Do the sentences
Examples of self-rating
average
A/B/C
average overall
rating
highA/C
lowB
above
average overall
rating
low A
highB
average C
average overall
rating
TASK 2
Do the same self-rating exercise for Task 2. Note that the rating questions under
A, B and C are differerent from those for Task 1.
B
• Have I presented some good
ideas and points of view
which are relevant to the essay
task?
• Are my points of view clear?
• Have 1 given examples to
support my points?
A
• Is my text
communicating
its content effectively
to the
reader?
• Is
the information
clear?
• Is the text well
organised?
• Have I used
paragraphs
effectively?
C
• Have I used accurate
and
varied sentence
constructions, not just
simple sentences?
• Are my sentences
linked by
appropriate joining
words
(e.g. Consequently,
After
that, However)?
•Have I used a good
range of
appropriate
vocabulary,
spelt accurately?
Examples of self-rating
average rating
for
A/B/C
average overall
rating
highA/C
low B
above average overall
rating
low A
high B
average C
average overall
rating
if you can, show your answers to Tasks 1 and 2 and your self-rating sheets to a
teacher for comment. Work on your areas of weakness.