In this lesson I wrote an introduction for a 'balanced opinion' answer. Today we're going to look at a question which I think requires a 'strong opinion' answer:
Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and historical attractions. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
I think it would become confusing if you tried to explain a balanced view for this question. The choice of opinion is simple: either foreign visitors should pay more, or they shouldn't.
I'll show you how I would write an essay for this question next week. For the moment, just compare the question above with the question here. Make sure you understand why I'm suggesting a strong answer for one and a balanced answer for the other.
International tourism has become the backbone of many economies of the world and these countries rely heavily on the tourist dollar. That is why some people opine that foreign visitors should be charged more than the domestic tourists. Although these people have their arguments for their opinions, personally, I disagree with this practice.
It is common in many Indian tourist places to see rate tables such as the following:- Taj Mahal, Agra: Indian Citizens Rs 20, Foreigners Rs 970; Fatehpur Sikri, Agra: Indian Citizens Rs 50, Foreigners Rs 485. The increase in prices is due to the fact that the Indian rupee is much weaker than currencies of many European countries and other developed nations. Therefore, such tourists can afford to pay without feeling the pinch, and the upkeep of historical monuments is done through this money. Secondly, foreigners are accustomed to prices being much higher in their home countries. For example, entry to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is US$20 (Rs 886). In that context, the Taj – an acknowledged wonder of the world, with centuries of tradition and some of the most striking architecture ever created by man – is very reasonable at Rs 970.
There are many reasons to oppose the above view. Firstly, it is unfair and leads to discrimination. Come to think of it – if an Indian visiting a foreign country has to pay similar high rates, what would be the reaction? On the one hand we brag about ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ ( meaning that guest is like God ), and on the other hand we fleece these tourists by charging them astronomically high rates. What impression of our country would these tourists take home with them?
Another reason to oppose the above view is that foreign travelers may never come again and this could deter their friends and all others who get this negative information. As it is, the international tourists spend a lot by staying, wining, dining and traveling in the foreign country and so it would be a big loss to that country in the long run.
Summing up, it is not good to charge foreign tourists more than local tourist because it would be unfair and it would be a short sighted approach of earning the tourist dollar.
Posted by: parampreet singh | November 27, 2013 at 12:17
Hii Simon,
please give answer quickly because i have an exam this 30th november.
please send me the answer of this essay quickly on my email id.i will be thankful to u.its really urgent.
Posted by: parampreet singh | November 27, 2013 at 12:22
Dear Simon,
I would love to see that essay, please. THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH
Posted by: khan | November 27, 2013 at 13:09
Hi Simon,
Topic: Nowadays, teamwork is becoming very important in many aspects of our work and home lives. Some people beelieve that the success of a team depend on the mental attitude of the whole team than leadership by strong individual. Do you agree or disagree?
This is a topic that I confuse and don't know how to give my opinons. My teacher told me that my essay doesn't related too much to the topic. Can you help me to analyse the topic
Posted by: Thanh Quyên | November 27, 2013 at 13:19
Dear Simon,
The questions asking'do you agree or disagree' ,can we give a balanced opinion for that or it REQUIRES to have a strong opinion only,in respose ?(Like a question that Thanh has asked).It will be so helpfl ,if you could reply.THANK YOU!
Posted by: ma | November 27, 2013 at 13:57
Hi Simon and other guysssss my question is strange somehow, can you guess any writing task2 and speaking part2 topic for the exam on 7th december.:):) or can u give any suggestions thanks in advance
Posted by: zarina | November 27, 2013 at 14:11
Dear Simon
Is it a big issue when I write a balanced opinion in this topic, I mean I will be penalized? And how can I decide whether to write a strong or a balanced view?
Thanks
Posted by: Mona | November 27, 2013 at 16:18
Hi Parampreet Singh,
I have read your essay and I must say it is a really good writing, except some minor mistakes. You have succeeded in showing a variety of vocabularies and correct grammar to illustrate your ideas vividly. Unfortunately I am not Simon as you wish. However, if I were him, I would give you mark 8 plus. Good luck to your forthcoming exam!
Posted by: Queserasera | November 27, 2013 at 16:36
Hi Queserasera,
Thankx for your opinion.actually i wanted to know that how much easy can i make this essay and how much band can i get for this one.
thankx again.
Regards,
Posted by: parampreet singh | November 27, 2013 at 17:31
Dear simon,I should confess that you are top notch master,God bless you for helping out your students.I really got my writing slightly improved and I'm sure would be perfect through more practice
Posted by: soraya | November 27, 2013 at 21:46
Here is my essay... Correct me and give me a score ( please i need to be aware how I score with my writing)
In the breakneck pace of the modern world, tourism industries continually grow over the years. The influx of visitors in some of the world's most important tourist destinations such as the Pyramid of Egypt, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal of India and so on creates a massive flow of revenues. However, some people think that non-native visitors must have higher charges than native visitors in visiting tourist places. For me, I am adamant to this idea.
First of all, it is without a doubt that non-native visitors most likely can afford to pay high charges in visiting tourist destinations because they can pay the expenses in their travels, albeit others are otherwise. Most of all, the value of money in their native country is higher unlike in other country they visit. As a result, they just spend by just a drop of bucket in their money. Furthermore, it is understandable that most of the local communities are unlikely to go in their own tourist places. For this reason, some people think that it is acceptable to collect higher fees to non-native visitors.
On the other hand, it is not reasonable to collect higher fees on non-native visitors than native visitors. Beyond a shadow of doubt, it is an act of discrimination. As a consequence, more and more people loss the interest of visiting the tourist destination. Nonetheless, if the charges are fair and square, more and more people have a penchant to visit the place. At the same time, it doesn't only gives job to the local community but also promotes the unique cultural heritage of their society.
To put this whole matter into a nutshell, I understand that some people charge higher fees to non-native visitors than their counterparts. However, I disagree with this idea because it is not fair at all
Posted by: arnel | November 28, 2013 at 01:01
This is my first paragraph:
There is a significant increase in the number of people who travel abroad. Some people think foreign visitors should be charged more than local visitors for tourists attractions. Personally, I disagree with this view because I believe that we should be treated equally irrespective of the nationality.
Posted by: Echo | November 28, 2013 at 02:35
Arnel
I've read your essay.You're using linking expressions excessively and sentences aren't naturally linked. Grammar mistakes e.g(it doesn't only gives) should be (it doesn't only give).You need strong ideas. Keep working hard.
Posted by: Mavlonbek | November 28, 2013 at 04:34
Here is my shot at the essay. Please check my essay and suggest if any problem. I m taking my test on 7th December.
Many local people believe that tourists from abroad should pay more fees for historical and artistic places in our country. However, I disagree with this view for the reasons mentioned below.
Firstly, I argue that if foreign visitors are made to pay more fees, then it may discourage tourism industry in our nation. Tourists bring their money and they create revenues for local businesses. Thus, they stimulate the local economy. For instance, tourists are major source of income for local guides living in the areas around Agra in India due to Taj Mahal. Further, foreign visitors take our culture and positive memories with them and they are more likely to encourage other people to visit here. This kind of trend could be a boon to our traditional culture. Historical places, sometimes, earn worldwide name and being gloabl treasure, many international organisations may also fund money for preserving such cultural monuments. So, all people should be considered equally.
Moreover, local visitors may underestimate the value and significance of our cultural heritage if they have to pay only small amount of money. They tend to take it for granted and may ignore visiting such places. For instance, people may behave irresponsibly if they are not supposed to pay anything and may cause damage to national heritage. In addition, it also makes sense if both local and international visitors are treated equally.
Overall, the idea of collecting extra money from international visitors only is baseless and it, therefore ought to be avoided. Having equal entry fees and taxes for both groups is a more sensible and appropriate approach.
Posted by: piyu | November 28, 2013 at 16:42
I'd like to say thank you Simon!
I have received 7 for writing in my second attempt. I couldn't have done this without your help. Thank you so much for sharing such great techniques online.
Posted by: V | November 29, 2013 at 13:43
Hi simon,
I discovered that I have a lot of spelling mistakes,can you tell me how this can affect my writing score.
Thank you so much for being helping us.
Posted by: Khalda | November 29, 2013 at 19:36
Hi Simon,
someone mentioned that we should avoid word like "true" in academic writing. How do you think about it?
Posted by: Leo | November 30, 2013 at 10:06
Hi simon,
Would you like to suggest me the few ideas regarding essay writing on topic
Task 2: Most people say that the advertisements amuse or even annoy them and they don't influence them to buy things. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
I'm confused about how it annoy them and don't influence them to buy.please guide me.
Thanx
Posted by: Soni | December 01, 2013 at 00:33
Dear simon,
Would you please analyse this kind of essay question?
If you want to know a person, look at their friends.
How accurate is this statement? What personal experience have you had that support or refute this claim? Write a well-reasoned essay response with examples.
How could I use my own experience in the essay and keep the essay's sound academic?
Thanks in advance
Samira
Posted by: Samira | December 02, 2013 at 08:10
Hi parampreet singh,
I have a small suggestion if you dont mind.
You can probably make the passage for universal readers instead restricting to India, may be by referring 'developed countries' than 'foreign'.
This is my view, may be helpful.
Posted by: JSP | December 02, 2013 at 11:27
hi parampreet u did good job in your essay. good luck for Ur exam .my writing is not good i got 6 band in my ielts test i need 7. how did u improve?
Posted by: Navneet | December 02, 2013 at 18:29
hi JSP,
I appreciate with your suggestion.this will be more universal.
thankx.
Posted by: parampreet singh | December 03, 2013 at 06:28
hi navneet,
recently, I take an IELTS test and i also want 7 bands.but my ability on reading section was not good much that i want actually .so, I am also working on it.I am not that much efficient but still you can ask me anytime for help.
Posted by: parampreet singh | December 03, 2013 at 06:32
@ parampreet singh,
It is useless to asking comments for your essay form other people. Because it is not your own essay. You copped and pasted it on Simon's website. I have seen the same essay from other famous ielts website.
Posted by: szd | December 04, 2013 at 08:17
Deeply embedded in our mind is the firm conviction that foreign visitors should be charged equally when visiting the local attractions in another country. There are, however, some obvious reasons overlooked, which, if so, would negatively affect the local custom as well as its economy. Thus, I tend to hold a different opinion that a slight addition to the original price for the foreign tourists is more reasonable and especially beneficial for the relatively underdeveloped countries.
To start with, the local people deserve a lower price to enter the tourist attractions since they live therein and claim the ownership of them. To be specific, in order to maintain the museums as well as some other cultural spots, the local government needs to spend more than millions of dollars to better decorate and ameliorate the facilities; such a large amount of maintenance fee that, compared with how much the tourists pay, seems tremendous, mainly comes from the tax that the local people pay annually. So, the local tourists are entitled to being charged less.
Furthermore, the average income in some developing countries is scant when compared with that of developed countries, and the local people could hardly afford a ticket to their own museum if charged the same as the foreign tourists are. For example, in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, the local people earn less than 2 dollars daily on average. They could barely make their ends meet; thus how could they pay a ticket to the center museum if they were charged according to the foreign standard. Thus in countries like Cambodia, many museums are charged to foreign visitors but free to their local people.
Admittedly, an unequal treatment to the foreign visitors might seem slightly unpleasant, but to mitigate the grudge in their hearts, the local government should take some practical actions, for example, more user-friendly brochures and more smiley faces for those foreign visitors.
To sum up, in a world where he economic conditions are varied, it is a reasonable and practicable way to charge differently on locals and foreigners.
Posted by: Allen | December 09, 2013 at 03:59
This one is my teacher's work based on my ideas.
do you guys think it is band 7 essay( even 8 )?
I don't like the first paragraph, it is not so "Simon". :-).
my original paragraph 1:
It is a common practice that foreign tourists have to pay more than local citizens for the entrance fees of cultural and historical places in many countries all around the world. While some people feel it is unfair to foreign tourists, I tend to support this practice especially in those relatively poor countries.
Posted by: Allen | December 09, 2013 at 04:02
Hello simon, I am following your site since 6 month.I have my IELTS date in"JANUARY 11,2013"I am little bit afraid....I think that i will really do reading,writting task as u suggested....is it good point to apply in my examination time......
PLEASE REPLY AS FAST AS U CAN.....................YOUR STUDENT SUJAN KHADKA
Posted by: sujan khadka | December 31, 2013 at 11:41