IELTS Academic2025

Today, more and more people are traveling to untouched, unexplored natural places. What are the advantages and disadvantages for individuals and the country? Write at least 250 words.

- Word count: at least 250 words. Going under loses points; going moderately over is fine. - Use less common vocabulary and natural collocations to lift Lexical Resource toward Band 7-8. - Avoid memorised template phrases — Cambridge 2026 penalises them. - The Power column upgrades word choice without changing meaning or grammar structure.

Travel to untouched natural places — advantages and disadvantages

The boring draft

Score: Band 6.0

A growing number of travellers are going into remote rainforests, untouched coastlines, and Arctic landscapes rather than mainstream tourist cities. This trend brings real benefits, but also significant risks, for both individuals and the host countries.

For individuals, going into unspoiled nature offers experiences that cannot be found in crowded resorts. Travellers get a sense of awe and perspective, meet local cultures that have not been changed by mass tourism, and often come back with better environmental awareness. These trips can also help mental health: studies have shown that time spent in remote wilderness reduces stress and makes focus. However, the same trips can be risky. Limited medical access, unfamiliar terrain, and bad weather all raise the chance of serious injury, and inexperienced travellers may hurt themselves or the environment.

For the host country, the picture is similarly mixed. On the positive side, ecotourism brings revenue for rural communities that would otherwise have few economic opportunities. National parks and indigenous regions can use this income to fund conservation work and infrastructure. On the negative side, even small numbers of tourists can damage delicate ecosystems — hurting rare plants, stressing wildlife, or leaving litter that takes decades to go away. Vulnerable communities may also face cultural disruption and inflated living costs.

In conclusion, going into untouched places offers profound personal rewards and useful income for host nations, but the environmental and cultural costs need careful management. Strict visitor limits, certified guides, and strong conservation funding are needed if the trend is to remain good for both sides. Without these safeguards, the very wilderness that draws travellers in the first place will be hurt by the demand it generates — a self-defeating cycle no country can afford.

The power upgrade

Score: Band 8.0

A growing number of travellers are venturing into remote rainforests, untouched coastlines, and Arctic landscapes rather than mainstream tourist cities. This trend carries real benefits, but also significant risks, for both individuals and the host countries.

For individuals, venturing into unspoiled nature offers experiences that cannot be replicated in crowded resorts. Travellers gain a sense of awe and perspective, encounter local cultures that have not been reshaped by mass tourism, and often return with deeper environmental awareness. These trips can also improve mental health: studies have demonstrated that time spent in remote wilderness alleviates stress and sharpens focus. However, the same trips can be hazardous. Limited medical access, unfamiliar terrain, and extreme weather all elevate the chance of serious injury, and inexperienced travellers may harm themselves or the environment.

For the host country, the picture is similarly complex. On the positive side, ecotourism generates revenue for rural communities that would otherwise have scarce economic opportunities. National parks and indigenous regions can leverage this income to finance conservation work and infrastructure. On the negative side, even small numbers of tourists can degrade delicate ecosystems — trampling rare plants, disturbing wildlife, or leaving litter that takes decades to decompose. Vulnerable communities may also be subject to cultural disruption and inflated living costs.

In conclusion, venturing into untouched places offers profound personal rewards and useful income for host nations, but the environmental and cultural costs demand careful management. Strict visitor limits, certified guides, and robust conservation funding are essential if the trend is to remain sustainable for both sides. Without these safeguards, the very wilderness that draws travellers in the first place will be degraded by the demand it generates — a self-defeating cycle no country can afford.