Copyright 1996

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. 

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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 

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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. 

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SPEAKING TESTS