Does Travel Help to Promote Understanding and Communication between Countries?- IELTS Writing Task 2

In the IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay, candidates are expected to clearly express their viewpoint on a given issue and support it with relevant arguments and examples. This type of essay tests your ability to take a stance and justify it logically and coherently.

One such topic in the IELTS Writing Task 2 is: “Does Travel Help to Promote Understanding and Communication between Countries?- IELTS Writing Task 2.” In this blog, you’ll find three Band 9 sample answers for the IELTS Opinion Essay topic along with high-level vocabulary to boost your writing skills and help you achieve a higher IELTS score. To prepare effectively, it's best to practice with different types of essay questions. 

Question

Outline

Essay Type

• Opinion Essay

Introduction

• Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the topic with the use of synonyms to establish a base on which you will elaborate upon.
• Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will try to understand how travel helps promote understanding and communication between countries.

Body Paragraphs

• Paragraph 1 – Talk about how travel helps an individual get in touch with a foreign culture, and how that creates an understanding between that individual and the place he is visiting.
• Paragraph 2 – Now talk about how tourism as an industry helps millions of livelihoods, that some countries are solely dependent on the revenue it earns from tourism to sustain itself. Hence, the money factor creates communication channels between governments.
• Paragraph 3 – Talk about the negative points regarding travel and tourism and acknowledge them. But, also throw some light on the enormity of their positive effects.

Conclusion

• Restate your views.

Does Travel Help to Promote Understanding and Communication between Countries - Sample Answer 1

Travel is often associated with people blowing off steam and taking a day off from their daily life to relax and recharge their batteries. But, an important factor is often underlooked, which is how travelling promotes communication and understanding between countries. I believe this is true, and this essay will try to explain my perspective.

When people travel from one country to another, they not only explore new places, but they encounter a completely different culture as well. One is exposed to various local marquees, like the local food, clothing, art and craft, etc. This, in a way, creates an understanding of various levels between the place and the tourist.

Tourism is a gigantic industry. In some countries like Mauritius, Maldives, etc., it is among the main sources of revenue. Millions of people throughout the world are directly or indirectly associated with tourism, and many local economies are dependent on tourists. The factor of money is another reason how tourism and travel urge an exchange of cultures between countries – the previous instance was on a micro level, while this paragraph alludes to a macro level.

Tourism can be detrimental to the local environment and industry as well, as overcrowding, littering, and not paying attention to the ways of local life can all but destroy the rejuvenation of both nature and the dwellers. But, one cannot deny the enormous importance of travel and tourism.

Hence, based on the above-mentioned pointers, travel indeed promotes communication and understanding between countries.

Does Travel Help to Promote Understanding and Communication between Countries - Sample Answer 2

With international travel becoming more affordable, many believe it is the best way to improve communication and understanding between countries. I agree that travelling is helpful, but I also think that education, technology, and international cooperation are just as important in connecting people.

On the positive side, travelling allows people to see cultures firsthand. Meeting locals, trying different cuisines, and exploring traditions help break down stereotypes. For instance, many visitors to Japan are impressed by the politeness and discipline of its people, which changes the way they view the country. Such experiences often create respect and admiration rather than division.

However, travel alone cannot solve all issues. International relationships also depend on education and diplomacy. Schools that include lessons on global cultures can shape young minds in a way that short trips cannot. Likewise, technology has made it easier than ever to communicate—video calls, online courses, and global projects connect millions without the need for physical travel.

Another limitation is that travel is not affordable or accessible to everyone. People with financial or visa restrictions may never get the chance to travel abroad, meaning we need other methods, like online cultural exchanges, to ensure wider participation.

To sum up, travelling does help promote understanding, but it works best when combined with education, technology, and international cooperation. A mix of these efforts will build stronger connections between countries in the long run.

Does Travel Help to Promote Understanding and Communication between Countries - Sample Answer 3

Travel is no longer just about relaxation or sightseeing; it has become one of the best ways for people to connect across borders. I strongly believe that travelling to other countries helps people understand each other better and improves communication between nations.

To begin with, travelling gives people a real chance to experience life outside of their comfort zone. For example, instead of just reading about Italian culture, a person visiting Rome can taste the food, join in local festivals, and see how people live day to day. These experiences often challenge stereotypes and help travellers respect cultural differences rather than judge them.

In addition, travel creates opportunities for dialogue. Student exchange programmes, international conferences, or even simple conversations with locals allow people to share ideas and perspectives. These small interactions can lead to long-term friendships, professional collaborations, and even stronger diplomatic relations between countries.

Of course, travel is not always perfect. Some tourists may offend locals by ignoring traditions or behaving carelessly. However, with more emphasis on responsible tourism and cultural awareness, such problems are becoming less common.

In conclusion, travel plays a powerful role in bringing people together. By encouraging cultural exchange, breaking down prejudices, and building personal connections, it helps countries communicate better and move towards a more united world.

Does Travel Help to Promote Understanding and Communication between Countries - IELTS Vocabulary

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary used in the sample answers for ‘Does Travel Help to Promote Understanding and Communication between Countries’.

• Blowing off steam  

Meaning – To release strong emotions or energy by engaging in some kind of enjoyable, vigorous, or relaxing activity.
Example – To blow off some steam, I am going on a cruise for a week.

• Underlooked 

Meaning – to miss or omit.
Example – The contributions of various scientists are often underlooked as the world rejoices to pay attention to musicians and actors.

• Marquees 

Meaning – leading; pre-eminent.
Example – The high-profile auction is tonight’s marquee event.

• Gigantic  

Meaning – of very great size or extent; huge or enormous.
Example – The gigantic “Statue of Unity” is the tallest in the world.

• Alludes  

Meaning – suggest or call attention to indirectly; hint at.
Example – The text alludes to the fact that listening to comedy during night-time drives helps you stay awake.

• Detrimental

Meaning – tending to cause harm.
Example – Excess sugar consumption is detrimental to our health.

• Littering  

Meaning – make (a place) untidy with rubbish or a large number of objects left lying about.
Example – The municipality punishes people for littering.

• Rejuvenation 

Meaning – the action or process of giving new energy or vigor to something.
Example – There are several rejuvenation centres spreading across India where an individual can rediscover his self and purpose in life.

• Dwellers

Meaning – a person or animal that lives in or at a specified place.
Example – Yogesh is a city dweller.

• Enormous 

Meaning – very large in size, quantity, or extent.
Example – The enormous statue was unveiled today.