Is it a positive or negative development?

Position: Positive

Approach 1:
- Body 1: The disadvantages
- Body 2: The advantages are more significant, making … a welcome development overall

Approach 2:
- Body 1: Benefit 1
- Body 2: Benefit 2
Question 1: Organized tours to remote areas and communities are increasingly popular.
Is it a positive or negative development for the local people and the environment?

Approach 1: Negative development overall

- Body 1: Negative impact on the environment
- Body 2: Negative impact on the locals

Approach 2: Positive development overall

- Body 1: Negative impact on the environment - Refute: Offer possible solutions
- Body 2: Positive impact on the locals

Approach 3: While this commercialization can adversely affect the environment, it can be seen
as a positive for the locals.
- Body 1: Negative impact on the environment
- Body 2: Positive impact on the locals

Negative impact:
- The infrastructure required to accommodate tourist → deforestation + the destruction of natural
habitats
- Activities (trekking, camping, off-roading): harm fragile ecosystems
- The commodification of culture (traditional practices and customs will need adapting to tourists’
expectations) → cultural erosion → weaken the community’s sense of belonging and identity
- Increase the cost of living → The displacement of local communities.

Positive impact:
- Inject much-needed income into remote areas and communities → provide livelihood
opportunities for local people → improve living standards + support economic diversification
- Infrastructure (roads / transportation options/ healthcare facilities) → benefit the locals
- The presence of tourists can incentivize the preservation of traditions, languages, and
cultural heritage (a source of attraction)
- Foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation

https://ejceudaimonia.wordpress.com/2020/10/28/is-the-commercialisation-of-culture-
necessarily-a-bad-thing/
Approach 1
There is a burgeoning trend of organized tours to isolated regions and communities. In my
opinion, this development is predominantly negative, both for the local environment and the
people living in these areas.

First, the influx of tourists to remote locations can have detrimental effects on the local
environment. The infrastructure required to accommodate these visitors, such as roads, hotels,
and recreational facilities, often leads to deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats.
Moreover, the increased footfall in delicate ecosystems can result in soil erosion, pollution, and
disturbances to wildlife. For example, the fragile coral reefs in Indonesia have suffered
significant damage due to the rapid expansion of tourism, resulting in a decrease in
biodiversity and the overall health / wellbeing of the marine ecosystem.

The local people in remote areas can face adverse consequences as a result of the
development of tourism in their living areas. While tourism can generate revenues for the
community, it will lead to the commodification of their culture, as traditional practices and
customs will need adapting to cater to the expectations of tourists. This cultural erosion
could consequently weaken the community's sense of identity and belonging. Worse still, the
rise in tourism can also lead to an increase in the cost of living for local residents, as the
demand for goods and services drives up prices. In some cases, this may result in the
displacement of local communities, as they can no longer afford to live in their ancestral
lands. A striking example of this phenomenon can be observed in the city of Venice, where
skyrocketing property prices have led to a significant exodus of long-term residents.

In conclusion, I believe the development of tourism in far-flung areas and communities is

negative, with all the detrimental effects on both the local environment and the people residing
in these regions.
Approach 2: Positive development overall
It is widely recognized that visiting areas and communities off the beaten track/path is gaining
more popularity, with many travel agencies offering organized tours for those interested. Despite
certain legitimate concerns, I believe this commercialization is a welcome development
overall.
Commercialize ~ Monetize → Commercialization ~ monetization

Granted, opponents might argue the influx of tourists to remote areas can take a toll on the
local environment. Tourists, they say, may damage natural habitats through such activities as
throwing garbage all over the place, trampling vegetation, and trekking. These problems,
however, are far from insurmountable, provided that the local authorities ramp up their
efforts to protect the environment. This has proven successful in the Galapagos Islands, a
popular ecotourism destination in Ecuador. The local government has strictly limited the number
of visitors to sensitive areas, as well as imposing hefty fines for those who deliberately violate
their environmental regulations. Thanks to these policies, even in the face of increasing tourism,
the natural beauty of the islands still remains largely intact.

The argument in favor of the commercialization of remote locations and communities is further
strengthened by the numerous benefits it can confer upon the locals. First, the development of
tourism can create employment opportunities for indigenous people in such areas as the
provision of food and beverages, accommodation, and transportation. Also, organized tours can
help promote local businesses and products like crafts and souvenirs, providing a market for
local producers. These opportunities can provide higher incomes for families and improve their
standard of living as a result. This effect can be seen in the Galapagos Islands, where the
average residents are now reported to enjoy a much higher living standard with access to a
wider range of facilities and services, something that had been non-existent before tourism took
off when people’s traditional livelihoods only provided for a meager existence.

In conclusion, although there are some concerns about the environmental implications of
increasing tourism in far-flung areas and communities, I would contend that these problems can
be countered with government intervention / regulatory measures. In addition, this trend is
generally a positive, considering the improvements it can make to the locals’ lives.
Approach 3: While this commercialization can adversely affect the environment, it can be seen
as a positive for the locals.

It is widely recognized that visiting areas and communities off the beaten track/path is gaining
more popularity, with many travel agencies offering organized tours for those interested. In my
opinion, while this commercialization can adversely affect the environment, it can be seen as a
positive for the locals.

Admittedly, the influx of tourists to remote locations can have detrimental effects on the local
environment. The infrastructure required to accommodate these visitors, such as roads, hotels,
and recreational facilities, often leads to deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats.
Moreover, the increased footfall in delicate ecosystems can result in soil erosion, pollution, and
disturbances to wildlife. For example, the fragile coral reefs in Indonesia have suffered
significant damage due to the rapid expansion of tourism, resulting in a decrease in
biodiversity and the overall health / wellbeing of the marine ecosystem.

However, the development of tourism in remote areas can confer a heap of benefits for the
locals. First, it can create employment opportunities for indigenous people in such areas as the
provision of food and beverages, accommodation, and transportation. Also, organized tours can
help promote local businesses and products like crafts and souvenirs, providing a market for
local producers. These opportunities can provide higher incomes for families and improve their
standard of living as a result. This effect can be seen in the Galapagos Islands, where the
average residents are now reported to enjoy a much higher living standard with access to a
wider range of facilities and services, something that had been non-existent before tourism took
off when people’s traditional livelihoods only provided for a meager existence.

…
Question 2: Some universities offer online courses as an alternative to classes delivered
on campus.
Is it a positive or negative development?

The advent of online courses offered by universities as an alternative to traditional on-campus

classes has sparked a debate on its implications for education. I believe that, despite some
challenges, the shift towards online learning is a positive development.

One concern with online courses is the lack of direct interaction and support from instructors,
which can hinder / take a toll on student engagement and learning. The absence of a physical
classroom environment may also lead to feelings of isolation among students. However, these
issues can be mitigated through the use of interactive technologies such as video
conferencing, discussion forums, and collaborative online projects. These tools not only
facilitate real-time communication and feedback but also foster a sense of community
among online learners. Moreover, universities can offer virtual office hours and online tutoring
services to provide additional support to students, ensuring that they receive the guidance
needed to succeed in their courses.

The expansion of online courses represents a positive shift in higher education. Online
learning offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal
and professional commitments. This is particularly beneficial for those who might not have
the opportunity to pursue higher education otherwise, such as working adults, parents, or
individuals living in remote areas. Furthermore, online courses can provide access to a wide
range of programs and expertise that may not be available locally, enabling students to pursue
specialized fields of study that align with their interests and career goals.

In conclusion, while online courses may present certain challenges, the benefits they offer in
terms of accessibility, flexibility, and the broadening of educational opportunities far outweigh
these concerns. By leveraging technology to enhance student support and engagement,
universities can ensure that online learning is not only effective but also a meaningful alternative
to traditional on-campus education. Therefore, the move towards online courses should be
viewed as a positive development that has the potential to transform the landscape of higher
education.

The advent of online courses offered by universities as an alternative to traditional campus-

based classes has sparked a debate. Despite some legitimate concerns, I believe it is a
welcome development overall.

Opponents of online education often cite a lack of personal interaction and the potential for
diminished educational quality. The absence of face-to-face communication with professors and
peers can lead to a sense of isolation and a less engaging learning experience. Furthermore,
critics argue that online courses might not offer the same depth of understanding as traditional
classes, due to limitations in practical, hands-on experiences and immediate feedback.
However, these problems are manageable with today’s technological advances. Digital
platforms now facilitate interactive learning experiences that closely mirror classroom settings.
Features like video conferencing, online discussion forums, and real-time feedback systems
create a collaborative and dynamic learning environment. Moreover, online courses often
provide opportunities for more personalized learning, allowing students to progress at their own
pace and revisit complex topics as needed.

Furthermore, the benefits of online courses are substantial. Primarily, they offer unparalleled
flexibility, making education accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to attend
university due to geographical, financial, or time constraints. For instance, a working
professional or a parent can pursue higher education without the need to relocate or
significantly alter their daily routine. Additionally, online courses expose students to a global
perspective. Learners from diverse backgrounds can interact, fostering a more inclusive and
broad-minded educational experience. This global networking is an invaluable asset in our
increasingly interconnected world.

In conclusion, while online university courses may raise certain concerns, these are outweighed
by their adaptability to modern technological solutions and the significant advantages they offer.
These courses break down traditional barriers to education, making learning more accessible,
flexible, and globally oriented. As such, the shift towards offering online courses is a decidedly
positive development in the realm of higher education.

Word count: 313 – Written by Thanh Nguyen

Question 3 (HW - Due 19/2/2024): Space travel has been made possible for some time, and
some people believe that space tourism could be developed in the future. Is it a positive or
negative development?