Many people nowadays travel to other countries for their holidays. Why do people do this? Do the advantages of international travel outweigh the disadvantages?

For this 'outweigh' question, structure your body paragraphs clearly: dedicate one paragraph to the advantages of international travel and another to its disadvantages. Crucially, in your introduction and conclusion, state a clear position on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, ensuring consistency throughout your essay.

When discussing advantages, consider the profound cultural immersion gained (e.g., experiencing traditional festivals in Kyoto, Japan) and the personal growth derived from exposure to diverse perspectives. For disadvantages, think about the significant environmental impact (e.g., the carbon footprint of long-haul flights) and the potential for cultural commodification, often exacerbated by the ease of booking and sharing enabled by modern technology.

A common mistake students make on this specific question is failing to directly address the 'outweigh' aspect, merely listing pros and cons without a clear stance. To avoid this, ensure your introduction explicitly states your position and that your conclusion reiterates and reinforces it, perhaps by briefly contrasting the strongest points of each side.

To effectively transition between discussing advantages and disadvantages, use contrastive linking phrases such as 'While these benefits are undeniable, international travel also presents significant drawbacks.' Within each paragraph, use additive or elaborative links like 'Furthermore,' or 'Consequently,' to develop your points cohesively.

For a band 8-9, examiners seek a nuanced discussion that explores both sides deeply, using sophisticated vocabulary related to global travel and cultural exchange. You must present a well-supported and consistent argument regarding the 'outweigh' question, demonstrating complex ideas through precise language and varied sentence structures.