✍️ How to Scaffold Your Answers

🔨 For Description Questions:

​Example:

Q: Describe two pull factors that attract tourists to Singapore. [2]

A: Singapore offers iconic man-made attractions such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, which are visually appealing and provide unique visitor experiences. [1] Its reputation for being clean, safe, and highly accessible with efficient transport systems makes it an attractive destination for international tourists. [1]

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🧱 For Explanation Questions (Explain/ Suggest How or Why):

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Use a Cause → Effect structure.
Add development by linking to the concept or a real example.

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Example:

Q: Explain how tourism can bring about negative social impacts to destination countries. [4]

A: Tourism can cause overcrowding in popular areas such as beaches or heritage districts, leading to congestion and reducing the quality of life for local residents. [1] This social discomfort may increase tensions between locals and tourists. [1 additional mark]

Cultural performances and traditions may be altered to cater to tourist preferences, leading to the commodification of local cultures. [1] This weakens the authenticity of cultural practices over time. [1 additional mark]

Residents may be displaced from their homes due to land being repurposed for tourist facilities, such as resorts or theme parks, [1] which disrupts community cohesion and social stability. [1 additional mark] ​

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🧠 For Evaluative Questions: 

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✅ Treat it like a structured question, not an essay.
✅ Provide two sides of the issue (benefits vs. limitations / strengths vs. weaknesses).
✅ Use clear examples and link back to the question demand.

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Example:

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Q: Evaluate the effectiveness of pro-poor tourism as a strategy to achieve sustainable tourism development. [5]

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A: Pro-poor tourism can directly benefit low-income communities by involving them in tourism through job creation and income generation. [1] This contributes to more equitable development and reduces income inequality. [1 additional mark] For example, community-based tourism in Thailand empowers villagers to host homestays and act as local guides, providing them with stable livelihoods. [1 additional mark]

However, pro-poor tourism may not always effectively reach the poorest. In some areas like the village of Abr in Iran, the poorest residents lacked confidence, skills, and finances to participate in tourism, resulting in benefits being absorbed by better-off locals instead. [1] Training programmes may require fees or resources (e.g., transport, time), which poor residents may not be willing or able to afford. [1] This makes participation unequal and reinforces existing income gaps. [1 additional mark]

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🌱 For Levels Descriptor Questions (LDQ):

Key Points to Note Before You Start:

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✅ Two-sided argument required: You must present the given perspective and an alternative.
✅ No introduction paragraph: Start immediately with your first evaluative point.
✅ Use PEEL structure: Point → Explanation → Evidence → Link back to question.
✅ Conclusion must contain a clear stand and be supported by a relevant geographical concept.
✅ Use country-specific examples/ case studies (e.g. Bhutan, Kenya, Maldives).
⚠️ Avoid generalised or vague points (e.g. “governments has the power as they have money”).

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Examples:

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Q: ‘Government plays the most important role in influencing sustainable tourism development." How far do you agree? Explain your answer with examples. [9]

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A:     Body Paragraph 1 – Agree (Given Perspective)

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• Point: Governments play an important role in influencing sustainable tourism because they have the authority to implement and enforce national policies.

• Explanation: They control tourism development through legislation, land use planning, and the allocation of funding towards conservation or infrastructure. These policies shape how tourism grows and whether it aligns with sustainable principles.

• Evidence: In Bhutan, the government enforces a strict “High Value, Low Volume” tourism model. Tourists must pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee of USD $100, which limits tourist arrivals, helps conserve cultural heritage, and funds community development.

• Link: This demonstrates that governments have the policy tools and regulatory power to ensure tourism is controlled and directed toward sustainability, making them highly influential stakeholders.

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Body Paragraph 2 – Disagree (Alternative Perspective)

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• Point: However, other stakeholders, particularly tourism businesses and tourists themselves, also play a crucial role in achieving sustainable tourism.

• Explanation: Businesses are the ones delivering tourism experiences and have direct influence over how environmentally and socially responsible those activities are. Tourists, too, make daily decisions that determine whether tourism has a high or low impact.

• Evidence: In Kenya, private safari operators such as those at Ol Pejeta Conservancy offer eco-friendly lodging and promote wildlife conservation through low-impact tourism. They partner with local communities to create jobs and reduce dependence on harmful land use.

• Link: This shows that while governments can guide the direction of tourism, its sustainability on the ground relies heavily on the commitment of businesses and tourists to implement low-impact practices.

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⚖️ Conclusion – Justified Stand

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• Stand: I agree to a large extent that governments play the most important role in influencing sustainable tourism development.

• Justification: Their authority to regulate land use, limit tourist numbers, and invest in green infrastructure provides the structural foundation that other stakeholders depend on.

• Geographical Concept: However, sustainable tourism requires stakeholder interdependence. All actors (government, businesses, tourists, and locals) must work in coordination for long-term success to be realised.

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