Helen's Webquest: Benefits and Drawbacks of Tourism

In this webquest, you will DISCUSS the advantages and disadvantages of TOURISM

A)You will create a MINDMAP on this topic

B)You will write a DISCUSSION ESSAY on the benefits and drawbacks of tourism

Step 1) Visit the following pages to get familiarised with mindmaps

1.1) mindmap templates  

  http://www.mindmapping.com/

 1.2) Have a look at two mindmaps on other topics to get an idea of what you will have to do when you create yours

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/25/b0/1d/25b01dfe9f7894e4d34d…

https://hibnerk.wikispaces.com/file/view/bubblus_Kristen_Hibner_Mind_We…

Step 2)  Click on the following links to get information on your topic. As you read or watch, take notes so that you can use them later in both your mindmap and essay. 

 2.1) Watch the following video from you tube. On a piece of paper, write down the positive and the negative aspects you hear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU4CH1z53vs

2.2) Read on the topic

a) Read the following article on the BENEFITS of tourism and take more notes on the chart in point 2.1

http://green.hotelscombined.com/Rtg-Benefits-of-Tourism.php

b) Read the following article on the DRAWBACKS of tourism and take more notes on the chart in point 2.1

https://blog.udemy.com/disadvantages-of-tourism/

Step 3)  Create your own mindmap on the benefits and drawbacks of tourism. Do it on a sheet of paper

Step 4)  Write your DISCUSSION ESSAY on the benefits and drawbacks of tourism. Do it on a sheet of paper

TIPS  

- Stick to format and length 

    Paragraph 1 (3 lines) - Introduce the topic + say that there are pros & cons

    Paragraph 2 (5 lines) - Name 3-5 advantages

    Paragraph 3 (5 lines) - Name 3-5 disadvantages

    Paragraph 4 (3 lines) - Sum up + your opinion

- Use connectors (there is a list of useful connectors in our blog)

- Synonyms: (advantage, pro, benefit, argument in favour, positive aspect, perk,  asset) (disadvantage, con, drawback, argument against, negative aspect, inconvenience)

Mindmap  2,5 points (information included, clearness, neatness)

Discussion Essay 7,5 points  (grammar, vocabulary, maturity, length)

In the process of writing an academic essay, it is very important that we get familiarised with the topic first. That is why, watching a clip and reading articles on that topic are key activities to be done before we do our writing. Mind maps are effective and helpful as they allow us to structure information.

Google images

Youtube

Green Hotels & Responsible Tourism Initiative

Udemy Blog

This webquest was created for my students in High School.

A similar process could be used to work on any other kind of essay apart from the discussion essay. 

My students have a class blog where they are provided with a list of connectors, a format for the different kinds of writing, useful vocabulary, and others.