SPM English Speaking Test Part 3 – Cleanliness at tourist spots

How can tourism boards implement measures to ensure cleanliness at tourist spots?

• Both candidates discuss a topic together
• Both candidates make a decision together
• Both candidates answer a question briefly related to the topic

Ensure cleanliness at tourist spots

How could tourism boards ensure cleanliness at tourist spots?

• Organise clean-up campaigns
• Run awareness campaigns
• Employ more people to clean up the places
• Put up signs saying “Please do not litter”
• Install cameras to monitor people’s activities
• Fine or punish people who dirty the places

Firstly, the tourism boards have to organise clean-up activities if they want the tourist spots to be clean. They can involve everyone in this effort.

I agree. When everyone is involved in the clean-up, the tasks are divided, and work can be done a lot faster.

What do you think about issuing compounds or punishing people who dirty the places? For me, it is a good idea. Yes, people will think twice before they dirty a place. People really dislike being punished or having to pay a fine. They would rather avoid those whenever possible.

To help in identifying the culprits, the authorities should install CCTVs. I think people will be less likely to break rules when they know that they are being monitored.

You are right, but this can be expensive You need a lot of cameras and have to hire people to monitor the video feeds. What about putting up warning signs at the tourist spots?

You’ve been talking about the ways tourism boards can ensure cleanliness at tourist spots, now let’s hear your opinion on this. In what ways does tourism affect the cleanliness of a place or environment?

I don’t think that is very useful. I have seen mounds of rubbish near these signs. People don’t take them very seriously. I think running awareness campaigns about keeping places clean is more important.

Yes. Awareness should be instilled, especially in children, so they grow up to be responsible adults. The tourism boards should also employ more people to maintain the cleanliness of these places.

Decide together which is the most effective way to ensure cleanliness at tourist spots.

My thoughts are tourism boards should just employ more people to clean up the places.

You may be right. However, I do not think the tourism boards should have to take full responsibility for ensuring that tourist spots are kept clean. It should be everyone’s responsibility.

Okay, you have a point. Perhaps punishing and issuing compounds to people are the best way to make sure the tourist spots stay clean.

I agree. People do not like losing money or undergoing punishment. When people do get punished, it sets an example for others to not commit such an offence.

That is a strong point. Let’s conclude that compounds and punishments are the most effective way to ensure the cleanliness of tourist spots. Thank you.

In what ways does tourism affect the cleanliness of a place or environment?

I would argue that tourism has a negative impact on the cleanliness of a place. There have been reports of tourists defacing buildings and even natural formations by drawing graffiti. What are your thoughts on that?

I have come across that news as well. I strongly believe that the majority of people are responsible, but there are a few rotten eggs that spoil things.

Did you know that places like Mount Kinabalu and Mount Everest are filled with rubbish? People cannot seem to enjoy these tourist spots without leaving their trash behind.

I couldn’t agree more. Beaches all over the world are strewn with plastic bottles, cigarette cartons, and even babies’ diapers. It seems like no one cares that the future generation will inherit this Earth.

Right. Tourism has indeed adversely affected the cleanliness of tourist spots. That’s why seas with heavy tourist traffic are polluted. Fish and corals cannot survive in these places.

We both think that tourism has a negative impact on the cleanliness of a place or the environment.