Question

Read the following passage carefully: 

(1)	Eco-tourism is a mindful and responsible way of travelling that emphasizes conserving natural environments, appreciating local cultures, and benefitting communities rather than exploiting them. It goes beyond simply visiting nature, it strives to protect fragile ecosystems, educate visitors, and uplift local people, both socially and economically.
(2)	A vital part of eco-tourism is environmental conservation. Places like Costa Rica have used eco-tourism as a tool to preserve vast protected areas, over 21% of the nation’s lands are now national parks and reserves, all thanks to eco-tourism-driven support. These efforts not only shield wildlife, but also inspire visitors with education about biodiversity and conservation.
(3)	Eco-tourism also brings substantial economic and socio-cultural benefits to local communities, It not only offers visitors a chance to explore nature but also empowers local people to protect their own heritage. Tourists often spend on lodges, guides, food, and souvenirs, yielding jobs and income for locals in rural and otherwise underdeveloped areas. By hiring local guides, staying in community-run lodges, and buying handmade crafts, tourists directly support regional economies and preserve cultural traditions. Community-based models place locals at the centre, helping them manage and run tourism activities. This builds strong ownership and ensures that the benefits stay with the people.
(4)	This approach has led to better income and infrastructure in rural areas. Moreover, involving the community in conservation efforts encourages responsible stewardship and strengthens the bond between people and their environment.
(5)	However, eco-tourism is not without challenges. Not all operators practice what they preach. Some misuse the label to appear green without ethical conduct. It is a problem known as greenwashing. Moreover, too many tourists can strain ecosystems causing erosion habitat disruption, and pollution even in the most well-meaning eco-tourism sites.
(6)	To be truly effective, eco-tourism must abide by strict codes of conduct, control its environmental footprint, and ensure genuine benefit-sharing with local communities. With well-managed practices and respect for nature, eco-tourism can offer young learners a powerful lesson: it is possible to enjoy the beauty of our world while caring for it and the people who call it home.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above:

1. Complete with a suitable reason. [1]
   Eco-tourism is considered a responsible way of travelling because ______.
2. Fill in the blank with an appropriate word/phrase. 
   Costa Rica has ______ large expanses of land into national parks to preserve the areas. [1]
3. Eco-tourism offers an opportunity to the local people to preserve their heritage by: [1]
   1. converting parks into national reserves.
   2. selling handmade handicrafts as souvenirs.
   3. using modern technology to present their culture.
   4. improving their infrastructure.
4. Which of the following is/are economic benefit(s) of eco-tourism for local communities? (Paragraph 3) [1]
   1. It increases government tax revenues only.
   2. It creates jobs through spending on lodges, guides and food.
   3. It primarily supports large international corporations.
   4. It reduces the need for community involvement.
   5. It increases income and infrastructure.
   6. Locals adopt unethical methods to attract tourists.
      Select the correct option.
      1. Only 1
      2. 2 and 6
      3. 3 and 5
      4. 2 and 5
5. List any two challenges faced by eco-tourism. [2]
6. How can eco-tourism be truly effective? [1]
7. What ecological issues can result from too many tourists visiting eco-tourism sites? [1]
   1. reduced carbon emissions and habitat restoration
   2. innovation and improved infrastructure
   3. erosion, habitat disruption and pollution
   4. cultural revival and increased bio-diversity 
8. What, according to the passage, are some of the well-managed practices that can lead to effective eco-tourism? Paragraph (6) [2]

Answer 1

1. Eco-tourism is considered a responsible way of travelling because it conserves natural environments and benefits (rather than exploits) local communities.
2. Costa Rica has set aside/converted over 21% of its large expanses of land into national parks to preserve the areas. 
3. selling handmade handicrafts as souvenirs.
4. 2 and 6

5. “Locals adopt unethical methods to attract tourists.”, Select the correct option. This item is ambiguous given the option list you provided. The passage does say some operators misuse the “eco” label (greenwashing) and act unethically (paragraph 5), but it does not state that local people adopt unethical methods to attract tourists. Please clarify whether the numbered options refer to paragraph numbers or to a separate numbered list so I can pick the intended option. As written, the passage supports “unethical practice (greenwashing) by some operators” (paragraph 5) rather than “locals adopt unethical methods.”

6. • Greenwashing (some operators falsely claim to be eco-friendly).
   • Overtourism impacts: erosion, habitat disruption, and pollution.
7. erosion, habitat disruption and pollution
8. • Abiding by strict codes of conduct.
   • Controlling/reducing the environmental footprint and ensuring genuine benefit‑sharing with local communities.