Exercise 1 – Vocabulary

1. heritage (noun) – traditions, buildings, or values passed down from the past.
   Example: UNESCO protects sites of cultural and natural heritage around the world.

2. preservation (noun) – the act of protecting something from damage or loss.
   Example: The preservation of ancient temples is expensive but necessary.

3. authenticity (noun) – the quality of being real, true, or genuine.
   Example: Some tourists question the authenticity of cultural performances designed only for visitors.

4. commodify (verb) – to turn something into a product that can be bought and sold.
   Example: Critics argue that festivals are often commodified for tourism.

5. overcrowding (noun) – when too many people are in one place at the same time.
   Example: Overcrowding at famous landmarks sometimes damages the site.

6. economy (noun) – the system of money, trade, and industry of a country or region.
   Example: Tourism is a vital part of Greece’s economy.

Exercise 2 – Article

Cultural Heritage and Tourism: A Delicate Balance

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, and many countries depend on it for economic growth. Cultural heritage — including ancient ruins, religious monuments, and traditional practices — attracts millions of travelers every year.

However, tourism can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it brings money and jobs. Communities can fund preservation projects, and visitors often gain a deeper appreciation of another culture. On the other hand, excessive tourism can harm what it tries to celebrate. Overcrowding, pollution, and the commodification of traditions sometimes reduce authenticity.

Cities like Venice, Machu Picchu, and Kyoto have had to limit visitor numbers to protect their heritage. At the same time, digital technology offers new possibilities. Virtual tours, augmented reality apps, and interactive museums allow people to experience heritage without putting physical sites at risk.

The future of cultural tourism may depend on finding a balance: protecting authenticity and heritage while also welcoming visitors and supporting local economies.

Exercise 3 – Discussion Questions

1. Why do people travel to see cultural heritage sites?

2. Do you think tourism helps preserve traditions, or does it damage them?

3. How can governments and local communities protect heritage while still encouraging visitors?

4. Would you prefer to visit a heritage site in person or explore it through a virtual tour? Why?

5. What is one cultural site in your country that you think everyone should see?

Exercise 4 – Further Discussion

1. Do you think every culture should try to attract tourists, or should some protect their traditions privately?

2. What is the difference between appreciating a culture and commodifying it?

3. Can you think of a time when tourism in your area brought both positive and negative results?

4. Should tourists be required to pay higher entrance fees to protect heritage sites?

5. How might climate change affect cultural tourism in the future?

Exercise 5 – Writing Task (TOEFL-style)

Some people argue that cultural heritage belongs to the whole world and should be shared widely. Others believe it belongs first and foremost to the local community and must be protected from outsiders.
Write an essay (150–200 words) stating your opinion and supporting it with examples.

Exercise 6 – Self-Study

1. Vocabulary practice: Use each new word (heritage, preservation, authenticity, commodify, overcrowding, economy) in your own sentence.

2. Summary practice: Write a short summary of the article in 4–5 sentences.

Sample Model Essay

I believe cultural heritage belongs first to the local community. While the world can appreciate and learn from different traditions, the people who live with that heritage should decide how it is shared and preserved.

For example, overcrowding at Machu Picchu has damaged the site, even though it is a global treasure. Local leaders have the right to limit visitors to protect it for future generations. Similarly, many indigenous communities choose not to allow photography of their sacred rituals. This protects authenticity and ensures their traditions are not reduced to commodities for tourists.

At the same time, communities can still share their culture in controlled ways, such as through museums or guided tours. This allows outsiders to learn while respecting boundaries.

In conclusion, while cultural heritage can inspire the whole world, it should primarily serve and protect the communities that created it.