Urban versus rural living is a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, frequently appearing in exams due to its relevance to global trends in population distribution and lifestyle choices. Based on past exam patterns and current socio-economic discussions, we can expect this theme to remain significant in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a recent exam question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that the government should encourage the development of small towns and rural areas. Others believe that the country should invest more in big cities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for developing small towns and rural areas
- Explain reasons for investing in big cities
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band levels.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
There is ongoing debate about whether governments should prioritize the development of rural regions or concentrate investments in major urban centers. While both approaches have merits, I believe a balanced strategy that supports both areas is essential for sustainable national growth.
Proponents of rural development argue that investing in small towns and countryside areas can alleviate several issues. Firstly, it can reduce the strain on overcrowded cities by providing alternative living spaces with improved infrastructure and job opportunities. This how does urban planning affect community development could lead to a more even population distribution and alleviate urban problems such as traffic congestion and housing shortages. Additionally, developing rural areas can help preserve traditional ways of life and cultural heritage, which are often at risk of disappearing in rapidly modernizing societies.
On the other hand, those who advocate for increased investment in big cities contend that urban centers are the engines of economic growth and innovation. Cities often have better educational institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, and a concentration of businesses that drive national economies. Moreover, urban areas typically offer a wider range of job opportunities and cultural experiences, attracting talented individuals who contribute to the country’s progress. Investing in cities can also lead to more efficient use of resources due to economies of scale in infrastructure and public services.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that supports both urban and rural development is crucial. While cities undoubtedly play a vital role in a nation’s economy, neglecting rural areas can lead to significant social and economic disparities. Governments should strive to create a network of well-connected urban and rural areas, each with its own strengths and opportunities. This could involve improving transportation links between cities and rural regions, investing in digital infrastructure to enable remote work, and developing specialized industries suited to each area’s resources and skills.
In conclusion, rather than favoring one type of development over the other, a holistic strategy that recognizes the interdependence of urban and rural areas is likely to yield the most sustainable and equitable outcomes for a country’s population.
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, vocabulary, and argumentation, warranting a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including less common words and phrases like “alleviate,” “economies of scale,” and “holistic strategy.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
People have different opinions about whether the government should focus on developing small towns and rural areas or invest more in big cities. Both ideas have their advantages and disadvantages.
Those who support developing rural areas say it can help solve some problems. For example, it can reduce the number of people moving to cities, which can make cities less crowded. Also, improving life in rural areas can help keep traditional cultures alive. This is important because many old traditions are being lost as people move to modern cities.
On the other hand, people who think big cities should get more investment have some good points too. Big cities usually have better schools and hospitals. They also have more job opportunities, which is why many people want to live there. Cities are also important for the country’s economy because many big companies are located there.
In my opinion, I think the government should try to develop both rural areas and big cities. If they only focus on cities, rural areas might become poor and forgotten. But if they only develop rural areas, the country might fall behind in technology and economic growth. A good balance between the two is necessary.
To conclude, while both views have their merits, I believe a balanced approach that supports both urban and rural development is the best way to ensure the whole country progresses together.
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good language skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, but it lacks the precision and uncommon items seen in higher band essays.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there is less variety compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary
- Urban centers (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈsentərz/ – large, densely populated cities
- Rural regions (noun) – /ˈrʊərəl ˈriːdʒənz/ – countryside areas with low population density
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical structures needed for society to function
- Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – to make a problem or suffering less severe
- Cultural heritage (noun) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – traditions and artifacts passed down from previous generations
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – new ideas, methods, or products
- Disparities (noun) – /dɪˈspærətiz/ – differences, especially unfair ones
- Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – considering the whole rather than just parts
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources
- Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial
Conclusion
The topic of urban versus rural development is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of urbanization on the environment
- Challenges faced by rural communities in the modern world
- The role of technology in bridging the urban-rural divide
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and always address all parts of the question. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.