Urbanization and its effects on traditional communities has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually since 2019. This topic often intersects with related themes like how globalization affects traditional family structures and cultural preservation.
Urban development contrasting with traditional village settings
Let’s analyze a recent exam question that represents this topic:
Some people believe that the development of cities and towns causes traditional communities to disappear. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Urban development’s impact on traditional communities
- Task: Agree/Disagree essay
- Key points to address:
- Development of cities/towns
- Effects on traditional communities
- Level of agreement/disagreement
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The rapid urbanization of modern society has sparked debate about its impact on traditional communities, similar to discussions about how urbanization leads to changes in traditional lifestyles. While some argue that urban development inevitably leads to the dissolution of traditional communities, I partially agree with this view, as the reality is more nuanced.
Urban expansion undeniably poses significant challenges to traditional communities. First, as cities grow, they often physically encroach upon traditional settlements, transforming agricultural lands into residential or commercial zones. This spatial transformation disrupts traditional farming practices and communal living patterns. Moreover, the allure of urban employment and lifestyle frequently draws younger generations away from their traditional communities, leading to a gradual erosion of cultural practices and traditional knowledge transmission.
However, traditional communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Many communities have successfully integrated aspects of urban development while maintaining their cultural identity, much like the effects of global trade on traditional crafts and industries. For instance, some indigenous communities have embraced modern technology and economic opportunities while preserving their traditional ceremonies, language, and social structures. Additionally, increasing awareness of cultural heritage has led to initiatives that protect and revitalize traditional communities within urban contexts.
In conclusion, while urbanization presents significant challenges to traditional communities, their complete disappearance is not inevitable. The key lies in finding a balance between urban development and cultural preservation, ensuring that modernization does not come at the cost of valuable traditional practices and ways of life.
Traditional community members using modern technology while maintaining cultural practices
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Many people think cities make traditional communities disappear. I agree with this idea because cities change how people live in many ways.
First, when cities grow bigger, traditional communities lose their land. Many farmers have to sell their land to companies that build houses and shops. This makes it hard for people to continue their traditional farming life. Young people also move to cities to find better jobs and education, leaving their old communities behind.
Also, city life is very different from traditional life. People in cities work in offices and factories, not in fields or traditional crafts. They watch TV and use phones instead of telling traditional stories or doing traditional activities. This makes traditional culture become weaker over time.
However, some traditional communities try to keep their culture alive in cities. They organize festivals and teach young people about their traditions. But this is not the same as living in a real traditional community.
In conclusion, I think cities do cause traditional communities to disappear because they change how people live and work. Maybe we should try harder to protect these communities before they are all gone.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response (9): Comprehensive analysis with clear position
- Coherence & Cohesion (8): Logical progression with effective paragraphing
- Lexical Resource (8.5): Sophisticated vocabulary use
- Grammar (9): Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response (6): Basic development of position
- Coherence & Cohesion (6): Simple organization
- Lexical Resource (7): Adequate but repetitive vocabulary
- Grammar (7): Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- urbanization (n) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of creating urban areas
- encroach (v) /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/ – to gradually take away someone’s rights or property
- dissolution (n) /ˌdɪsəˈluːʃən/ – the process of something gradually ending
- resilience (n) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
- revitalize (v) /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – to give new life or vigor to something
Consider practicing with similar topics like traditional medicine in modern society or the impact of technology on cultural practices. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
