Urban development and its impact on traditional ways of life has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of tests between 2020-2023. As how does urbanization affect traditional communities continues to be a global concern, understanding this topic is crucial for IELTS candidates.
How urbanization transforms traditional communities and lifestyles
Recent IELTS Task 2 Question Analysis
Some people believe that the growth of cities is destroying traditional ways of life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
Question Breakdown
- Topic: Urban development vs traditional lifestyle
- Task: Agree/Disagree essay
- Key areas to address:
- Impact on traditional customs
- Changes in social structures
- Economic implications
- Cultural preservation
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The rapid expansion of urban areas has undeniably transformed traditional lifestyles in profound ways. While I largely agree that urbanization poses significant challenges to traditional ways of life, I believe the reality is more nuanced than simple destruction.
The growth of cities has indeed disrupted many traditional practices and social structures. Firstly, as people migrate to urban centers for economic opportunities, extended family systems often fragment, weakening traditional family bonds and support networks. Similarly, traditional crafts and occupations struggle to survive as mass-produced goods dominate urban markets. In many Asian countries, like how globalization affects traditional family values, we observe younger generations abandoning ancestral practices in favor of modern urban lifestyles.
However, urbanization’s impact isn’t entirely negative. Modern cities can actually preserve and reinvent traditions in meaningful ways. Cultural festivals in urban areas often celebrate traditional customs on a larger scale, while technology enables distant family members to maintain connections. Additionally, increased education and economic prosperity in cities can provide resources for preserving traditional arts and heritage sites.
Furthermore, many communities have successfully adapted their traditions to urban contexts. For instance, traditional markets in Seoul have modernized while maintaining their cultural essence, and religious ceremonies in Mumbai have evolved to accommodate urban schedules while preserving their spiritual significance.
In conclusion, while urbanization certainly challenges traditional ways of life, characterizing this relationship as purely destructive oversimplifies a complex phenomenon. The key lies in finding ways to harmonize urban development with cultural preservation.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that city growth is having a big effect on traditional ways of life. This essay will discuss how this is happening and why it matters.
Cities are getting bigger everywhere and this changes how people live. When people move to cities, they often stop following old customs. For example, many young people don’t want to learn traditional farming or cooking methods anymore. Also, how does technology affect traditional family dynamics shows that families don’t live together like before.
Another problem is that modern buildings replace old ones. This means traditional architecture disappears. Also, people in cities work long hours in offices and factories, so they don’t have time for traditional activities. Shopping malls replace traditional markets, and fast food becomes more popular than traditional food.
However, some traditional things still continue in cities. People still celebrate festivals and holidays, even if they do it differently. Some cities also have cultural centers where people can learn about traditions.
In conclusion, I think city growth really does destroy many traditional ways of life, but not everything is lost. We should try to keep some traditions while accepting that change will happen.
Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “profound,” “nuanced,” “fragmented”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Balanced argument with specific examples
- Excellent coherence and cohesion
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition
- Limited example development
- Adequate coherence but less sophisticated
Key Vocabulary
- urbanization (n) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of cities growing
- traditional customs (n) /trəˈdɪʃənl ˈkʌstəmz/ – established cultural practices
- fragment (v) /ˈfrægmənt/ – break into smaller parts
- modernization (n) /ˌmɒdənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – process of becoming modern
- cultural preservation (n) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/ – protecting traditional practices
Consider practicing with similar topics like how globalization affects traditional education systems to enhance your writing skills. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
