Living in small towns versus big cities has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. This topic’s frequency suggests its continued relevance in testing candidates’ ability to compare and contrast different lifestyle choices. Let’s analyze a recent exam question and explore model answers across different band scores.
Task Analysis and Question Breakdown
Some people prefer to live in a small town, while others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in, and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
This question requires candidates to:
- Express and justify a personal preference
- Compare and contrast aspects of both living environments
- Provide specific examples and supporting evidence
- Maintain a clear position throughout the essay
Band 8.0 Sample Essay
Life in small towns and big cities presents distinctive advantages and challenges, and while both environments have their merits, I personally prefer living in a big city due to its diverse opportunities and modern conveniences.
Firstly, metropolitan areas offer unparalleled professional and educational opportunities. Major cities host prestigious universities, research institutions, and multinational corporations, providing residents with extensive career options and advancement possibilities. For instance, technology hubs like Singapore and Seoul attract global talent and foster innovation, creating dynamic job markets that are rarely found in smaller communities.
Furthermore, big cities provide superior infrastructure and amenities. Modern healthcare facilities, efficient public transportation systems, and well-maintained public spaces significantly enhance quality of life. The availability of specialized medical care, particularly for complex health conditions, offers peace of mind that smaller towns often cannot match. Additionally, cultural venues such as museums, theaters, and concert halls provide enriching experiences that contribute to personal growth and entertainment.
However, I acknowledge that city living presents certain challenges, including higher living costs and increased stress levels due to fast-paced lifestyles. Nevertheless, these drawbacks are outweighed by the advantages of having access to diverse opportunities and modern conveniences that align with my personal and professional aspirations.
In conclusion, while small towns offer charm and tranquility, the comprehensive benefits of city living, particularly in terms of career opportunities and modern amenities, make it my preferred choice for long-term residence.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I think living in a big city is better than living in a small town because there are more advantages in big cities. In this essay, I will explain my reasons.
The first reason is that big cities have many job opportunities. When people live in big cities, they can find different types of jobs easily. For example, in my country, young people always move to big cities after graduation because they can find good jobs with high salaries. But in small towns, there are only few companies and limited job choices.
Another important point is that big cities have better facilities. There are many shopping centers, hospitals, and schools in big cities. People can buy anything they want and get good medical treatment when they are sick. Also, children can go to good schools and universities. But small towns don’t have these good facilities.
However, living in big cities also has some problems. The cost of living is very high, and there is lots of pollution. Also, there is heavy traffic every day. But I still think these problems are not as important as the benefits of city life.
In conclusion, although big cities have some disadvantages, I prefer living there because of better job opportunities and facilities. This makes life more convenient and comfortable.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.0 Essay Analysis
- Well-organized structure with clear paragraphing
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Strong topic sentences and cohesive devices
- Balanced argument with specific examples
- Natural and fluid writing style
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Basic but clear organization
- Limited range of vocabulary with some repetition
- Simple sentence structures
- Basic examples without deep elaboration
- Some cohesive devices but used mechanically
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- metropolitan (adj) /ˌmetrəˈpɒlɪtən/ – relating to a large city
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- prestigious (adj) /preˈstɪdʒəs/ – respected and admired
- tranquility (n) /træŋˈkwɪləti/ – peace and quiet
- amenities (n) /əˈmiːnətiz/ – useful features or facilities
- dynamic (adj) /daɪˈnæmɪk/ – characterized by constant change and progress
- unparalleled (adj) /ʌnˈpærəleld/ – having no equal
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete and thorough
In future IELTS exams, you might encounter variations of this topic, such as:
- The impact of urbanization on small towns
- The advantages and disadvantages of rural migration
- The preservation of small town culture in modern times
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.