GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 353
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that cities are the best places to live. Others prefer to live in a rural area.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city to living in the countryside.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
The debate on whether living in a city or a rural area is better has been ongoing for many years. While some people believe that cities are the best places to live, others prefer the tranquillity of the countryside. In this essay, I will compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city to living in the countryside.
To commence with the advantages of living in cities, they offer a range of opportunities, including better employment prospects, access to quality education, healthcare facilities, and a diverse range of cultural and entertainment options. For example, cities offer a broader range of job opportunities in various industries, which can lead to better career prospects and salaries. Such opportunities and amenities are often very limited in remote rural areas. Additionally, there are better educational facilities in cities, with more options for higher education, and access to more advanced healthcare facilities. Conversely, rural areas hardly have advanced medical facilities and better educational institutions. Cities also offer a diverse range of cultural and entertainment options such as museums, theatres, and sporting events which people will have a hard time finding in a village.
However, living in municipalities can also have its drawbacks. Cities are often congested, leading to traffic congestion, pollution, and high levels of noise. On the other hand, rural areas are free from traffic jams, noise and air pollution. Additionally, the cost of living in metropolises is often higher than in rural areas, with higher rent, food, and transportation costs. Moreover, there is a higher crime rate in cities than in rural areas, making it less safe to live in. On the other hand, living in rural areas offers a peaceful and relaxed way of life, with a stronger sense of community, and fewer crimes.
In conclusion, both living in cities and the countryside offer their own advantages and disadvantages. While cities offer better employment and education opportunities, a diverse range of cultural and entertainment options, and access to advanced healthcare facilities, they are often more congested, polluted, and noisy. Living in rural areas offers a peaceful and relaxed way of life, with lower living costs, and a closer connection to nature.