IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1348 - In many countries, rural people are moving to cities
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing.
Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: it is a negative development]
Rural-to-urban migration, in many countries around the world, is leading to a decline in the countryside's population. In my opinion, this constitutes a negative development with far-reaching implications. As rural areas depopulate, the social fabric weakens, vital agricultural practices diminish, and urban centres face overpopulation challenges.
One significant reason why the decreasing population in rural areas is a negative trend is the adverse impact it has on the social structure of communities. As people move to cities seeking better opportunities, rural areas lose their sense of close-knit community and shared values. This can lead to increased feelings of isolation and detachment among those who remain, as well as reduced social cohesion. For example, traditional farming communities that once thrived on collective efforts are now disrupted, weakening the support systems that were once the backbone of these societies.
Another key concern associated with the declining population in rural areas is the potential loss of vital agricultural practices and knowledge. As young people migrate to cities in search of education and employment, there is a risk of traditional farming methods and indigenous knowledge being abandoned. This trend could lead to a significant reduction in agricultural productivity and the abandonment of sustainable practices. For instance, the departure of skilled farmers could result in land degradation and a reliance on imported food, negatively impacting both the rural and urban populations.
In conclusion, the migration of rural populations to cities, resulting in a decline in the countryside's inhabitants, is undoubtedly a negative development. To address this issue, governments and policymakers must focus on promoting balanced regional development, providing incentives for young people to stay in rural areas, and preserving the cultural heritage and sustainable practices that are integral to rural life.
Model Answer 2: [View: it is a positive development]
In many parts of the world, there has been a significant shift in population as people from rural areas move to cities. This phenomenon has led to a decline in the rural population, raising concerns about its impact on both urban and rural communities. However, I believe this is a positive development because it enhances economic growth and provides individuals with better access to essential services and opportunities.
One major advantage of rural-to-urban migration is its contribution to economic progress. Cities serve as economic hubs that provide diverse job opportunities, allowing individuals to secure better wages and improve their standard of living. This migration helps industries grow by supplying a larger workforce, boosting productivity and innovation. For instance, countries like China have experienced significant economic expansion due to rural populations moving to urban areas to work in the manufacturing and technology sectors. This transformation has not only reduced poverty but also strengthened national economies.
Another significant benefit is that urban areas offer improved access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. In rural regions, many people struggle to obtain quality medical treatment or higher education due to limited resources and facilities. By moving to cities, they can access better hospitals, universities, and public services, ultimately improving their quality of life. For example, in developing nations, rural students who migrate to cities for education often gain better career prospects, leading to upward social mobility and improved living standards for their families.
In conclusion, the migration of rural populations to cities is a positive development as it drives economic growth and enhances access to essential services. Encouraging this trend can lead to greater prosperity, both for individuals and society as a whole.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing.
Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Essay Type:
Positive/ Negative Development Essay.
Main question:
Do you think the migration of rural populations to cities is a positive or a negative trend?
Why rural-to-urban migration is a positive development:
Economic growth and job opportunities:
Urban migration leads to economic expansion as people move to cities for better employment prospects. More workers in cities help industries grow and boost productivity, benefiting national economies. For example, China's economic rise is largely due to rural populations migrating to urban areas, strengthening manufacturing and technology sectors.
Better access to healthcare and education:
Cities offer superior healthcare services and educational institutions compared to rural areas. This migration ensures that people receive better medical care and more opportunities for higher education. For example, students from rural villages who move to cities for university education often secure well-paying jobs, improving their family's socio-economic status.
Improved infrastructure and standard of living:
Urban areas provide better infrastructure, including transportation, sanitation, and public services, enhancing overall quality of life. For example, people moving to cities experience better roads, clean water supplies, and modern amenities, which significantly improve their daily lives.
Why rural-to-urban migration is a negative development:
Overcrowding and pressure on urban resources:
Cities struggle to accommodate large influxes of rural migrants, leading to congestion, housing shortages, and increased demand for public services. For example, in cities like Mumbai, rapid migration has resulted in overcrowded slums and inadequate infrastructure.
Decline of rural communities and agricultural workforce:
The migration of young and skilled workers from rural areas weakens local economies and reduces agricultural production, leading to food security issues. For example, many rural regions in Eastern Europe are experiencing population decline, causing economic stagnation and abandoned farmland.
Loss of traditional culture and heritage:
Rural migration leads to the disappearance of cultural traditions and ways of life as younger generations leave their hometowns permanently. For example, indigenous communities in Latin America are losing their traditional languages and customs as younger people relocate to urban centers for work.
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