IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
In many cities, problems related to overpopulation are becoming more common. Some governments are now encouraging businesses and individuals to move out of cities to rural areas
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer:
At present, there is an increasing trend in many cities to incentivise businesses and individuals to move out of the cities to rural areas to curb the problems related to overpopulation. Although this has the potential to bring certain advantages, I believe the disadvantages outweigh them.
To begin with, the most obvious advantage of this trend is that it may help reduce overcrowding in cities. This can have a number of beneficial effects, such as reducing pollution levels, as well as easing the pressure on public services such as transport, healthcare and education. Furthermore, it could also open up more jobs for people living in rural areas, as businesses would be more likely to hire locally.
However, the disadvantages of this trend should not be overlooked. One of the main drawbacks is that businesses and individuals may be unable to afford the cost of moving. This could particularly disadvantage those on lower incomes, as they may not have the resources to cover the additional expenses. Furthermore, it could lead to the development of ghost towns, as businesses and people leave, leading to a lack of essential services such as supermarkets and banks, which could deter people from moving in.
In addition, this trend could also lead to a decrease in the quality of life in rural areas. The influx of new people and businesses could put additional pressure on already strained public services, such as sewage systems, water supplies and roads. This could lead to a decline in the quality of life in rural areas, as they struggle to cope with the additional strain.
In conclusion, while moving businesses and individuals out of cities may bring certain advantages, I believe the disadvantages outweigh them. Therefore, other solutions should be explored to address the issues of overpopulation in cities.