GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 456
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:
The mass migration of rural populations to urban areas has accelerated globally in recent years, and it has resulted in a steady decline in population in the countryside. In my opinion, this is an alarming and negative development because I believe that this phenomenon carries numerous adverse consequences for both rural and urban areas and society as a whole.
Firstly, the depopulation of rural areas has detrimental effects on agricultural practices and food security. As rural populations dwindle, the agricultural workforce diminishes, leading to decreased agricultural productivity. Consequently, there is a heightened reliance on imported food products, which can be expensive and less sustainable. Take, for example, the case of Smithville, a rural town in the Midwest. Over the past decade, Smithville has witnessed a steady outmigration of its young population seeking better economic opportunities in urban areas. With the departure of the youth, many farms in the region have struggled to find enough labour to maintain their operations.
Furthermore, rural-to-urban migration exacerbates the problems associated with urbanization. Cities become overpopulated, leading to increased pressure on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and housing. Overcrowding in cities results in traffic congestion, pollution, and a higher cost of living. These issues diminish the quality of life for urban dwellers and can create social disparities and unrest.
Another adverse effect of rural depopulation is the erosion of traditional cultures and community bonds. As rural communities decline, age-old traditions and customs face extinction, leading to a loss of cultural diversity and heritage. Consider the case of a remote village nestled in the mountains of Nepal. For generations, this village has been inhabited by a close-knit community with rich cultural traditions deeply rooted in their unique way of life. However, in recent years, many young people from the village have been lured away by the promise of better job opportunities in the city. As these young adults left their ancestral homes, the village’s population dwindled, and the community’s traditional way of life began to erode.
In conclusion, the dwindling population in rural areas due to mass migration to cities constitutes a negative development with far-reaching implications. It threatens food security, exacerbates urban challenges, and diminishes cultural diversity.