Writing report
academic IELTS Writing: Task 2
Overall score
7.50
7.5 of 9.0
Submitted on
May 03, 2025 (2 months ago)
Writing duration
0 minutes
Task description
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?
You should write a minimum of 150 words.
Source: Cambridge 18
Task answer
In recent years, a growing number of people from rural areas have been migrating to urban centres, leading to a steady decline in the countryside population. While this trend may bring individual benefits and contribute to urban development, I believe it is largely a negative development due to the serious challenges it poses to rural communities and national sustainability.
On the one hand, moving to cities offers individuals a wide range of opportunities that are often unavailable in rural areas. For example, urban centres typically provide better access to education, healthcare, and job prospects. These advantages are a strong attraction for those who decide to relocate in search of a higher standard of living. Additionally, cities tend to have more modern infrastructure and public services, which can significantly improve quality of life for migrants. From this perspective, urban migration can be seen as a rational decision that benefits individuals and contributes to the economic growth of cities.
However, the negative consequences of this trend cannot be ignored. One major concern is the decline of rural areas, which are often left with aging populations and shrinking workforces. As younger generations leave, agriculture and local economies suffer, leading to reduced productivity and even the abandonment of entire communities. This not only threatens food security but also widens the development gap between urban and rural regions. Moreover, urban areas may become overpopulated, resulting in housing shortages, traffic congestion, and pressure on public services such as schools and hospitals.
In conclusion, while rural-to-urban migration may offer personal benefits and support urban growth, it creates serious long-term problems for rural development and overall national balance. Therefore, I consider it a negative development unless governments take action to invest in rural areas and create more balanced opportunities for all citizens.
Word count:291