IELTS Essay Topic #21 Cities

Reasons for Urbanization

  • People move to cities in search of job opportunities
  • Cities offer greater employment possibilities and a higher standard of living
  • People migrate to cities from the countryside
  • Traditional activities like farming need fewer workers nowadays

Negatives of City Life

  • Life in cities has its drawbacks
  • The cost of living is higher than in rural areas
  • Some people do not manage to find work
  • Housing is usually much more expensive
  • Homelessness and poverty are common on cities
  • There is a gap between rich and poor
  • Life in cities can be extremely stressful
  • There are problems like traffic congestion or traffic jams and crime
  • Cities lack a sense of community
  • People do not even know their neighbor(s)
  • Cities are sometimes described as “concrete jungles”.

Pedestrian Areas

  • Pedestrian zones in city centre can improve the local environment
  • Banning cars encourages people to walk or cycle
  • Many European cities have built bicycle lanes
  • Dependence on cars is linked to health problems like obesity
  • People who walk or cycle regularly are generally healthier
  • Pedestrian areas are safer and more attractive for both residents and tourists