Part 3 (Discussion) Urbanisation

Rural-to-Urban Migration

Question

Why do you think more and more people are moving to cities?

Model Answer

I believe there are several compelling reasons behind the trend of urbanisation that we see across the world today. First and foremost, cities tend to offer far greater employment opportunities compared to rural areas. Many industries, particularly in technology and finance, are concentrated in metropolitan hubs, which naturally attracts job seekers. From my perspective, another major factor is access to better infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public transport. On the other hand, it is worth noting that this mass migration puts enormous pressure on cities, leading to issues like overcrowding, rising housing costs, and environmental degradation. Having said that, the allure of a more vibrant social and cultural life also plays a significant role — cities offer entertainment, diversity, and a sense of opportunity that rural areas often cannot match. Furthermore, younger generations are particularly drawn to urban environments where they feel they can build a career and connect with like-minded people. Overall, while the reasons are understandable, I think governments need to invest more in developing rural areas to slow this trend.

Key Vocabulary

urbanisation
The process by which towns and cities grow as more people move from rural to urban areas
metropolitan
Relating to a large, densely populated city and its surrounding areas
infrastructure
The basic physical systems of a country or region, such as roads, utilities, and buildings
overcrowding
A situation where too many people live or gather in one area
environmental degradation
The deterioration of the natural environment through human activities
allure
The quality of being powerfully attractive or fascinating
like-minded
Having similar tastes, interests, or opinions

Pronunciation Guide

urbanisation /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
Stress on the fourth syllable: ur-buh-nye-ZAY-shun. The 'ur' sounds like the vowel in 'bird'.
infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/
Stress on the first syllable: IN-fruh-struk-chur. Don't skip the 'r' in the middle cluster.
metropolitan /ˌmetrəˈpɒlɪtən/
Stress on the third syllable: met-ruh-POL-ih-tun. Keep the first two syllables short and unstressed.

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Speaking Tips

When explaining causes, organise your answer with clear signposting: 'First and foremost...', 'Another major factor is...', 'Furthermore...'. This shows the examiner you can structure a complex response logically. Try to mention at least two or three distinct reasons with brief elaboration for each.

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