Essay Question:

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?

Model Essay:

The global trend of rural populations migrating to urban areas represents a significant demographic shift with profound implications. This movement, driven by the search for better employment opportunities, education, and living standards, has led to a notable decrease in countryside populations. While this urban migration presents certain advantages, such as economic growth and improved access to services, it also raises concerns regarding sustainability and the erosion of rural communities.

On the positive side, urbanization can lead to concentrated areas of growth and innovation. Cities, with their diverse populations, are often melting pots of culture, ideas, and innovation, driving economic development and progress. For individuals, moving to the city often means better job prospects, access to education, and healthcare services. These benefits not only improve the quality of life for many but also contribute to the overall development of a country. An example of this can be seen in the rapid development of cities like Shanghai, where urbanization has been a key factor in its transformation into a global financial hub.

However, this shift is not without its drawbacks. The depletion of rural populations can lead to the abandonment of agricultural lands and a decline in local traditions and cultures. Rural areas often suffer from neglect, with dwindling populations leading to reduced services and economic opportunities, further exacerbating the urban-rural divide. Moreover, the rapid expansion of cities can strain infrastructure and resources, leading to overcrowding, pollution, and a decrease in the quality of life for city dwellers.

In conclusion, while the migration of rural populations to urban areas has its advantages, such as economic development and improved access to services, it also poses significant challenges. These include the potential loss of rural communities, culture, and the environmental impact of urban expansion. Balancing the benefits of urbanization with the need to preserve rural areas and ensure sustainable development is crucial. Efforts to improve rural infrastructure and economic opportunities could mitigate some negative impacts, promoting a more balanced demographic shift.

Words, phrases, and collocations from the essay

Here’s a list of words, phrases, and collocations from the essay that could contribute to a high score in IELTS due to their sophistication, accuracy, and range:

1. Demographic shift – A sophisticated way to describe changes in the population distribution.
2. Profound implications – A phrase indicating significant effects or consequences.
3. Driven by the search for – A collocation indicating motivation or reason behind an action.
4. Notable decrease – A formal way to describe a significant reduction.
5. Economic growth and improved access to services – A phrase summarizing positive outcomes.
6. Sustainability and the erosion of rural communities – A sophisticated expression concerning long-term viability and the decline of countryside living areas.
7. Concentrated areas of growth and innovation – A phrase describing regions with rapid development and creativity.
8. Melting pots of culture – A metaphorical expression indicating places where diverse cultural elements blend together.
9. Driving economic development and progress – A collocation emphasizing the role of urbanization in advancing economic and societal goals.
10. Quality of life – A common phrase describing the general well-being of individuals or societies.
11. Rapid development – A collocation often used to describe quick progress or growth.
12. Depletion of rural populations – A formal way to talk about the reduction of people living in rural areas.
13. Abandonment of agricultural lands – A phrase indicating the desertion or neglect of farming areas.
14. Urban-rural divide – A term used to describe the differences or disparities between city and countryside living conditions.
15. Strain on infrastructure and resources – A phrase indicating pressure or stress on public facilities and assets.
16. Overcrowding and pollution – Common terms used in discussions about urbanization’s negative effects.
17. Balancing the benefits of urbanization with the need to preserve – A sophisticated expression about finding a middle ground between development and conservation.
18. Mitigate some negative impacts – A formal way to say reduce some adverse effects.
19. Promoting a more balanced demographic shift – A phrase indicating efforts to ensure a more even distribution of population changes.

These items reflect a high level of English proficiency, incorporating advanced vocabulary, precise collocations, and sophisticated expressions that are well-suited for a high-scoring IELTS essay.