Living in a Big City IELTS outweigh essay

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of residing in a major urban area. Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?

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Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

In the contemporary world, residing in a major urban area has become synonymous with progress and opportunity. While cities undeniably offer a range of compelling advantages, they are not without their share of challenges. However, when examined holistically, the benefits of urban life decisively outweigh its potential drawbacks.

One of the most salient advantages of metropolitan living is the abundance of economic opportunities. Cities function as epicentres of commerce, technology, and innovation, drawing diverse industries and fostering career advancement. From multinational corporations to entrepreneurial ventures, urban centres offer unmatched exposure, networking, and income potential, thereby elevating one’s professional trajectory and overall quality of life. In addition to economic prosperity, urban areas provide superior access to essential services. State-of-the-art healthcare institutions, specialised clinics, and research hospitals are often concentrated in cities, ensuring timely and expert medical attention. Likewise, cities are home to prestigious academic institutions and diverse learning environments that cater to both traditional and modern educational needs, thereby cultivating intellectual development from an early age. Moreover, urban living is enriched by cultural vibrancy and recreational diversity. Cosmopolitan cities celebrate pluralism, with a constant stream of cultural events, global cuisine, theatres, museums, and art exhibitions. These not only foster creative expression and intercultural understanding but also contribute to a stimulating lifestyle that encourages personal growth and social engagement.

Nevertheless, urban living is not devoid of limitations. The high cost of living, particularly exorbitant housing prices and daily expenses, can strain household finances, especially for middle- and lower-income earners. Urban congestion, air and noise pollution, and long commuting hours often diminish the appeal of city life. Additionally, the fast-paced, hyperconnected environment may lead to heightened stress, social isolation, and a diminished sense of community—a stark contrast to the tranquillity and cohesion often found in rural settings. Despite these challenges, the overarching benefits of city life—economic dynamism, world-class infrastructure, and cultural richness—render it exceptionally desirable. What is essential is striking a balance: adopting sustainable urban planning, promoting mental well-being, and ensuring inclusivity can further amplify the merits while mitigating the flaws.

In conclusion, while urban living poses tangible challenges, its merits in terms of opportunity, access, and cultural vitality clearly surpass its disadvantages. With conscious engagement and responsible urban development, life in a major city can be not only viable but also deeply fulfilling.

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Advanced Vocabulary List – Urban Living IELTS Essay

• synonymous – closely associated with or equivalent to
• compelling – strong, convincing, or highly attractive
• challenges – difficulties or obstacles
• holistically – considering the whole situation or picture
• decisively – clearly and without doubt
• salient – most noticeable or important
• metropolitan – relating to a large city
• epicentres – central hubs or main areas of activity
• commerce – trade or business activities
• fostering – encouraging or promoting
• trajectory – path or progression
• superior – of higher quality or standard
• state-of-the-art – very modern and using the latest ideas or technology
• specialised – focused on a specific area or field
• prestigious – highly respected or esteemed
• diverse – varied or different in kind
• cosmopolitan – familiar with and at ease in many cultures
• pluralism – the presence of multiple cultures, beliefs, or ideas
• intercultural – between different cultures

• recreational – related to fun or leisure activities
• stimulating – exciting and thought-provoking
• hyperconnected – constantly connected through digital or social means
• social isolation – lack of social contact or community feeling
• cohesion – unity or togetherness
• dynamism – energy, activity, and progress
• viable – capable of working successfully
• fulfilling – satisfying and rewarding
• inclusivity – including people of all backgrounds equally
• urban planning – designing and organising city development
• infrastructure – physical systems like transport, utilities, and buildings
• mitigating – reducing the severity or impact of something
• tangible – real and noticeable
• cultivating – developing or improving through care and effort
• render – to make or cause something to be
• conscious engagement – mindful or intentional involvement

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