PCD

Cambridge IELTS Book 18 Writing Task 2 Test 3

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?

The global phenomenon of rural populations migrating to urban areas, resulting in declining numbers in the countryside, is a trend I view as wholly negative. This urban drift primarily leads to overpopulation in cities and the neglect of rural communities.

I consider this migration trend harmful because it causes severe overpopulation issues in cities. The rapid influx of people overwhelms urban infrastructure, including public transportation, healthcare, and housing. Cities struggle to accommodate this surge in population, resulting in increased pollution, deteriorating living conditions, and immense pressure on public services. In my own experience, I have observed how my city has become congested due to population growth. Traffic jams have become a daily occurrence, and public transportation is frequently overcrowded during rush hours, making commuting both stressful and time-consuming for residents.

Moreover, the migration from rural areas accelerates the decline and underdevelopment of these regions. When young, capable individuals leave in search of better opportunities in cities, rural communities lose their workforce, leading to economic stagnation and the erosion of local industries like agriculture and crafts. During my involvement in rural educational workshops, I observed firsthand how rural areas are left with a shrinking workforce, as mostly the elderly and young children remain. This demographic shift hampers the development of rural areas, causing a decline in their economic viability and overall quality of life.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that rural-to-urban migration is entirely negative. This shift not only puts immense strain on urban resources and infrastructure but also leads to the deterioration of rural areas. The challenges faced by cities, combined with the neglect of the countryside, highlight the negative consequences of this migration trend.