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Major Cities around the World Continue to Grow At a Phenomenal Rate due to the Massive Increase in Population - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Essay

Updated: Sep 26


Major Cities around the World Continue to Grow At a Phenomenal Rate due to the Massive Increase in Population- IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Essay

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Sample Essay 1

The rapid expansion of cities worldwide is largely driven by population growth, leading to overcrowding and pollution, which have significantly diminished urban living conditions. Key factors contributing to this growth include the pursuit of better employment opportunities and the concentration of resources in cities. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote regional development and adopt sustainable practices to alleviate the strain on urban infrastructure and the environment.


One of the primary reasons for the unprecedented growth of cities is the pursuit of better job prospects and improved living standards. Urban areas offer a broad range of employment opportunities, particularly in industries such as technology, finance, and services, which are either underdeveloped or non-existent in rural regions. Moreover, cities are often hubs for superior healthcare, advanced education, and public services, making them attractive to families seeking a more stable and prosperous life. However, this influx of people puts enormous pressure on city infrastructure, leading to overcrowded public transport, escalating demand for housing, and severe environmental degradation. Cities frequently fail to expand at a rate that matches population growth, which results in longer commutes, inflated living costs, and deteriorating living conditions, further eroding residents' quality of life.


Another significant factor driving urban growth is the centralization of resources and governmental support in major cities. Governments and large corporations tend to concentrate their investments in urban areas, causing an imbalance that further encourages migration from rural regions. This centralization not only draws people but also accelerates urban problems, such as rising pollution, shrinking green spaces, and the overburdening of public infrastructure. For instance, traffic congestion worsens air quality, and overpopulation stretches resources such as water and electricity beyond their limits. To combat these issues, a more balanced approach to regional development is crucial, including creating viable job opportunities in smaller towns and rural regions. Additionally, the adoption of renewable energy sources, the expansion of green spaces, and the development of efficient public transport systems could mitigate environmental damage and enhance urban livability.


In conclusion, while the growth of cities is primarily driven by better employment prospects and centralized resources, this trend has led to overcrowding and environmental harm. Solutions such as investing in smaller regions and adopting sustainable urban practices could significantly improve the quality of life in urban areas.


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Sample Essay 2

The continuous expansion of urban areas worldwide, driven by rising populations, has led to severe overcrowding and increased pollution, causing a deterioration in urban quality of life. Factors such as rural-to-urban migration for employment and the imbalance of public resources have been major contributors to this growth. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including regional investment and the implementation of sustainable policies to relieve the pressure on cities.


A key reason for this urban expansion is the migration of people from rural areas to cities in search of better economic prospects. Cities, being centers of industry and commerce, offer more employment opportunities in various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, and services, which are often unavailable in rural regions. Additionally, urban areas tend to have better access to essential services like healthcare, education, and modern infrastructure, making them more appealing for individuals and families looking to improve their standard of living. However, this rapid influx of people creates significant challenges, including overcrowding, housing shortages, and rising costs of living. The lack of adequate urban planning exacerbates these problems, leading to the development of slums, traffic congestion, and overstressed public services, ultimately degrading the overall quality of life in cities.


Another critical factor contributing to this growth is the uneven distribution of public and private investment. Governments and corporations typically prioritize cities when allocating resources, resulting in a stark disparity between urban and rural areas. This centralization of wealth and development further attracts individuals to cities, leaving smaller towns and rural communities underdeveloped and underpopulated. As cities become increasingly congested, the environment suffers due to deforestation, air and water pollution, and insufficient waste management systems. To address these problems, governments must invest more in rural and smaller urban areas, creating job opportunities and improving infrastructure to reduce migration pressure on larger cities. Simultaneously, cities must adopt green technologies and encourage sustainable practices, such as renewable energy sources and eco-friendly transportation systems, to reduce pollution and alleviate environmental damage.


In conclusion, the rapid growth of cities is primarily driven by the desire for better job opportunities and the centralization of resources, but this has led to overcrowding and environmental deterioration. Promoting regional development and embracing sustainable urban policies are essential to countering these negative effects and improving the quality of life in cities.


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Sample Essay 3

The rapid growth of major cities worldwide is primarily due to population increases, resulting in overcrowded and polluted environments that negatively affect urban living conditions. The main reasons behind this expansion include rural-to-urban migration and industrial development. However, practical solutions, such as promoting balanced regional development and implementing eco-friendly urban policies, can alleviate these issues.


One of the main drivers of urban expansion is rural-to-urban migration, as people flock to cities in search of better employment opportunities and improved living conditions. In rural areas, agricultural work is often unstable and poorly paid, leading individuals to seek stable and higher-paying jobs in cities. Industrialization and globalization have concentrated industries like manufacturing, technology, and services in urban areas, where economic growth is more pronounced. Additionally, cities provide access to better healthcare, education, and modern infrastructure, which are often limited or inadequate in rural areas. However, the rapid urban influx overwhelms city infrastructures, resulting in traffic congestion, inadequate housing, and pollution. The demand for housing often outstrips supply, causing skyrocketing rents and the spread of informal settlements. Moreover, overburdened public services such as healthcare, sanitation, and transport systems struggle to keep up with the growing population, leading to a decline in the overall quality of life for urban residents.


To address the problems caused by urban growth, governments must implement practical solutions to improve both urban and rural living conditions. One of the most effective strategies is to promote balanced regional development by creating job opportunities and improving infrastructure in smaller towns and rural areas. By investing in rural economies, governments can encourage people to remain in their hometowns instead of migrating to overcrowded cities. Moreover, decentralizing industries and encouraging companies to set up in less populated areas will reduce the strain on major cities. At the same time, cities need to adopt sustainable urban planning solutions, such as expanding public transportation systems, increasing green spaces, and introducing environmentally friendly policies like renewable energy usage and waste recycling programs. These measures will help reduce pollution levels and create healthier, more livable urban environments, allowing cities to grow sustainably without compromising the well-being of their inhabitants.


In conclusion, the growth of cities is primarily fueled by rural migration and industrial concentration, leading to overcrowding and environmental degradation. Promoting regional development and adopting sustainable urban policies are essential to mitigating these issues and improving the quality of life in urban areas.


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