TOEFL Writing Topic:
Some people prefer living in a big city. Others prefer living in the countryside. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Writing: Jeenn Lee Hsieh
ielts360toefl@hotmail.com
Despite the many materialist things that living in a big city has to offer, still it is better to live in a small town for non-materialist reasons. Life in the countryside is desirable for those who hate traffic noise and poor air quality. In the rural area, however, the air is clean and healthful, and it is generally quiet--all free!
In the context of materialism, there are a number of obvious benefits to living in a big city. For one thing, city life might be more convenient and provide a range of establishments for entertainment and enjoyment. Nowadays, most big cities across the world have become increasingly attractive for migrants from the farms to seek better economic opportunities. Nevertheless, it is not necessarily because these people love to live in big cities; rather, it is probably because most of them have to do so in the hope of earning more money. Actually, many big cities grow alike and become uncomfortable places to live, being overwhelmed by noise, congestion and air pollution as well as materialism. At this last point, it is worth mentioning that, to some extent, an urban society is an 'healthy' one in which many people may know the price of everything but, ironically, the value of nothing.
In comparison, the rural life is quite different and offers a great number of valuable things. To begin with, it is particularly ideal for children to grow up in the countryside because Nature is the best teacher. Children like to have a variety of rustic usually not available in big cities. In general, people of all ages may enjoy freedom from that kind of urban life which is often complicated and stressful, not to mention traffic problems and contamination. Here, in the countryside, there are plenty of vegetable farms, fruit trees, green rivers and ponds, and soft winds that are blowing under the white clouds against the blue sky. Besides, so unlike those urban residents who are being 'caged' in apartments and do not know the people living next door, those who are living in the countryside can call each and every neighbor by the first name.
On balance, nothing is like living in the countryside when it comes to enjoying the quality of clean air and an easy lifestyle. Such things, among others which might cost nothing at all, are so valuable that money cannot always buy. That is possibly why many people, who have moved to big cities in order to work and live, would continue hearing constantly at heart the calling of the wild back in the countryside where they may expect to live a longer life. (Jeenn Lee Hsieh)
