Research shows that increasing numbers of people are now living in mega-cities: cities of more than 20 million inhabitants.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Research shows that increasing numbers of people are now living in mega-cities: cities of more than 20 million inhabitants.

Mega-Cities 20 Million Inhabitants Growing Positive Negative - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7.5 ยท 314 words.

Research indicates that an increasing number of people are choosing to live in mega-cities, defined as urban areas with populations exceeding 20 million. In my opinion, this is a positive development, as it provides individuals with better access to education and advanced technological facilities, ultimately improving their quality of life.

One of the main reasons people migrate from rural areas to mega-cities is the desire to secure a better future for their children. Large cities offer a wide range of employment opportunities as well as access to high-quality education. In contrast, many rural regions lack sufficient resources, leading to unemployment and limited prospects. As a result, young people in these areas are sometimes forced to seek work at an early age in order to support their families. By moving to mega-cities, parents can ensure that their children receive a proper education and enjoy equal opportunities. For example, children raised in urban environments often benefit from well-equipped schools and experienced teachers, which significantly enhances their chances of success.

In addition, mega-cities provide access to modern technologies and essential infrastructure. Many smaller towns and rural areas still struggle with basic issues such as unreliable energy supplies and limited access to clean water. In some cases, people are required to rely on traditional heating methods, which can be both physically demanding and harmful to their health. By contrast, residents of large cities generally enjoy more stable living conditions and can take advantage of technological advancements that make daily life more convenient. This not only improves their standard of living but also allows them to focus on personal and professional development.

In conclusion, the growing trend of living in mega-cities is largely beneficial, as it enables people to access better educational opportunities and modern technological resources. These advantages play a crucial role in enhancing overall living standards and creating a more promising future for individuals and their families.

Examiner feedback

This is a very strong essay that demonstrates high proficiency in English. The score of 7.5 is achieved through excellent grammatical control and a sophisticated use of vocabulary. To reach Band 8.0 or 9.0, the candidate should aim for a more nuanced Task Response that addresses the specific scale of mega-cities (such as the complexities of managing 20 million people) and use more varied, less 'textbook' cohesive devices.

Task Response - 7

- The candidate presents a clear position throughout the essay, arguing that the growth of mega-cities is a positive development. - Main ideas are relevant and supported, particularly regarding education and infrastructure. - The response could be further developed by specifically addressing the unique challenges or characteristics of 'mega-cities' (20 million+ inhabitants), as the current arguments apply generally to any urban migration rather than the specific scale mentioned in the prompt.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information is organized logically with a clear progression from the benefits of education to the benefits of infrastructure. - Cohesive devices (e.g., 'In addition', 'By contrast', 'For example') are used accurately, though they feel somewhat mechanical and formulaic. - Each paragraph contains a clear central topic, contributing to the overall clarity of the argument.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide range of vocabulary is used fluently (e.g., 'urban areas exceeding', 'secure a better future', 'unreliable energy supplies'). - Lexical items are used with precision, and collocations are natural and sophisticated. - There is some minor repetition of the word 'technological', but overall, the word choice is highly effective and accurate.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- A wide variety of complex structures is used throughout the essay (e.g., 'By moving to mega-cities, parents can ensure that...'). - The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating high control over grammar and punctuation. - The writing is very accurate, with only rare, minor slips that do not impede communication.

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