# Growing up in the city or the countryside: IELTS Writing Task 2 samples Writing Task 2 - Cities Some people think that growing up in a big city is better for children, while others believe that children are better off growing up in the countryside. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words. Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo. ## Band 6 sample Where children grow up is very important for their future. Some people think a big city is the best place for children, while other people believe the countryside is better. In this essay I will discuss both side and give my own opinion. On the one hand, there are many advantages for children in big city. Firstly, the schools in cities are usually better and there are more choices, for example international schools and private schools. Secondly, there are many activities for children such as museums, libraries, sport clubs and music lessons. When I was a child I lived in the capital city and I could go to swimming lessons and English classes after school, which was very useful for me. Also, in the future there are more jobs and universities in cities. On the other hand, the countryside have also many benefits. The air is more clean and there is less traffic, so it is more safe for children to play outside. Children can play in the fields and learn about animals and plants in real life, not only from the books. In addition, life in the countryside is more slow and less stressful, and the neighbours usually know each other well, so children feel like part of a community. In my opinion, the countryside is better for children, especially for young children, because they need space, fresh air and safety more than anything. However, when they become teenager, the city can give them more opportunities for education and hobbies. In conclusion, both places has advantages for children. I think the countryside is better for small children, but city life can be good for older children who need more chances to study. **Examiner notes.** This Band 6 essay discusses both views and reaches a sensible opinion, and the personal example of swimming lessons and English classes supports the city side. However, the countryside paragraph lists benefits without developing any of them, and the opinion is explained in a single sentence. Errors such as "both side", "more clean" and "both places has" are noticeable but do not block meaning. For Band 7, the writer would need to explain why each benefit matters and support the opinion with a clear reason or example. ## Band 7 sample Where children are raised can shape their health, personality and opportunities. While some people argue that a large city offers the best start in life, others believe the countryside is a better environment. In my view, the countryside is generally preferable, particularly for younger children, although cities have clear advantages for teenagers. Supporters of city life emphasise the range of opportunities available. Urban areas usually have a wider choice of schools, as well as libraries, museums and specialist clubs for everything from robotics to ballet. Children who grow up surrounded by people from different backgrounds may also become more confident and open-minded. In addition, teenagers in cities can easily reach universities, internships and part-time jobs, which helps them prepare for adult life. By contrast, those who prefer the countryside highlight space, safety and contact with nature. Rural children can usually play outdoors with less worry about heavy traffic, and they often have fields or woods nearby where they can explore freely. This kind of unstructured play encourages physical activity and independence. Smaller communities can also give children a sense of belonging, as neighbours and teachers tend to know each family personally. Overall, I believe the countryside is better for most children, at least in their early years. Young children benefit more from fresh air, freedom to move and a calm routine than from museums or a wide choice of activities. For example, a six-year-old who spends afternoons building dens in a nearby wood is developing creativity and confidence at no cost to the family. However, as children get older, the advantages of a city become harder to ignore, and some rural families may have to travel long distances to provide them. In conclusion, both environments have something to offer, but the countryside provides a healthier and more secure childhood, while cities become more valuable during the teenage years. **Examiner notes.** This Band 7 essay gives each view a balanced paragraph and keeps a clear position: the countryside is better, especially for young children. The example of a child "building dens in a nearby wood" supports the opinion well, and vocabulary such as "unstructured play" is precise. However, the claim that city children become "more confident and open-minded" is not explained, and the problem of long journeys for rural teenagers is only mentioned. A Band 8 essay would develop these points and integrate the qualification more fully. The Band 8 and 9 samples are free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/writing/topics/task-2/children-city-or-countryside). ## Common questions ### How many words should I write? At least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2. Writing a little more is fine; an answer under the minimum loses marks. ### Can I use these sample answers in my test? No. Memorised material is marked down and you will not get this exact question. Use the samples to see what each band does with the same task.