Dear deer

隨著一月的口語考試的結束，一到四月的IELTS口說題庫也漸漸有了雛形，雅思口說考試是有一種規律的，這些題目會在剩下的三個月裡成為你準備考試的惡夢。

關於an enjoyable activity that you've done in the countryside話題的part3部分共5個問題答案。

1.Do you think it is better to live in the countryside or in the city?

As often as this question is raised, I believe it remains a tough decision to make when it comes to choosing between living in the countryside and living in the city. Many people have been attracted to live and work in big cities because of better employment opportunities and higherliving standards. This massive rural-to-urban migration has, however, led to increase in environmental pollution, traffic and social issues in urban areas. It would be a better idea for people to live in the suburb and travel into the city to work every day so that they can enjoy the best of both worlds.

2.In your experience are city centres usually attractive places?

Mary: Some can be yes … especially those with a historical interest … but sometimes they’re full of ugly office blocks … multi-story car parks … and residents living in poor housing … it depends on the city doesn’t it?

3.What are some of the challenges facing towns and cities?

I suppose traffic congestion is the first and most serious problem most people choosing to live in the cities have to deal with. During the peak hours, there are an influx of people on the roads while the infrastructure can’t furnish people enough space for driving their own cars. Besides, the marked increase in out-of-town supermarkets and retail parks mean lots of town centre shops are closing down. I think these are the major challenges.

4.What are the advantages of living in the countryside?

Living in the countryside can definitely benefit people in a wide range of ways. For one thing, living in the countryside is better for one’s health condition thanks to significantly lower levels of air pollution. It is undeniable that, air quality in big cities is so bad that long-term exposure to it may cause respiratory diseases and other health problems. Besides, the cost of living in rural areas is likely to be lower than that in cities. Although people in the city tend to make more money than people in the countryside do, they have to spend more on food, accommodation and transportation. Therefore, one can actually save more money by living in the countryside without working as hard.

5.Do you think that people should have permission to build houses in the countryside?

I certainly think people should be encouraged to build houses in less developed areas. This is because house prices in big cities have become unaffordable for the masses while it costs much less to purchase land and build houses in the countryside. By making more land in the countryside available for building on, the government can attract people to live and work in the countryside, which will not only benefit the economy but also help to reduce burdens on big cities.