Source 1: Trends in urban and rural populations
The term ‘urban’ is used to describe towns and cities, which usually have large
populations. The term ‘rural’ is used to describe areas in the countryside, which
usually have smaller populations.
The graph below shows estimated population change in urban and rural areas
worldwide between 1980 and 2050.
Source 2: Movement from rural to urban areas
People move from rural to urban areas for many reasons. They often want to
improve their standard of living by finding a well-paid job. In urban areas there are
better opportunities for housing, education and healthcare. Cities also offer better
leisure and entertainment facilities.
Today, about half of the world’s population live in urban areas, which has caused
overpopulation in many cities. There are now over 400 cities with more than a million
people. If cities become overpopulated this can cause crime, encourage the spread
of disease and put pressure on local services like education and healthcare. This
also causes problems for rural areas like depopulation, increased poverty, and fewer
facilities.
Extract from an article about rural to urban migration
Source 3: Investing money in cities
I believe governments must spend more money improving cities.
Eighty per cent of families in rural areas work in farming. Food markets in towns and
cities offer opportunities for local farmers. But those families who do not have land or
any other source of income are often very poor. If more money is invested in cities
they would become more attractive to these families.
By 2050, 67 per cent of the world’s population will live in towns and cities. But this
will bring congestion, overcrowding and higher prices for housing. More money is
needed to solve these problems.
About one billion people live in slums on the edges of cities, with limited access to
basic services (World Bank, 2013) and this number is expected to rise to two billion
by 2030 (United Nations). Cities add to global energy use and gas emissions.
Despite this, if cities are well managed they might be better places to live in.
Extract from a blog about government spending
Source 4: Views from young people about moving from rural areas to cities
Ni Lui
I do not agree that people should move away from where they were born. My
teacher told us that 70 young people left our village this year and half of them left to
find work. She said that soon there will be no new generations in our village and our
traditions will die out.
My parents have lived in this village all of their lives, just like their parents and
grandparents did. They have been very happy here. They have taught me everything
they know about the village history. My father runs a business here and if too many
people leave the village his business may have to close. I would also like my own
children to grow up here.
Putu
As soon as I finish school I want to go to live in the nearest city. Life there is more
exciting. If I am lucky, I may be able to go to university there next year. My two
younger sisters are living at home so they can help with the family. Finding a
part-time job will be very easy because I have excellent computer skills. This means
that I will be able to send some money back to my family to help them.
I have some relatives in the city. I can stay with them for a while and they will teach
me how to survive in a city.
Questions
4 Your government wants to reduce the number of people moving from rural to urban
areas. They are considering the following ideas:
• improve roads and public transport in rural areas
• invest in businesses and employment opportunities in rural areas
• reduce taxes for people living in rural areas.
Which one of these suggestions would you recommend to the government, and
why?
In your answer you should:
• state your recommendation
• give reasons to support your choice
• use the material in the sources and/or any of your own ideas
• consider different arguments and perspectives.(48 lines)
[24]
Questions to develop the answer – Identify at least 3 source evidence to support
your answers)
1. State which one of these suggestions would you recommend to the government.
Begin using,
I would recommend the government …………………. Because (Why did you select
this option out of the three…Write in just three lines)
2. What is the scale of impact if government invest in the option chosen by you?
Refer to sources 2,3,4 to find any information related to the option chosen by you.
With government investing in businesses and employment opportunities in rural
areas, I can understand that the scale of benefits(impacts) could be …..(wide range
of people – different sectors in rural areas) use source information – mention which
source provides this information)
3.What will be implications of the option chosen by you on different
individuals/groups/government?
Think from different people who live in rural areas – …. (Write 4 to 5 lines on the
implications on these people and conclude ascertaining how strong your
recommendation is)
4. Suggest (keeping the option that you have chosen) how long it might take to make
a difference in the region if invested by the government
The investment in this (option) will make a difference (for whom and which area/time
period – immediately/swiftly/within a short period of time/if it takes a long time – how
long the benefits can be reaped by the people)
5. Will there be any opportunities to display the power of collective action? How?
You option that you allow should have opportunities to display the power of collective
action
Collective Action, here means work done by different set of people coming together
to provide the opportunity.
Begin your answer as, This option will also demonstrate the power of collective
action where (how….)
6. What will the influence of individuals and groups on decision making, role of
vested interest groups and power differences or potential conflicts of interests?
Write your answer as to how will your chosen option be affected by individuals and
groups on decision making or any possible conflicts of interest …if it will get affected
provide a counter argument support how it can be resolved ….use words such as
however, nevertheless to provide counter argument….
7. Suggest how initial difficulties during planning and coordinating the ideas can be
resolved due to the improvements brought about in the region due to the investment
suggested or option recommended by you to the government.
It is true there would be difficulties (such as … during planning and coordinating
stage), however these issues can be resolved…..
8. Suggest why did you eliminate the other points and how does the option
recommended by you have a greater stance compared to the other options.
The reason I eliminated option 1 or …. Because although option 1 provides (good or
relevant effect … what negative consequence can it bring about)
Now consolidate the answers and write the complete response. Remember to use
linking words such as (Get the list from this link)
https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_WritingSkills/writing_tuts/linking_LL/lin
king3.html
End your essay with –
Therefore, as a long term solutions, to reduce rural population move into urban
population, I think (write the option chosen by you) … is most feasible because(write
in short – just two lines of the entire positive reasons mentioned by you…)