If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change?
Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
The assertion claims that if given the chance to change one important thing about their hometown, they would change it. However, he or she fails to consider why they would want to do such a thing.
The speaker’s reason for wanting to change something about their hometown is the increased crime. The argument seems reasonable, because many people, particularly those of the younger generation, dislike living in unsafe environments. However, this reason ignores other factors that may prevent the change from occurring. For example, it may be that the crime problem is a problem only in certain areas of town. The assertion may live in a relatively safe part of town, but be unaware of this fact. They may have lived in their hometown all their lives, and no longer have any desire to explore other places. Alternatively, the statement may simply have a negative view of a particular demographic. For example, many young criminals living in impoverished areas may commit crimes simply to get money to support themselves in a poor environment. This, of course, is beyond the control of the speaker.
Another important factor may be the speaker’s age. Many older people dislike leaving their hometowns because they have fond memories of growing up in their neighborhoods. They may love being near their many relatives, or they may miss the area’s many cultural landmarks. Even if the crime rate is high, it may be that the statement is reluctant to move away simply because they don’t want to leave their family and friends. Sometimes, moving away may have detrimental effects on the speaker’s emotional well-being, such as causing them to miss the funeral of one of their relatives. The assertion also may have more connections in their hometown than they think. A move to a new surrounding may mean that the statement could lose touch with acquaintances, or lose touch with old friends who move away.
Finally, the statement may have spent a lifetime in their town, but be unable to think of a good reason to move. They may feel that they have completed their tasks in life. Perhaps they have a happy marriage, comfortable home, and successful job. Perhaps they have grown tired of the daily commute, or hate the isolation of suburbia. Perhaps they have learned to love their town, and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Whatever the reason, the statement may be reluctant to leave for any number of reasons. Before the statement makes a decision, he or she should consider these potential causes, as well as other possible objections.