It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree?
Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
While it is clearly preferable to live in a small town than a big city, I believe there is no clear winner between the two. The beauty of each location depends on its people and the unique qualities of their environment. There are many benefits to living in a small town, but there are also many negative aspects.
Certainly, children growing up in the countryside have the benefit of having nature as their main playground. They can climb trees, go fishing, or watch wildlife from their backyards. That environment, though, is also less safe than cities. Cities have police and fire departments that are trained to respond to emergency situations. Small towns do not have this luxury, so children must be more careful when hiking and playing outside.
Children also learn important life skills in small towns. People there generally take more pride in their homes and yards. They work hard to maintain them, and there is usually a greater sense of community; as a result, people are more willing to help their neighbors. These skills can be transferred to a big city, but it takes more frequent interaction with neighbors in order to do so. Children in big cities tend to live more isolated lives, and so it is more difficult for them to learn to communicate effectively or form strong bonds with others.
Children who grow up in big cities also benefit greatly from exposure to the arts, music, and literature that may not be available in rural areas. Cities are hubs for artists of all kinds, from painters to musicians to actors. In a city, children are likely to experience shows, concerts, and recitals, allowing them to appreciate art in many forms. Movies and television are also prolific in big cities. Children can watch classic films, watch movies based on popular novels, and see new releases in the theaters. Children in cities also have access to books, both at the library and from their friends.
These benefits can be offset by the negative aspects of the city. Children in cities tend to feel isolated and lonely. Because of all the changes in their lives, they miss many of the social experiences that children acquire when they are still living with their parents. Some parents, in an attempt to help their children adjust to life in the city, move away, which can further isolate their children. Children also feel more pressure to excel academically in a big city than in the countryside, and they may become depressed if they fail to meet this expectation.
Because of the interconnectedness of cities, it is easier for criminals to get children to work for them. This can result in kidnappings and other crimes. Children who are kidnapped may be forced into prostitution, drug sales, or other illegal enterprises. They can also get drawn into gang activity, which can lead them to a life of crime. For these reasons, parents should carefully consider their child’s needs when deciding where to live. Regardless of where a child lives, it is important for parents to keep open communication with their children.