Moving to big cities

It is very common for young people to leave their home towns to work in big cities. This essay will explain the main reasons for this and discuss how it affects the communities that they leave behind.

The most important reason is employment. Big cities have many more companies, and they usually pay higher salaries than small towns, where the choice of jobs is limited. Another reason is education: the best colleges and training centres are often in large cities, and young people move there to study and then stay to work. Finally, some are attracted by the lifestyle, with its entertainment, shops and chances to meet new people.

The effect on the places that they leave can be serious. When many young people go, the population of a town becomes older, and there are fewer workers to run farms, shops and local services. Schools may lose pupils and some may close. Local businesses suffer because there are fewer customers, which makes the town less attractive for those who remain.

However, there can also be some benefits. Many migrants send part of their earnings home, and this money can support families and pay for houses, schools and healthcare. Some return after several years with new skills and savings, and they may start businesses that create jobs in their home towns.

In conclusion, young people move to cities mainly for better jobs, education and lifestyle. This movement can weaken small towns, but the money and skills that migrants send or bring back may partly make up for the loss, especially if governments invest in these areas to give young people more reasons to stay.

Why it works

• Both questions in the task are answered in separate paragraphs.
• Effects are explained with a cause and a result, and a positive effect is included for balance.
• The conclusion sums up both parts of the answer.