GCE O Level English Paper 2 - New Syllabus Summary Exercises
This summary writing exercise is in the model of the new syllabus starting 2024 of the English GCE O level examination paper 2.
Read both texts and answer the question given.
I have always believed that living in the country is better than living in a city. The air is pollution-free, and with so many trees around, we get a free flow of oxygen. Why suffer the polluted air of the cities? The water is also pollution-free in the village because there are no factories here. Furthermore, the countryside is so quiet and calm, and is ideal for a picnic with family. Who can find a quiet spot in the city? It is proven by research that spending time with nature is healing for a number of psychological ailments such as depression. Staying in concrete jungles in the city will make people lose connection with nature. Also, people in the city have no time for each other because everyone is so busy. But in the countryside, people lead leisurely lives and have time for neighbors. In fact, in the village that I stay at, it is a common sight to see youngsters in the neighbourhood playing together and older people spending time with each other at the local park. In which city can you see something like that? So go on. Get a house in the village and enjoy your life. |
Living in the village robs you of opportunities for a lot of good things in life. It is a known fact that people have to come to the cities to get good jobs. You can go to the village for vacation, but for the most part of your life, you will need to be in a city to avail of modern facilities of many kinds such as quality health care. In which village can you find a well-equipped hospital? Furthermore, city life prepares you for life in the modern world. You get to interact with different nationalities and races. You become a truly global citizen. Such interactions will broaden one’s mind. There are also opportunities for leisure in the city such as going to the movies which may not be there in the villages. You cannot find good schools and universities in villages. People in the city are at an advantage when it comes to quality education since there are good schools and universities there. Moreover, Since most Government offices and facilities are in the cities, people living there have an easier time availing of such facilities and services. People in the villages will have to travel a long way for the same. So go on, migrate to the city if you are already not there. |
Write a magazine article about the advantages of living in the city.
In your article, you should
- Evaluate the ideas and opinions of both the texts
- Give your own views, based on what you have read in the texts about the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city and the countryside.
Base your article on what you have read in both the texts but be careful to use your own words.
Give a suitable headline and write about 250 to 350 words.
Sample Answer
Countryside or city?
There are people crazy for city life and then there are people who vouch for the quiet of the countryside. Now which is your cup of tea? You can’t argue with the fact that job opportunities are more in the city. There are also better health care and educational facilities. Most Government offices are located in the cities, so it is easier for a city dweller to avail of such services. Moreover, city life provides certain ways of entertainment; for example, going to the movies.
Besides, isn’t the city a cultural melting pot? Interaction with people of different races, culture and nationality broadens the mind. In the modern world, no human being can be isolated from other cultures and societies. Life in the city is rich with intercultural interaction.
It is true that the air and water in the cities are polluted. This is indeed a disadvantage of city life. But will this be the case forever? No. A lot of research is going into keeping our air and water healthy for consumption. Critics often cite the lack of greenery in the cities as a problem. However, don’t we have green havens in our cities nowadays? Like oases? Of course, it is not the same as the natural woods of the countryside, but it does compensate on a smaller scale.
Moreover, it is not quite true that people have a better connection with each other only in the countryside. People do get together in the cities too. Otherwise, why do we have Zumba clubs and tai-chi groups who get together after work or after school?
In a nutshell, go live your life in the city. Enjoy, be active and be productive!
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