1. Read the model essay and tick the four topics that are mentioned.

1. public transport

2. crime rates

3. air pollution

4. employment and income

5. cultural and social life

6. affordable housing

7. social isolation

8. traffic problems

Since the industrial revolution began in the late 18^th century, the number of city dwellers has grown and rural

populations have shrunk. Although this suggests that life in the city may be superior in some ways, there are

definitely pros and cons to metropolitan living.

Perhaps the strongest argument for living in cities is that there are greater employment opportunities than in the country. (1) E_____, salaries tend to be higher, meaning that city dwellers often have mere disposable income. A (2) f_____ benefit of city living is the numerous ways in which this income can be spent to enrich people's lives. For those who manage to achieve a healthy work-life balance, cities can provide a comparatively well-paid job which allows them to enjoy a variety of cultural and social experiences.

One of the most (3) p_____ arguments against urban life is, ironically, the sense of isolation that living together with so many others can cause. Rural communities frequently enjoy a strong sense of togetherness, but urbanites often feel a lack of connection with others. It is impossible to form a relationship with all the people in a big city, so a common solution is to ignore the vast majority of them. This may also be related to another of the (4) m_____ of city life, namely high crime rates.

All things (5) c_____, despite the fact that cities can be lonely and dangerous places to live in, I feel the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. (6) P_____, I enjoy living in the city and wouldn't want to live in the country while I am still young.

2. Match the following definitions with the underlined words in the essay.

(Nối các định nghĩa sau với các từ được gạch chân trong bài luận.)

1. city dwellers & _____: people who live in cities

2. _____: relating to the city rather than the countryside

3. _____: relating to the countryside rather than the city

4. _____: have become smaller

5. _____: money to spend on nonessential things

6. _____: improve the quality of something

3. Complete gaps 1 - 6 in the essay with the missing words. The first letters are given.

(Hoàn thành các chỗ trống 1 – 6 trong bài luận với từ còn thiếu. Các chữ cái đầu tiên được cho trước.)

4. Replace the words in Exercise 3 with the words and phrases below.

(Thay thế các cụm từ trong bài 3 với các từ và cụm từ bên dưới.)

Likewise

Another

convincing

On balance

As far as I'm concerned

drawbacks

5. Choose the correct option to complete the sentences expressing concession.

(Chọn đáp án đúng để hoàn thành các câu chỉ sự nhượng bộ.)

1. Although/ Despite there are numerous pluses to rural life, there are also considerable minuses.

2. Even though / Despite life in the country can be quiet, there is usually a strong sense of community in smaller villages.

3. For those who love the outdoors, there is plenty to do in the countryside in spite of/ although the lack of clubs, galleries and cinemas.

4. Although / Despite the air is clean and the noise is minimal, there is little entertainment in the country.

5. Finally, country life allows for clean and healthy living close to nature despite / even though the distance from the amenities of the city.