Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #115

A. Urbanization is the process by which an increasing proportion of a country''s population comes to live in cities and towns. This demographic shift is one of the most significant social transformations of the past two centuries, fundamentally reshaping societies, economies, and the environment on a global scale. Driven primarily by the search for economic opportunities, people migrate from rural to urban areas, a trend that began during the Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America and has since become a worldwide phenomenon, particularly in developing nations.

B. The primary pull factor for urban migration is the concentration of employment in cities. Industrial, commercial, and service-sector jobs are typically located in urban centres, offering higher wages and greater prospects for social mobility than are available in agricultural rural areas. Cities also offer better access to education, healthcare, and cultural amenities, which further enhances their appeal. This migration is often accompanied by a natural increase in the urban population itself, as birth rates in cities can initially remain high while mortality rates fall due to better sanitation and medical care.

C. However, rapid and often unplanned urbanization presents substantial challenges. The influx of people can overwhelm existing infrastructure, leading to housing shortages, the growth of informal settlements or slums, and immense pressure on public services like water supply, sanitation, and transportation. Environmental problems are also exacerbated, including increased pollution, waste management crises, and the loss of green spaces. Socially, rapid urbanization can lead to increased inequality, crime, and the erosion of traditional community structures.

D. Despite these challenges, urbanization is intrinsically linked to economic development and is largely seen as an unstoppable process. The key for governments and city planners is not to halt this trend but to manage it sustainably. Effective urban planning, investment in public infrastructure, and policies that promote inclusive growth can help mitigate the negative consequences of urbanization. Well-managed cities can be powerful engines of innovation and economic growth, offering their inhabitants a higher quality of life and contributing to national progress.