IELTS SPEAKING AND WRITING TEST TOPIC 16
Rich and poor world -Different generation
Modern life –city –country living
Section 1: Modern life - stress –city life
1. Would you prefer to live in the city or the countryside? Why?
2. In Vietnam, in what ways are city and country people different?
3. If you could choose, where would you prefer to bring up your children, in the
countryside or a city? Why?
4. Where is Vietnamese culture stronger, in the country or the city? Can you give
some examples?
5. Modern life:
- Describe some elements of your life which you consider to be modern.
- Compare the life of young adults today with previous generations.
- justify or otherwise a major change that has occurred in the last ten years.
6. Country and city life:
- what are some of the advantages of living in the country?
- What are some of the advantages of living in the city?
- Would you prefer to live in the countryside or the city? Why?
- Is one safer? Healthier?
- Are country and city people different? In what ways?
- In your country where is the culture stronger, in the city or the country? Give
examples.
- How does housing in your country compare between the country and the city?
- Would you prefer to live in the city or in the countryside and why?
7. Describe a city you have visited which has impressed you.
You should say:
- where is it situated.
- Why you vistied it.
- What you liked about it
8. City and country life.
- Would you prefer to live in the city or the countryside? Why/Why not?

- The windows are properly sealed.
- Kitchen appliances are in working order.
- Everything new and perfect.
- Why not modern apartment?
- Modern design: empty and sterile and not very inviting.
- All the rooms and windows of the same size or a box design. A modern apartment
usually comes in one size and shape.
12. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city.
Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support
your
- Why small town?
- Friendly community
- Superior security.
- Why not small town?
- Poor public transportation. Need to possess a private car to ensure a comfortable
living.
- Slow space
- Poor entertainment facility: life is boring.
- Little different of people.
- Why big city?
- A choice of taking public transportation: cheaper.
- Adapt with a variety of situation: finding a new route to work or trying a new
restaurant.
- Variety of cultural activities available: a wide assortment of theatre, music and
dance performances.
- Diversity of people: different races, religions, abilities, and interests.
- Why not big city?
- Transportation: heavy traffic, expensive parking.
- Unfriendly community.
- Unsafe security.

- Keep spirit happy: good relationship with friends, family, colleagues.
Section 2: Rich and poor world
1. The economic globalisation will bring about greater benefits for developed
countries than for developing ones as the former countries enjoy comparative
advantages in technology and managerial skills over the latter ones. Discuss.
2.To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world
become a social and political issue in the 21st century?
3. Developed countries have no responsibility to help the developing nations.
4.Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations
by providing such things as food and education? Or is it a responsibility of the
governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?
How to share?
- Lending money.
- Providing equipment, facility.
- Transfer technology.
- Financial aid for education.
Why should?
- Helping poor countries can bring economic benefits for both sides
- Poor: technology, facility, qualified human resource.
- Rich: larger market, cheap labour force.
- social benefits:
- reduce migration from developing to developed countries: better living standard.
- Reduce international crime: bridge the gap between rich and poor world.
- A humanitarian action:
- Provide food for hungry people.
- Clear illiteracy.
Why shouldn’t?
- poorer nations are less reliant, more dependent.
5. As most foreign aid often benefits the donor more than the receiver, developing
countries should refuse to repay their debts. Preparation and practice –150 -169.

Also, thanks to the electronic medi, it’s become completely international. The youth
industry isn’t all about pop and fashion, though. It’s about issues and problems, too.
These days, teenagers all over the world are interested in the environment, peace and
famine. Then there’s the drug crisis – a serious problem that involves millions of
young people directly -> teenager culture: pop and politics, fashion and famine.
8. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your
generation different from your parents’ generation? Use specific reasons and
examples to explain your answer.
9. Young people are said to have lost many of the traditional values of the older
generations. Do you agree?
10. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your
generation different from your parents’ generation? Use specific reasons and
examples to explain your answer.
11. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do
you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
12. What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in your
country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
13.To what extent has the traditional male role changed in the last 20 years?