62.Cities and the countryside

Q1 What is the difference between living in the countryside and the city?

Q2 Do you prefer to live in the city or in the countryside?

Ans- Oh no! Not until I retire! I'm only 25 and dreaming of a high-flying career, but I'm afraid that living in the countryside will leave my career in tatters. Besides, I'm a very active and sociable person, so I think I will be bored to death being deprived of an active social life and abundance of entertainment options a big city provides.

Q3 Is it good for elderly people to live in large cities?

Ans- Probably 'yes' 'cause living in a large city the elderly will have good access to medical services and special deals, to say the least. Also, they will always have a way to get around using public transport, which is really important, as the older people become, the fewer of them continue driving. In big cities retirees will have more opportunities for cultural enrichment and more fitness options that will serve as motivation and social opportunities while improving their physical and mental health. Though, there can definitely be not only advantages but also disadvantages of living in a megapolis such as high crime rates, high noise levels, high prices and many risks connected with the fast pace of life such as troubles with crossing busy streets, for example.

Q4 Is it possible that all of the population move to cities?

Q5 Will people live in the countryside in the future?

Ans- Well, undoubtedly, there will be more and more people moving to cities because of educational opportunities (as everyone knows that all major and affluent colleges and universities are located in or near big cities) and because of a better job market. Also, I think that cities will attract more and more people with their better medical care and even the lifestyle because collective cultures create an exciting cultural backdrop. However, massive population growth will inevitably lead to more pollution, higher accommodation costs, congestion and a number of other problems. So, I'm sure that at some point the trend will be reversed. What's more, there will always be different types of people: those who strive for achievements and those who opt for peace, a slow pace of life, pure privacy and utter tranquility Thus, there will always be people who will stay in the countryside. So, I don't think that all of the population will ever move to cities.

Q6 Do you think people in the countryside are friendlier than in cities?

Ans- I don't really think people in the countryside are naturally friendlier than those in the city. I mean, where you live doesn't shape your personality. But I get why people seem friendlier in small towns or villages. It's mostly because the community is smaller, and people tend to see each other regularly. You pass the same faces every day, so saying hello or smiling becomes normal. You might even stop for a quick chat, just because you kind of know each other, even if it's just from walking past them a hundred times. But in big cities, it's a completely different vibe. The thing is, you're surrounded by strangers all the time. You see new faces every day, and most of the time, you're just trying to get somewhere. If someone suddenly smiles at you or starts chatting, it can feel a bit weird... like, what do they want? So people in cities just keep to themselves more. It's not that they're unfriendly, it's just that the environment doesn't really encourage casual interactions.

Q7 What should the government do to improve citizens' safety?

Ans- I think a good start would be improving things like street lighting and making sure areas with high foot traffic are well-lit. It's just about making places feel safer. More police on the streets would definitely help, but it's also important that they're not just there to respond to crime. They should be part of the community. If they're out and about, interacting with people, it builds trust. Also, addressing social issues like mental health and offering more support could prevent a lot of crime in the first place. Safety isn't just about protecting people from harm. It's about creating an environment where they feel safe and supported.

Q8 What changes usually take place in cities and towns?

Q9 Are there any changes in your city?

Ans- In my opinion, nowadays cities undergo constant changes. Many of them turn from small peaceful towns into large bustling cities. Some cities even become twice as large as they used to be. This means that now they can boast improved infrastructure, more places to visit and things to do as more and more facilities become available for people day by day. Also, the general quality of the city landscape improves, so cities become way more beautiful than in the past. For instance, many ancient buildings are restored and modern ones constructed. Therefore, cities turn into remarkable tourist attractions. Overall, I'd say the majority of cities change for the better, though there can still be issues with public transport and heavy traffic on roads. Cities become a lot more crowded. There's more traffic, and therefore more pollution.