TEACHER’S NOTES

WORKSHEETS, ACTIVITIE S & GA ME S City vs. Country Living

Activity Type Introduction

Reading, matching, In this engaging group discussion activity, students learn
listening and speaking vocabulary related to the city and countryside and discuss
activity, group work questions on the topic of city versus country living.

Procedure
Focus
Give each student a copy of the worksheet.
Discussion skills

Discussion practice To begin, students read a passage about city versus country living
and then match topic-based vocabulary from the text to their
correct definitions.
Aim
Exercise A - Answer key
To learn vocabulary
related to the city and 1. d 2. j 3. h 4. a 5. c 6. b 7. g 8. f 9. i 10. e
countryside and to
discuss questions on Afterwards, in groups of three, students discuss six questions
the topic of city versus about city versus country living with each group member leading
country living. the discussion for two questions.

Preparation
Make a copy of the
worksheet for each
student.

Level
Upper-intermediate (B2)

Time
25 minutes

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 DISCUSSIONS

WORKSHEETS, ACTIVITIE S & GA ME S City vs. Country Living

A. Read the text about city versus country living and then match the words in bold to
their definitions.

Living in a big city has a number of benefits. The first of these is convenient (a) access to
transport and (b) facilities. In many cities, owning a car is unnecessary because you can (c)
commute easily with several public transport options such as the subway or (d) trams. This
means avoiding many of the (e) hassles of owning a car such as parking and insurance, and
you also have the added health benefit of walking more. Living in a large (f) urban centre also
means you have access to great (g) amenities. You not only have access to excellent schools
and hospitals but places that enrich your life such as theatres, museums,
and restaurants. However, living downtown is not for everyone because as
good as cities are, they have some downsides. Cities are expensive especially
when it comes to housing. It is often the case, that city living means living in
a small and expensive apartment. In addition, cities tend to be crowded and
noisy places meaning they can, over time, feel stressful.

Country living is a great option for people who enjoy the peace and relaxed atmosphere (h)
rural life offers. Many people are attracted to small towns because they want to be part of a
(i) close-knit community where familiar faces are always commonplace. Living in the country
also means nature is easily accessible, so if you are a person who is into outdoor pursuits such
as hiking or fishing, it can be ideal. Despite its appeal, country living has certain disadvantages.
The main one being limited (j) public services. Depending on the size
of the town, there may not be all the medical or educational services one
requires, which means travelling long distances to access a needed service.
Another drawback of small-town life can be a lack of entertainment options.
Most small towns do not have cinemas and do not offer the same access to
sporting and cultural events found in larger urban areas.

1. E
 lectric vehicles that transport people and 6. P
 laces or buildings where particular
go along metal tracks in the road ....... activities happen .......
2. S
 ervices provided by the government, such 7. T
 hings intended to make life more pleasant
as hospitals, schools, or the police ....... or comfortable for people .......
3. Related to the countryside ....... 8. In relation to a city or town .......

4. T
 o be able to get to or get inside a place 9. D
 escribing groups of people in which
....... everyone supports each other .......
5. T
 o travel regularly between work and home 10. S
 ituations that cause difficulty or trouble
....... .......
B. In groups of three, discuss the questions about city versus country living below.

1. Tell the group about the area in which you live? What do you like and dislike about living there?

2. Would you prefer to live in the city or the countryside? Why?

3. What is your favourite city? What do you like about it?

4. What is your favourite rural area? What do you like about it?

5. What amenities would you like to see more of in your neighbourhood?

6. A
 round the world, increasing numbers of people are moving from the country to make a new
life in the city? What can governments do to manage this trend successfully?

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