Growing Up in the City Vs the Country

Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on July 16, 2019 and last updated on August 7, 2023

The topic of growing up in the city versus the country serves as an excellent conversation topic for English learners, offering opportunities to enhance language skills and broaden cultural understanding. Engaging in discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of city and country living will enable learners to practice expressing opinions, supporting arguments and using appropriate vocabulary.

Additionally, exploring the topic provides insights into different ways of life, fostering cultural awareness and expanding learners’ perspectives. Through this topic, English learners can improve their speaking and listening abilities while developing critical thinking skills and intercultural competence.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

About Growing Up in the City Vs the Country

The debate between growing up in the city versus the country has long captivated discussions on lifestyle, opportunities and overall well-being. Each environment offers a unique set of experiences and challenges that shape a person’s upbringing. While city life promises convenience, diversity and access to resources, country living boasts tranquillity, close-knit communities and a connection with nature.

The impact of these contrasting settings on childhood development, education, social interactions and personal values sparks insightful conversations on what truly defines a fulfilling upbringing. Exploring the pros and cons of growing up in the city versus the country opens doors to understanding the diverse perspectives and choices that shape individuals’ lives.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • childhood (noun)
  • country (noun)
  • city (noun)
  • town (noun)
  • grow up (phrasal verb)
  • bring up (phrasal verb)
  • countryside (noun)
  • experience (noun)

Conversation Questions

My Image
  • Did you grow up in the city or the country?
  • Do you think it is better to grow up in the city or in the country?
  • What were the good things about growing up where you did?
  • What were the bad things about growing up where you did?
  • What are some advantages of growing up in the city?
  • What are some disadvantages of growing up in the city?
  • What are some advantages of growing up in the country?
  • What problems can children have living in the country?
  • How does access to education differ between urban and rural areas?
  • Where would you like to have grown up?
  • Should parents prioritize access to nature and outdoor activities over the conveniences and opportunities provided by the city?
  • Do children in the city or the country have better mental and physical well-being?
  • Should governments invest more resources in improving infrastructure and services in rural areas to provide better opportunities for children?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.