Topic 64: Growing Up in a Big vs. Small City

A1 - A2 (Beginner - Elementary)

1. Do you live in a big city or a small town?

2. Which do you like more: big cities or small towns? Why?

3. What are the good things about living in a small town?

4. What are the good things about living in a big city?

5. Are there more jobs in big cities or small towns? Why?

6. Do you think small towns are safer than big cities? Why?

7. Where do you think people are friendlier: in big cities or small towns?

8. What do children do for fun in a small town?

9. What do children do for fun in a big city?

10. Would you like to live in a big city in the future? Why or why not?

11. What are some problems people have in big cities?

12. How do people travel in big cities and small towns?

13. Do you think small towns are better for families? Why or why not?

14. Are schools better in big cities or small towns? Why?

15. If you could choose any place to live, where would it be?

16. Do you think people in big cities have more fun? Why or why not?

B1 - B2 (Intermediate - Upper-Intermediate)

17. What are the biggest differences between growing up in a big city and a small town?

18. How does the cost of living compare in big cities vs. small towns?

19. What are some challenges of living in a big city?

20. How does public transportation differ in cities and rural areas?

21. Do you think people in small towns have a better work-life balance? Why or why not?

22. How does the education system differ in big and small cities?

23. What are the healthcare differences between big cities and small towns?

24. How do entertainment and cultural activities differ between big cities and small towns?

25. Do you think small towns have a stronger sense of community? Why or why not?

26. What are the advantages and disadvantages of raising children in a big city?

27. What are some environmental differences between urban and rural living?

28. How do job opportunities differ between big cities and small towns?

29. Do you think people in big cities are more stressed? Why or why not?

30. How does growing up in a small town affect personality and lifestyle?

31. Do you think small towns will disappear in the future? Why or why not?

32. What are the biggest challenges people face when moving from a small town to a big city?

C1 - C2 (Advanced - Proficient)

33. How does urbanization affect rural communities and small towns?

34. Should governments encourage people to live in smaller towns to reduce overpopulation in big cities?

35. What is the role of technology in making small towns more livable?

36. How do crime rates compare between urban and rural areas?

37. What are the psychological effects of growing up in a highly populated city?

38. How does infrastructure development affect small towns and big cities differently?

39. Should businesses invest more in small towns instead of big cities? Why or why not?

40. How does globalization impact the cultural identity of small towns?

41. What is the environmental impact of rapid urbanization?

42. How do traditional values differ between urban and rural communities?

43. What are the biggest economic challenges for small towns?

44. How can small towns attract young people to stay and work there?

45. Should city planning focus more on sustainability or expansion? Why?

46. What is the impact of social isolation in big cities compared to small towns?

47. Do you think people in big cities or small towns are happier? Why?

48. If you had to design the perfect place to live, what features would it have?