Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay on Relocating Businesses: Improve Ideas Development
Sample Answer with Feedback

Nowadays, some big businesses and industries and their workers relocate from cities to the countryside because of the traffic congestion and housing in major cities. In my opinion, I strongly disagree with this trend, and this essay will explore some disadvantages of this point of view.

To begin with, relocating businesses and industries would require some resources, planning, and coordination. For instance, a company called NoYu Group in Korea relocated from Seoul to Andong, which is one of the most famous areas for experiencing the traditional Korean countryside, in 2008. The NoYu Group needed a large amount of time to relocate, and they also required careful management and stability. In addition, some workers are more likely to live in modern cities, and they do not want to leave their family and move to rural areas. Although rural areas are convenient for traffic and housing, they are less preferred than urban areas due to lifestyles and healthcare facilities.

However, some benefits of resettling in rural areas cannot be ignored. Firstly, the commute from homes to companies is more convenient than in urban areas. To illustrate, employees may arrive late at work because of traffic congestion in rush hour. In the countryside, however, they do not have to worry about other people's cars or vehicles, and workers can also go by bicycle to the companies. Secondly, the housing or apartment fees are affordable for some workers who have minimum wages. For example, the apartment's monthly rent fees are above $600 in the major cities of Japan but only $300 in the countryside.

To sum up, I wholeheartedly reckon that the drawbacks of relocating big businesses and industries and their workers from urban areas to rural areas outweigh the benefits.

    Traffic congestion and housing shortages are major challenges for many cities today. Some propose moving large businesses, industries, and their workers to rural areas as a solution. However, I believe this approach is neither feasible nor effective. A more sustainable alternative would be to improve urban infrastructure and transportation systems rather than displacing economic hubs.

    To begin with, relocating businesses and industries would require extensive resources, planning, and coordination. According to the World Bank, relocating a firm demands careful management and significant resources, often disrupting productivity, profitability, and overall competitiveness, affecting both firms and workers. Additionally, uprooting employees from established urban communities could negatively impact their well-being and quality of life, making relocation an undesirable option for many. Given the financial and logistical burdens, large-scale relocation is unlikely to gain support from businesses or governments.

    Moreover, this strategy fails to address the root causes of traffic congestion and housing shortages. These issues stem from rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate infrastructure in cities. Moving some firms and workers would not resolve these fundamental problems but instead shift them elsewhere. Instead of relocating businesses, cities should focus on expanding public transportation and enforcing zoning regulations to create more efficient living spaces. Additionally, relocating businesses to rural areas could introduce new challenges, such as environmental degradation, social disruption, and economic disparities.

    In conclusion, addressing traffic congestion and housing shortages requires comprehensive urban planning and investment in infrastructure rather than relocating businesses and workers to rural areas. Thus, I think that developing smart cities with sustainable solutions can improve urban conditions while minimizing negative impacts on rural areas. By focusing on sustainable development and effective governance, cities can create long-term solutions that enhance livability while fostering balanced growth between urban and rural regions.