country city
Country vs. City
Going Home
“I’m leaving now, I’m going home,” said the city mouse.
“But why?” asked the country mouse. “You’ve been here for just two days.
“Yes, and that’s too much already…I’m bored out of my wits here.”
The city mouse had been visiting his cousin at his home in the country.
Lacking
But the city mouse had been disappointed by the “lack” of culture and activities there.
“Why don’t you come visit me in the city; there you can enjoy high culture and civilization.”
The country mouse was excited about the offer, and accepted.
The Following Month
So the following month, the country mouse visited his cousin in the city.
And he did indeed enjoy the trappings of city life: historical buildings, shops, cafes, clubs.
“You’re absolutely right,” said the country mouse to his cousin over an exquisite meal. “The city is fantastic; I want to live here…
Suddenly
Suddenly, a giant, furry creature appeared.
“What’s that?!?” yelled the country mouse.
“Oh, nothing to worry about,” said the city mouse as he grabbed his cousin and together ran into hole in the wall.
“What’s that?” repeated the country mouse.
“Oh, that’s just the neighbor in the next building…where are you going?”
“I’m going back to my boring, cultureless home. Good bye.
Preferences, Ideals
1. Do you live in the country (countryside, rural area) or the city?
2. Would you prefer living in the country, the city, a town, or small city? Why?
3. Where do your friends, coworker, or people in general prefer to live and work, in villages or cities? Why?
4. What cities or towns in your country are the “best” place to live?
5. Describe your ideal city. My ideal city is/has………………..
6. Describe an ideal village, town or small city.
Describe an ideal countryside.
Demographics
7. Is there a difference in preference to living in the city or countryside between young people and older people? Do people’s preferences change during their life?
8. Demographic changes have taken place with regards to people living in rural and urban areas and migration. Yes or no?
9. Foreigners, expatriates and immigrants live mostly in cities. Yes, no, or both?
10. There many “ghost towns” or abandoned towns and villages in my country or region. True or false? What has happened to these places?
Geography, Economics
Why have certain cities in your country sprung up or were established where they have?
11. Do many people live and work in cities, but spend their weekends, holidays, and vacations in villages, farms, or the countryside? Give examples.
12. People in the city use up more energy and natural resources than people in the country. What do you think?
13. Are there magacities in your country? Does your country have megacities? What is it like there?
Advantages and Disadvantages
14. What are the advantages or benefits of living in a city?
15. Cites have lots of problems. True or false? If yes, give examples.
16. What are the solutions to urban problems?
17. What are the advantages and disadvantages of rural or village life?
Life, Culture
18. Is it better to grow up or raise a family in the country or the city? Why? Give examples.
19. Is it possible for a small village to have most of the trappings and conveniences of large cities?
20. There is a big difference in way of life and culture between cities and villages. Yes or no?
21. People in towns and villages are friendlier than in cities. Do you agree, or does depend?
22. Urban dwellers tend to look down on rural residents. Yes or no?
23. What will life in the country and city be like in the future?
Work and Leisure
24. In the evenings and weekends, people in the country……………
25. What do people in the city do in the evenings and weekends?
26. Has the quality of life in your city improved or gotten worse over the years, or both?
27. Have people doing online work moved from the city to the country or village? Would you like to do this?
28. What kinds of industry or work are there in rural areas?
