You have been asked to participate in a class debate about city living. You come across two articles about this topic and you decide to use their ideas to introduce the subject to the class.
In our class debate it would be interesting to explore the concept of cities as environments in which people can achieve success, but with (1)__________________ (CONTRAST) views.
On the one hand we should consider that cities offer (2)______________ (FERTILITY) ground for (3)____________________ (DEVELOP) in any number of professions for those who are driven to succeed. Not only do cities offer (4)_______________ (COUNT) opportunities, but because they attract the best of the best, (5)____________________ (COMPETE) plays a role in pushing others to keep up and therefore also succeed. It should also be asserted that competing against talented individuals provides us with a chance to learn. I am inclined to agree with this. We cannot deny that most careers are (6)______________ (FORGE) in cities and that being around (7)_____________ (SUCCESS) people brings about a desire to do better. Nevertheless, it should be noted that competition is not always (8)________________ (HEALTH) and it can result in (9)___________________ (SCRUPLE) behaviour.
On the other hand it should be noted that expectations are not always met and that this gives rise to some very (10)__________________ (DESIRE) outcomes for city (11)_____________ (DWELL). As a matter of fact, (12)_________________ (FAIL) is made worse when it is measured against the success of others; some of whom like to flaunt their (13)_________________ (ACCOMPLISH). In addition, I would like to put forward the idea that fallen ambitions can trigger depression and rob people of their will to succeed, as well as lead to crime. There is no doubt in my mind that cities can be tough places to (14)_________________ (PURSUIT) one's dreams. Competition is intense due to so many people (15)______________ (VIE) for the same career opportunities, and expectations are often (16)___________________ (REAL).
All things considered, cities are where careers are built and will always appeal to people hungry for success. However, success is not guaranteed, and people should (17)________________ (ASSESS) their goals on a regular basis in order to avoid the (18)______________________ (DISAPPOINT) of failure.
KEY
1. contrasting
/kənˈtrɑːstɪŋ/ very different in style, colour or attitude
- bright, contrasting colours
- The book explores contrasting views of the poet's early work
2. fertile /ˈfɜːtaɪl/
3. development
4. countless
5. competition
6. forged
7. successful
8. healthy
9. unscrupulous
scruple: /ˈskruːpl/ a feeling that prevents you from doing something that you think may be morally wrong
- I overcame my moral scruples.
- He had no scruples about spying on her.
- She is totally without scruple.
10. undesirable
11. dwellers
12. failure
13. accomplishments
flaunt something to show something you are proud of to other people, in order to impress them. Sp. alardear.
- He did not believe in flaunting his wealth.
- She openly flaunted her affair with the senator.
- openly flaunting their wealth
14. pursue /pəˈsjuː/
pursuit /pəˈsjuːt/
15. vying
vie: /vaɪ/ to compete strongly with somebody in order to obtain or achieve something.
16. unrealistic
- vie (with somebody) (for something) She was surrounded by men all vying for her attention.
- The boys would vie with each other to impress her.
- They are all vying for a place in the team.
- a row of restaurants vying with each other for business
- vie (to do something) Screaming fans vied to get closer to their idol
17. reassess
reassess something to think again about something to decide if you need to change your opinion of it . E.g. After reassessing the situation, she decided to do nothing.
18. disappointment
Entire text:
In our class debate it would be interesting to explore the concept of cities as environments in which people can achieve success, but with contrasting views.
On the one hand we should consider that cities offer fertile ground for development in any number of professions for those who are driven to succeed. Not only do cities offer countless opportunities, but because they attract the best of the best, competition plays a role in pushing others to keep up and therefore also succeed. It should also be asserted that competing against talented individuals provides an opportunity to learn. I am inclined to agree with this. We cannot deny that most careers are forged in cities and that being around successful people brings about a desire to do better. Nevertheless, it should be noted that competition is not always healthy and it can result in unscrupulous behaviour.
On the other hand it should be noted that expectations are not always met and that this gives rise to some very undesirable outcomes for city dwellers. As a matter of fact, failure is made worse when it is measured against the success of others; some of whom like to flaunt their accomplishments. In addition, I would like to put forward the idea that fallen ambitions can trigger depression and rob people of their will to succeed, as well as lead to crime. There is no doubt in my mind that cities can be tough places to pursue one's dreams. Competition is intense due to so many people vying for the same career opportunities, and expectations are often unrealistic.
All things considered, cities are where careers are built and will always appeal to people hungry for success. However, success is not guaranteed, and people should reassess their goals on a regular basis in order to avoid the disappointment of failure.
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