making my city better essay in english

How to make a city great

What makes a great city? It is a pressing question because by 2030, 5 billion people—60 percent of the world’s population—will live in cities, compared with 3.6 billion today, turbocharging the world’s economic growth. Leaders in developing nations must cope with urbanization on an unprecedented scale, while those in developed ones wrestle with aging infrastructures and stretched budgets. All are fighting to secure or maintain the competitiveness of their cities and the livelihoods of the people who live in them. And all are aware of the environmental legacy they will leave if they fail to find more sustainable, resource-efficient ways of managing these cities.

To understand the core processes and benchmarks that can transform cities into superior places to live and work, McKinsey developed and analyzed a comprehensive database of urban economic, social, and environmental performance indicators. The research included interviewing 30 mayors and other leaders in city governments on four continents and synthesizing the findings from more than 80 case studies that sought to understand what city leaders did to improve processes and services from urban planning to financial management and social housing.

The result is How to make a city great (PDF–2.1MB), a new report arguing that leaders who make important strides in improving their cities do three things really well:

• They achieve smart growth. Smart growth identifies and nurtures the very best opportunities for growth, plans ways to cope with its demands, integrates environmental thinking, and ensures that all citizens enjoy a city’s prosperity. Good city leaders also think about regional growth because as a metropolis expands, they will need the cooperation of surrounding municipalities and regional service providers. Integrating the environment into economic decision making is vital to smart growth: cities must invest in infrastructure that reduces emissions, waste production, and water use, as well as in building high-density communities.
• They do more with less. Great cities secure all revenues due, explore investment partnerships, embrace technology, make organizational changes that eliminate overlapping roles, and manage expenses. Successful city leaders have also learned that, if designed and executed well, private–public partnerships can be an essential element of smart growth, delivering lower-cost, higher-quality infrastructure and services.
• They win support for change. Change is not easy, and its momentum can even attract opposition. Successful city leaders build a high-performing team of civil servants, create a working environment where all employees are accountable for their actions, and take every opportunity to forge a stakeholder consensus with the local population and business community. They take steps to recruit and retain top talent, emphasize collaboration, and train civil servants in the use of technology.

Mayors are only too aware that their tenure will be limited. But if longer-term plans are articulated—and gain popular support because of short-term successes—leaders can start a virtuous cycle that sustains and encourages a great urban environment.

Download the full report, How to make a city great (PDF–2.1MB).

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101 small ways you can improve your city

The least you can do to make a big difference where you live

Sometimes the smallest things we can do for our neighborhoods can have the biggest impact. At Curbed, we know the power of a vegetable garden planted in a vacant lot or a library installed on a sidewalk. Here, we’re sharing 101 urban interventions and ideas that show how even the tiniest changes can make our cities better places.

We've scoured cities all around the world for small ideas with huge potential, and asked some of our favorite urban thinkers for tiny ways to make outsized transformations. And we divided them all up into six sections to help focus your efforts. We hope this serves as a resource for urban inspiration—and that you'll contribute your own thoughts in the comments.

1. Redesign a crosswalk. In 2015, a handful of Seattle streets were reborn when a rogue designer painted colorful new crosswalks. Instead of wiping them away, the city made them a permanent part of the landscape, and even appropriated the idea, setting up a community crosswalk program so other neighborhoods could create their own colorful street art. Between promoting community pride and increasing pedestrian visibility and safety, it’s a quick, colorful step forward. Check out Atlanta , Los Angeles , and Santa Monica for more examples.

2. Green your parkway . Okay, there’s gonna be a ton of regional slang to fight through here: You know that little sliver of property between the sidewalk and the curb? Whatever you call it, replace whatever’s there with a stormwater garden that allows water to naturally percolate into the ground. It will not only alleviate flooding on your street, it will filter and clean the water on its way back underground.

3. Make a seat. " One small thing a person can do for your city is build an attractive bench and place it where it's needed. There is an urban seating deficit the world over and some of my favorite cities are those where people frequently build their own street seats. Here are bunch of examples we once catalogued in New York City." — Mike Lydon , The Street Plans Collaborative

4. Create a little free library. Libraries may change and evolve, but the pleasure and joy of reading a book remains. In Dallas, the Little Free Libraries/Libros Libres project helped construct and decorate makeshift shelves positioned across the community, part of a wider community literacy project. Inspired by the wider Little Free Libraries movement , it’s creating a real-life literary community on city streets.

I was lucky enough to get this photograph of #BillCunningham on the street in 2012. thanks for all the inspiration, Bill - #GOAT A photo posted by Anthony Danielle (@takinyerphoto) on Jun 27, 2016 at 10:37am PDT

5. Start documenting your street. Share the beauty of your surroundings, whether it’s through an Instagram hashtag or a personal photo project. Once you start snapping pictures of everyday life there’s no telling what you’ll find or who you’ll meet.

6. Add additional bike parking. While artful racks and bikeshare stations are sprouting up everywhere, popular roadways and sidewalks can still become overcrowded with riders angling to anchor a U-Lock. Small businesses can help make a difference by placing some DIY rackspace out front to make the parking situation more bearable. Here are some creative solutions .

7. Plant a tree . Shade, serenity, sustainability— trees add so much to the urban landscape and ask so little. Many cities give away free trees , have planting services , or require tree planting permits, so check your local rules before you start digging .

8. Pick up more poop. "I have the habit of trying to pick up someone else’s dog’s poop every time I pick up my own. I am talking about old poop, as opposed to ambushing another dog’s poop-in-progress." — Michael Bierut, partner, Pentagram

9. Forge a fancier garbage can. If there isn’t money in the municipal budget for murals or street art, there’s still creative ways to beautify the streets. Providence, Rhode Island, turned everyday urban hardware such as fences and trash cans into colorful creations with the help of a local nonprofit, The Steel Yard. By commissioning artists to create striking bike racks and railing, the city gets more exciting, eye-catching infrastructure.

10. Set up a small, interactive community art project on your corner. " Share your art with people in small ways. With our As You Wish project, our artists made versions of people’s wishes with cheap materials we had on hand. With Forensic Friends , people stopped by our artists on the street and described a friend like you would if you were doing a forensic sketch of a criminal. But, instead, the artist draws a portrait of a friend from the description. With Listening Booth , we simply have somebody sit and listens to anybody who wanted to talk." — Jim Walker , founder and director of the Big Car Collaborative

11. Hang some chandeliers . Need a way to brighten a blah block and add whimsy to a dark sidewalk? The Chandelier Tree in Los Angeles has become a local landmark for the dozens of lighting fixtures ensconced in a sycamore. Neighbors donate to the electric bill using a repurposed parking meter . In Vancouver, a spinning, LED-lit chandelier was installed under a bridge underpass.

12. Fight crime with neon . Especially in a city strapped for cash, streetlights are low on the priority list as they’re expensive to install, maintain, and keep powered. But they’ve also been proven to deter crime. Two Philadelphia artists took it upon themselves to brighten a dangerous South Philly block with a " neon mural ." The illuminated work of art has become a social-media destination after dark, putting eyes on the street at a time when the neighborhood needs it most.

13. Begin a guerrilla garden uprising. Green thumbs often have private plots and backyards to grow, but they can also get on the front lines. Surreptitiously filling in unkempt lots or small patches of untendered land with plants and flowers, or tossing a "seedbomb" at a hard to reach patch of land, turns lost space into lush greenery. Richard Reynolds, one of the leaders of the movement, maintains a blog with invaluable tips on how to reclaim "unloved public spaces."

14. Look underground. "So much of what happens at the city surface is impacted by what happens underground. From sewer systems to bedrock geology to culverts, what happens below the urban crust can highlight the history of a place, revealing why and how a city develops. In Lexington, SCAPE recently went subterranean, tracing the historic buried stream channel of Town Branch, and creating a podcast tour that describes this forgotten waterway and how it shapes the city's past and future." — Kate Orff , landscape architect, principal at SCAPE, author of Toward An Urban Ecology , New York City

1 5 . Make an alley into a public art studio. Back in 2004, Detroit homeowners frustrated by people tagging and vandalizing their property decided if their garages were going to be canvases, they might as well benefit the community. Now, those alley-facing doors have become public galleries thanks to The Alley Project, which works with more than 100 young artists to showcase their work, hold art classes, and beautify the neighborhood.

16. Get lit . Sometimes it only takes a few spotlights to completely transform a city block. Casting light on a forgotten building can bring a renewed sense of appreciation and community. Boston’s new strategy to light its city hall has enlivened its famous adjacent plaza, even for those who hate the "Brutalist punching-bag" of a building.

Pirate Printers, una nueva forma de impresión urbana http://www.urbansmag.com/pirate-printers-impresion-urbana/ #pirateprinters #berlin #art #urbanart #design #urbandesign #raubdruckerin #alcantarilla #estampado #camiseta #tshirt #fashion #moda #urbanfashion #modaurbana #orange #naranja #stamping #urbansmag A photo posted by Urbans Mag (@urbans_mag) on Sep 20, 2016 at 6:39am PDT

17. Turn infrastructure into t-shirts. It’s a simple way to achieve instant street cred. German art group Raubdruckerin uses a "pirate printing" technique that, in essence, screenprints manhole covers, a process that creates graphic T-shirts with a clever connection to different European cities.

18. Fix up your porch . "In a city like New York it's easy to burrow inside your house and ignore the outside. But I have a neighbor with a stoop who has plants on every step, and a neighbor with a tiny vestibule who has managed to fit in one pretty copper pot by her front door. Both of their houses look brighter and friendlier, like they bothered to accessorize." — Alexandra Lange , architecture critic, Curbed

19. Don’t despair; depave. Working under the banner "free your soil," the Portland, Oregon-based group Depave has been kicking asphalt for a decades, turning unused parking and abandoned lots into community gardens and parks. If you discover an opportunity to literally reclaim your streets, the group has a guide on its website to help get started.

Kunstenaar @ichbinkong werpt letterlijk een nieuwe blik op photobombing #theylive #stockholm #comeandsee #streetart pic.twitter.com/xmIZY0AzYm — Canon Nederland (@CanonNederland) October 3, 2015

20. Make faces. “ Eyebombers ” believe that there’s nothing a bit of humor can’t fix. By taking “googly eyes” and placing them on inanimate objects around the city, eyebombers add a bit of Muppet-like merriment to public space. How can you be in a bad mood when the garbage can is giving you a goofy grin?

21. Go chairbombing. Public benches and seats have been removed in many cities due to fears of loitering, which often has the sad side-effect of discouraging community interaction (cue Forrest Gump). To encourage people to sit, share, and socialize, Brooklyn group DoTank started chairbombing , upcycling discarded pallets into street furniture they set up on empty sidewalks, reclaiming the corner for the public.

22. Design fake signs. The frighteningly official looking faux signage installed by Michael Pederson stops people in their tracks and engages citizens with their cities, as they look around to see if anyone else noticed the caution sign placed next to a sidewalk crack or a rating system for the quietness of a local park. If you’re aiming to make a bigger splash, you could always take it upon yourself to fix an incorrect sign, like artist Richard Ankrom did with a spot-on replica of a Los Angeles freeway sign in 2001 .

23. Turn utility boxes into civic canvases . In Philadelphia’s Washington Square West neighborhood, industrial metal utility boxes line the streets. Instead of seeing them as a mandatory, unusable part of the landscape, a group of local art students wrapped them in colorful artwork. This simple, striking beautification project , co-funded by the University of the Arts and Washington Square West Civic Association, turned more than a dozen aesthetic afterthoughts into colorful neighborhood symbols.

A photo posted by 5 Every Day (@5everyday) on Sep 7, 2016 at 2:16pm PDT

24. Turn a freeway overpass into a coworking hub. LA writer Kailee McGee was inspired to change up her work routine while on the road. Or more accurately, over the road. With the help of a handful of friends, McGee set up school desks on the apex of a pedestrian bridge over the 5 Freeway to create a pop-up, open-air coworking hub, complete with Wi-Fi and LaCroix (but of course). Nothing beats a change of perspective.

25. Network your alleys . Reinventing an alley can turn a dark, scary space into a vibrant place. An even better idea is to combine several alleys into a network of public spaces that stretch on for blocks. In Vancouver, the project More Awesome Now , is turning alleys (they call them laneways) into assets with basketball courts, foosball tables and shady cafes. And they’ll all be connected with a way-finding system using bright paint and eye-catching graphics.

26. Create a fit path. As part of the Market Street Prototyping Festival, a San Francisco celebration of creative urban intervention, one design team decided that activating the sidewalk required a different kind of action. The City Fit Path proposal, a simple-to-set-up series of exercise stations and prompts, encourages easy and equitable workouts, no gym membership required.

27. Create a community sign initiative. Many marquee streets in American cities share a certain edge, history, and a organic form of verbal branding that helps draw attention, pedestrians, and customers. The CoSign project in Cincinnati’s Northside neighborhood used visuals to makeover a neglected block, commissioning artists to transform staid storefronts with arresting, original signage. After redecorating another street in Covington, Kentucky, the project is poised to hang a shingle, so to speak, in cities nationwide.

28. Remake an underpass into an art space—or a park . Los Angeles has hundreds of pedestrian underpasses originally built to help students get across busy streets. But most of the underpasses have been sealed off to discourage illegal activities. In the Cypress Park neighborhood, coffee shop owner Yancey Quinones fought to reopen a nearby tunnel and fill it with art. The monthly openings spill out into the streets, activating the entire block. Need more inspiration? We’ve rounded up 11 ugly urban underpasses now functioning as parks.

29. Start a parking lot diary. Lexington’s plans for the Town Branch Commons , a linear park system that would thread together different areas downtown, is a game-changer. Part of that new system will run through the Transit Center, a huge, bland parking lot that could be put to better use. To come up with a new use for the space, the city will set up a parking lot diary and let resident feedback determine the shape and function of their new urban park.

30. Open a gallery in your living room . If you think your apartment is cramped, maybe all it needs is a few paintings on the wall: Paul Soto turned his 300 square-foot apartment in Los Angeles into a functioning gallery .

31. Take over an empty storefront. Closed for business doesn’t need to mean closed from the community. Numerous neighborhood groups, artists, and local business groups have turned empty commercial spaces into canvases and economic catalysts. From Project Pop Up , which hosted an array of displays and shops in abandoned Pittsburgh Storefronts (some of which have become permanent tenants) to initiatives such as Chashama and SmartSpaces in New York, creatives are breathing new life into these underutilized spaces.

32. Fix up your local park. Does barely functional equipment take the fun out of your local playground? Would new basketball courts or equipment make the park next door more enticing? To help guide those seeking to get their public parks in tip-top shape, the Center for Urban Pedagogy created a guide for building coalitions, activating the community, and petitioning local government for change. It’s New York-centric, but the lessons can be applied everywhere.

33. Build a pop-up playground. "Explode the static notion of the playground. No city resident is too old to play, and no city space is too small to become a playscape, even if just for a few hours. Gather loose parts (wood scraps, old tires, cardboard boxes, stones) and sponsor a session of Pop-Up Adventure Play . When people of all shapes, sizes and colors come together to play in unexpected ways, communities grow stronger." — Kate Tooke , Sasaki Associates

34. Start an urban orchard. This is more of a long-term solution to supporting parks and local agriculture. But isn’t the idyllic vision of sitting under an apple tree a few blocks from your apartment worth the wait? The Chicago Rarities Orchard Project (CROP) will literally take root in the city’s Logan Square neighborhood, in a lot adjacent to one of the area’s main intersections. The planters/planners also have plenty of additional fruit trees growing in a nursery, ready to be spread, Johnny Appleseed-style, to different sites across Chicago.

35. Build swing sets for adults . With the value of play proven to be a source of stress relief and inspiration, there’s no reason grown-ups can’t get in on the fun. An increasing number of cities and designers are providing adults with places to relax, recreate, and workout. The 21 Swings project by Tous les Jours transforms a busy median in Montréal into a highly visible space for fun.

36. Plan a pop-up dog park . If your neighborhood doesn’t have a place for dogs to run free, that’s nothing that a few yards of temporary fencing can’t fix. A pop-up dog park that’s become part of a weekly Sacramento farmers market became so popular it inspired a permanent park for pooches to be built nearby.

37. Ask kids to help design their own playgrounds. Participatory design shouldn’t have an age limit. Involving children in the creative process for local parks and playgrounds not only guarantees the end results will be more engaging to the end user, but also it fosters an early appreciation for design. Firms such as Public Workshop are renowned for working with a much younger set of client when making play spaces a reality.

Check out this before/after photo of our #ParkletSF of the week: #parklet at Caffè Greco designed by @rebargroup . pic.twitter.com/fIg1IVgR4B — Pavement To Parks (@pavement2parks) July 26, 2016

38. Turn a parking space into a park. Bustling streets can do much more than handle automobile traffic. That’s the idea behind Park(ing) Day , a worldwide event that encourage artists and designers to turn metered parking spots into temporary community installations. The concept has even become city policy; the Ground Play program allows sponsors in San Francisco to test similar projects and turn some into permanent public spaces, as does the People Street initiative in LA.

39. Slow down . Driving just 5 mph slower might save someone’s life. A famous 2011 AAA study looked at 422 crashes involving pedestrians and determined that a person is twice as likely to die if they’re struck by a car traveling at 30 mph instead of 25 mph. A study in 2017 confirmed these results, finding that speeding was the main factor in 31 percent of all traffic fatalities. Better yet, petition your city to implement a " 20 is plenty " zone for dense urban areas—98 percent of pedestrians hit at that rate of speed will live.

40. Give directions to your entire city. With a mission to get more "feet on the street," the Walk Your City project promotes more conversational, community-oriented wayfinding. Community groups can visit the site , create a set of custom signs (with messages such as "It’s a 2-minute walk to the library"), and get them shipped and ready to install. The concept has already played out in cities such as Mount Hope, West Virginia, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

41. Map a 40-minute walking circle around your house. Measure and draw a two-mile radius circle around your house to determine your " walkshed ," the places you can easily walk. You’ll realize how many local amenities are closer than you think—most people can walk two miles in about 40 minutes—and you’ll be more likely to hoof it and support local businesses.

42. Don’t forget the suburbs when building bike lanes. Making your neighborhood safe for cycling is important, but shifting suburban commutes can make a massive difference in safety and larger transportation patterns. Initiatives like the Family Friendly Bikeways program in Chicago help connect riders across local cities and towns.

Truly everything can be shared. Even kayaks. https://t.co/OaLxfNJgOP — Sharing Summit (@SharingSummit) September 14, 2016

43. Paddle to work. Bike share and ride share have become commonplace. But paddling to work is another thing entirely. In Minneapolis, a paddle share system lets commuters ride the Mississippi, traveling between two stations on the mighty river. Since the boat docks are connected to the city bike share system, it uses both modes of transportation to get you to work.

44. Organize a local car-free day. Every September 22 cities around the world participate in a global Car-Free Day , showcasing the possibilities of a more progressive commute and the advantages of walkable streets and biking infrastructure. Want to be inspired? Check out 14 beautiful car-free cities .

45. Paint a pop-up bike lane. Rather than talk about the impact of new bike lanes on the Macon, Georgia, transportation network Better Block went ahead and brought the vision to life with the help of 498 cans of paint (and support from the city and the Knight Foundation). The pop-up paint job, which linked together existing bike lanes, may be a precursor to expanding the city’s cycling infrastructure.

46. Take the bus. "Get lost in your city. Often times we avoid certain areas or simply stay within our comfort zone, but the true city dweller should attempt to reach all areas of the place they call home. You'll be surprised to find that not everything you read—both positive and negative—is true." — Germane Barnes , architect , designer, and city planner, Opa-Locka, Florida

47. Obey traffic laws. Cars that swerve into bike lanes or don’t watch out for two-wheeled commuters definitely deserve to be called out and ticketed. Bikers who ignore rules don’t help the cause for better bike lanes and better enforcement. Pedestrians should pay attention while crossing busy streets. Everyone: Follow the rules of the road .

48. Bicycle to new parts of your city. Slow Roll, a community bike ride series that started in Detroit, gathers riders to interact and explore new parts of the city, promoting riding in new neighborhoods, as well as expansions of bike lanes and bike share systems into underserved areas.

49. Form a bicycle-friendly district . The city of Long Beach, California didn’t just want to encourage cyclists to frequent local stores and restaurants, it wanted to prove that people on bikes were good for small businesses. The bike-friendly business districts provide amenities for two-wheeled patrons like racks and discounts, and serve as hubs for the city’s growing bike network.

50. Protect your bike lanes with plants . Vancouver took the protected bikeway one step further, turning the typical painted lanes into a planted greenway . Using self-watering planters instead of utilitarian poles not only safely separates bikes from cars, it improves the streetscape for all its users.

51. Fix up your bus stop. Is there a more bland and boring seat than a typical urban bus stop, a functional, feckless box of plastic? These key parts of urban infrastructure desperately need an upgrade , and people around the world are taking action. Community groups met that call to action with sharp redesigns, from Bus Stop Moves in Cleveland, which covers station walls with fitness instructions, or Ride, Rally, Ride in Memphis , which transforms transit stops into cycling hubs.

52. Build your own bridge. Nobody is suggesting that you try to one-up Robert Moses, but even a small span can make a difference. New York artist (and chief engineer) Jason Eppink often walked beneath the leaky Hell Gate Bridge Viaduct which flooded the sidewalk with a large puddle of dirty water. His satirical remedy, the Astoria Scum River Bridge , a miniature elevated wooden walkway, earned plaudits from locals, and eventually shamed the bridge owners into fixing the leaky pipes.

#Cyclehack #vienna w. >> The Strap-on #Cobblestone #Cocktailshaker << Using Vienna's deficient streets to mix it! pic.twitter.com/P1YvbCecsI — Smarter Than Car (@smarterthancar) June 26, 2016

53. Host a transportation hackathon. Pedaling meets prototyping at the worldwide innovation workshop Cyclehack , which gathers designers and riders in cities around the globe to build and test new concepts for a better bike tech. Transportation Camp is an annual "unconference" for tackling tough transit problems.

54. Just r ide a bike. Yes, riding a bike really can save the world. According to a 2015 study by the University of California at Davis , shifting more urban trips to bicycling, and cutting car use accordingly, could reduce urban transportation CO2 emissions by 50 percent worldwide by 2050. That seems especially feasible when you consider that half of all urban trips are a very bikeable six miles or less.

55. Organize a park-and-pedal. David Montague, the owner of a Boston company that makes foldable bicycles, wanted to encourage cycling in an area where many faced long commutes, and hit upon an ingenious hybrid solution: Organize a cycling-based version of the park and ride systems utilized by city commuters. His Park&Pedal system , which utilizes existing parking lots and trails to encourages people to split their commute between biking and driving, now includes 19 lots around the Boston area.

56. Swim your local waterways . Urban rivers, lakes, and harbors are being revitalized at an astounding rate. Organizing events where people can use waterways for recreation —even for one day!—helps visualize change. In Boston, the annual swimming events sponsored by the Charles River Swimming Club have bolstered restoration efforts for the once-polluted, now-swimmable river. See more cities that are reclaiming their waterways, over here .

57. Organize a bar crawl . Phoenix’s Meet Me Downtown functions as a weekly after-work mixer as well as a fitness event that gets people out on the streets and into local bars and restaurants. A variety of routes send participants into new neighborhoods and participating businesses offer deals for those who walk or run.

58. Advocate for accessible parks. Nearly one in five people have a disability in the U.S., but most parks aren’t built to accommodate them. Go to your nearest park and take a look around: Does it allow for wheelchair access? Are there supportive swings, activity panels at ground height, descriptions in Braille, accessible merry-go-rounds, and elevated play tables? Help build a more inclusive city by advocating for accessibly designed playgrounds .

Where to learn more

While the projects and proposals covered in this list lean towards DIY, the "yourself" part is optional. Small-scale urbanism is a great way to build community and unite neighborhoods, and numerous organizations and guides already exist to help and inspire. Here are some places to get started:

Project for Public Spaces

People’s Design Library

Neighborhood Design Center Action Guides

People Make Parks

The Parking Day Manual

How Can I Improve My Park

Tactical Urbanism , Tactical Urbanism 2 and the coming-soon Tactical Urbanist’s Guide to Materials and Design

Spontaneous Interventions

ArtPlace America

Shaping Space for Civic Life

Knight Cities Challenge

Pop-Up City

59. Get to know your neighbors . "We bring the trash cans out every Monday for our 85-year old neighbor and keep an eye out for him generally. We swap our lemons for another neighbor's superior kale. My husband bartered with our house painter neighbor: he designed the painter's website and the painter painted our house! We are on a first-name basis with all the store owners in our little 'downtown,' from bakery to bookstore. Our neighborhood has a Yahoo group—so old school—and through it I've found my daughter's preschool, a new dog walker, numerous babysitters and first learned about the hood's fabulous 4th of July parade. A neighborhood feels pretty special when we know we're all looking out for each other." — Allison Arieff , editorial director, SPUR

60. Provide dignity . Extend basic services to help your city’s most marginalized residents feel more welcome. Mobile showers and easily accessible public restrooms give people a moment of privacy and peace. The good news is, people want this and it works .

61. Start a YIMBY group . Across the country, pro-development, pro-housing fans are organizing against NIMBYs with unified YIMBY—that’s "Yes In My Backyard"—movements. Head to a YIMBY conference for new ideas.

62. Launch an oral history project. From Studs Terkel to StoryCorps , there’s a rich tradition of storytelling as a time capsule of modern life. Documenting your neighbors’s stories preserves the fabric and history of a neighborhood, giving context to why this place and its people matters.

63. Don’t eat so much meat . A 2016 Oxford University study showed reducing the amount of meat in Western diets by half could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save over $31 trillion (trillion, with a T) in healthcare costs. The # MeatlessMonday movement has gotten governments and schools all over the world pledging to stick to veggies one day of the week. (If you already don’t eat meat the rest of the days of the week, you’re ahead of the game.)

64. Volunteer. There are dozens of groups in your neighborhood doing their part to make your city a better place. Spend a few hours pitching in.

65. Share your idea with your neighbors . "Often, your neighbors need a little help figuring out how to make their ideas happen, and you can easily share suggestions or donate money on Neighborland . There is real power in sharing our ideas openly, connecting with others who share the same desire, and working together to make great ideas happen, like this streetscape improvement for the Mission District of San Francisco." — Dan Parham , founder, Neighborland

Check out the the photo credit! Jamaica Plain residents belly up to a homemade snow bar http://t.co/0vnZgGEVG8 via @BostonGlobe — Matt Fecteau (@MFect78) February 24, 2015

66. Turn snow piles into sidewalk ice bars. In 2015, Boston architect Chris Haynes and his wife Kristy Nardone turned #Snowmageddon into happy hour by carving a bar out of the massive mounds of snow accumulated on their block. Inspired by the Quebec Ice Hotel, their subzero watering hole boasted Bluetooth speakers, lighting, and the finest Moscow Mules (no word on whether the ice was hand-carved).

67. Talk to someone for 10 minutes. In Charlotte in 2015 and 2016, the Take 10 project recruited city workers to function as "ambassadors" who engaged in simple, direct conversations with residents, asking them what they like about their city and how to make it better. Crowdsourcing at its finest, the initiative also gave people a direct, personal connection with the municipal employees that make their hometown work.

A photo posted by Jim Hunt (@jimhunt) on Oct 4, 2015 at 1:56pm PDT

68. Set the table for community conversation. After breaking bread with someone, it’s hard to consider them a stranger. That’s the philosophy that informed The Longest Table , a 400-person feast put together by community groups in Tallahassee, Florida, to break down social barriers and get neighbors talking to each other.

69. Stage a scene. The public pranks of Improv Everywhere might seem like frivolous fodder for viral videos. But there’s something about witnessing a spectacle that can bring people together like nothing else. Their " No Pants Subway Ride ," which started in New York in 2002—and is exactly what it sounds like—has become an annual tradition in dozens of cities.

70. Take a person experiencing homelessness out for lunch. " Listen to their story. A lot of people just want to be heard or seen as human. I think it would be emotionally very hard to be ignored or overlooked the way our community is in San Francisco. How did they lose their housing? It's often unexpected. San Francisco’s homeless population is diverse and ever-changing. Some people lose their housing because they went through a medical bankruptcy after a partner became terminally ill. Some are veterans who fought in our wars. It's always interesting, and then you start to understand the sheer scale of the problem and how difficult it is to keep people housed in this city, with all of their idiosyncratic financial or medical needs." — Kim-Mai Cutler , columnist at Techcrunch

71. Become a tour guide for your neighborhood. You don’t have to live in a famous zip code to show people around. Using Vayable , you can create and share guided tours of the hidden gems in your neighborhood, or discover a unique experience nearby that allow you to become a tourist in your own city.

72. Join a time bank . Think of a time bank like a community ATM where you can deposit and withdraw "hours" of skills like cash. If there’s not one near you, the documentary Time as Money highlights several successful programs around the world and provides inspiring resources.

73. Create a community guide to tactical urbanism. Turning DIY projects into long-term additions can feel like a regulatory and zoning obstacle course. Officials in Burlington, Vermont, mindful of their citizen’s commitment to community projects, drafted a Tactical Urbanism and Demonstration Projects Guide , making it easier to launch neighborhood projects or organize small-scale interventions, and giving active citizens a green light to experiment.

74. Learn to give a great presentation. Community improvements always need ace advocates, and in addition to taking the time to listen to your neighbors, becoming a better speaker can help you spread the word and get local government on your side. The Neighborhood Design Center has a great guide.

75. Create community murals, and make preserving them a priority. Public art can illuminate a street, but protecting the work over time can truly define a neighborhood and foster creativity and talent. Philadelphia’s iconic Mural Arts Program , which started in 1984 and turned the city into a street art mecca, includes a restoration initiatives, to make sure creative expression is prized and protected. In Denver, Colorado, Crush Walls is an annual urban art festival that transforms the street walls of the city’s former industrial neighborhood.

76. Open a creative incubator . The community nonprofit CreateHere opened a space on a blighted Chattanooga street with a simple goal to improve the neighborhood. Over the course of five years, CreateHere helped dozens of artists relocate to Chattanooga, stimulating an estimated $4 million in local real estate investments and launching 300 small businesses.

77. Become a 311 vigilante . Civic reporting apps powered by SeeClickFix have gamified urban improvement in hundreds of U.S. cities—but they rely on people filing reports to work. Ann Arbor resident Rebecca Arends was a SeeClickFix superuser who had reported over 160 issues when she became frustrated by how long it took the city to respond to graffiti complaints. Using data from the app to identify the most vulnerable buildings, she coordinated an effort with the city to cover tags with murals—even enlisting some of the taggers to help paint walls.

78. Smile, particularly at strangers. "If you are feeling Southern enough, actually speak. It instantly makes the world a better place." — Carol Coletta , senior fellow with The Kresge Foundation’s American Cities Practice

79. Screen a movie outdoors. An impromptu movie night isn’t as hard to organize as it may sound. From a small gathering with neighbors to a larger, site-specific, artistic spectacular, cinema can expand horizons and bring people together. This guide on how to set up your own screening offers tips on how to host your own screening, whether it’s on an actual screen or the side of a building. Need a movie recommendation? We’ve got 101 of our favorites, right here .

80. Start a public mapping project . If action follows knowledge, than getting good data about your neighborhood can be the first step toward improvement. Nonprofits such as Public Lab offer the advice and knowledge needed to create citizen-made maps. You can also build DIY sensors to collect key data points such as pollution levels, which can help inform larger public debates about the environment.

"Grocery shopping in the Stone Age?" Overheard #PAFMemorial pic.twitter.com/O14y2tqaV2 — travellingcari (@travellingcari) September 19, 2016

81. Put your treasures where the public can see them. The need for sculptures and installations extends far beyond major parks, central squares, and high-trafficked tourist areas. Illuminating the off-the-beaten-path places with high-profile public art, such as the Picasso statue found amid New York University student housing, or Marc Chagall’s Four Seasons mural, set amid the Exelon plaza in Chicago’s Loop, gives the impression that wonders may hide around any city corner.

82. Just show up. "Most public zoning and development meetings are dominated by people who have a vested interest in the project. When a citizen shows up without a fish to fry, and expresses an opinion for the good of all, it’s a breath of fresh air." — Jeff Speck , author, Walkable City

83. Launch a community emergency hub . It’s not the most ideal circumstances under which to meet your neighbors, but knowing you have a local support network in place is critical for a crisis. Emergency hubs provide a centralized meeting place and a strategy that allows neighborhoods to remain self-sufficient in the days or weeks after natural disasters. In Seattle there are about 50 groups specifically organized for such events. This is especially good because climate change is making natural disasters—like the recent Hurricane Florence—worse .

84. Create a swimming pool from a dumpster . This ain’t no country club, it’s a simple, quick urban intervention that turns a neighborhood gathering into an impromptu pool party. Simple, down-and-dirty DIY swimming holes can make all the difference on a summer day. It’s highly recommended you don’t use a fire hydrant as a water source, however, since it may draw the attention and ire of city officials.

"Before I die I want to dance at my granddaughters' weddings" from Tonawanda , New York. pic.twitter.com/Bcx2FLQRbG — Before I Die (@BeforeIdiewall) August 29, 2016

85. Reflect and connect with your neighbors. "Create an anonymous prompt in public space using simple tools like chalkboard paint, stencils, and chalk." — Candy Chang , Before I Die , New Orleans

86. Brainstorm a community vision. Community planning discussions benefit from some levity, some understanding, and a lot of visual aids. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based Friendly Streets Initiative holds community visioning events that display large images of potential neighborhood improvements, asking neighbors to vote for their favorites via Post-It. It’s a quick, effective, and entertaining way to take the temperature of the neighborhood.

87. Shop local. It’s simple, straightforward, and an easy addition to your routine that supports local businesses, provides community jobs, and reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions.

88. Imagine housing in impossible places. "I love that in Indianapolis, near their new transit center, they looked at a traffic lane as they were redeveloping, and realized they didn't need it. So they put out an RFP for a developer to turn it into housing. Ironically the microhousing that was created is bolted onto a parking garage—which will be ultimately redeveloped, I would hope." — Gabe Klein , founder, CityFi

Was in Indy last week. Love how they took a travel lane, turned it into micro units & bolted it onto parking garage pic.twitter.com/hBZToFWPXt — gabe klein (@gabe_klein) May 23, 2016

89. Help build a better shelter. Sometimes, the best ways to help build your community is to help others who are feeling apart and alone. The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, along with architect Corrie Rosen, created a series of guidelines , called Building Dignity, to help construct more comforting and effective shelters for victims of domestic violence. The plans include soliciting donations from the community, such as asking interior decorators to "adopt" a room, and asking a local steel artist to create artful window displays that projected both strength, security, and beauty.

90. Start a mobile produce market. Running a new route through the city’s food deserts, a decommissioned Chicago Transit Authority bus transported market-fresh produce—not riders—for eight months in 2017. The Fresh Moves project helped underserved neighborhoods get access to the same farmer’s market finds sold in other parts of the city.

91. Set up neighborhood Wi-Fi. In a digital world, neighborhoods without strong wireless connections effectively lose out on other important network connections, ones that can help provide jobs, opportunity, and education. In the Rod Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, an often isolated pocket of the borough, a local non-profit initiative decided to bridge that gap by building its own mesh wireless network , creating a tool for local communication and a platform for community development.

92. Come together to combat climate change. Villagers in the rural English town of Ashton Hayes didn’t need government help, special technology, or some special funding grant to fight climate change. Over the last decade, neighbors there have achieved a 24 percent reduction in emissions by collaborating and changing everyday behaviors, sharing tips on weatherproofing and reducing energy usage. The grassroots, no-drama effort had earned the town a place in the media spotlight by building community around a shared effort.

93. Fall in love. "I think if we love the places we live, we'll make better decisions about them. Even in communities that are lacking, we can at least love the way the morning light hits the trees or any little thing. And with a little space for love to grow, we can transform our own expectations, inspire others to do the same, and over time, make real changes to improve the world around us." — Ryan Gravel , founder of Sixpitch and the originator of the Atlanta Beltline

94. Write an op-ed. If you’ve got a good idea, share it. If you want to change your neighborhood, start building a coalition. Explain your plans and help build grassroots support.

95. Turn old bridges into something beautiful. Post-industrial sites pockmark many major cities, remnants of old industries that often fall into disrepair. Trust a Rust Belt city to find a way to make this infrastructure beautiful. The Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC) hosted a pop-up project for a vacant covered bridge, showcasing new uses for the old crossing . It was so successful, that the city embarked on an official planning process to renovate and reuse the steel structure.

96. Plant a community garden. Rolling up your sleeves and digging in the soil offers a great way to meet neighbors and collaboratively add something to your neighborhood. To get started, the American Community Gardening Association offers a set of resources and recommendations on how to manage and maintain a public patch.

97. Create a crowdfunding campaign. While it’s possible to get burned occasionally when the hype of Kickstarter or Indiegogo meet the realities of city planning, not every crowdfunding platform is created equal when it comes to changing cities. In the UK, Spacehive , a site launched in 2011 by a London architecture writer, provides extra transparency that helps civic ideas get off the drawing board. It’s helped fund $7.4 million worth of projects, and even hosted campaigns sponsored by the Mayor of London . In the U.S., Ioby has raised over $5.2 million for neighborhood projects.

98. Map your public produce. After noticing how many figs hanging over property lines remained unplucked, Fallen Fruit started making maps to help neighbors discover unharvested edibles growing on sidewalks and alleys. For bumper crops, Food Forward will show up and pick unwanted fruit, distributing it to those in need.

99. Think bigger. "I think the best small thing we can do for our neighborhoods is educate ourselves on the kind of huge changes American cities need to pursue to build their way out of the terrible housing crises most prosperous cities face, divest themselves of auto-dependent infrastructure, improve access to education and job re-training, ruggedize themselves for a changing climate and drop their greenhouse gas emissions to zero in the next couple decades. Almost everything else is window dressing." — Alex Steffen, writer, speaker, planetary futurist, The Heroic Future

100. Throw an amazing block party. Don’t forget the ice cream.

101. Vote. No excuses .

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Essay on My City: Samples for students in 100, 200, and 400 words

• Updated on  
• Dec 20, 2023

New Delhi, my city has everything a great city needs- amazing architecture, diverse people, great food, etc. I was born and brought up in this city. My family has been living here for decades now. I will be forever grateful to my city for letting me have such beautiful moments which cheer me up. This is just a short example of how to write an essay on my city. Below mentioned are a few sample essays on my city. Let’s have a look at them. 

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on My City in 100 words
• 2 Essay on My City in 200 words
• 3.1 A Heaven for Food Lovers
• 3.2 Places to See
• 3.3 An Urban Centre
• 3.4 Things I Love About Delhi

Essay on My City in 100 words

The city in which I live is New Delhi. It is one of the most populated cities and is famous for its remarkable structures. Each day millions of tourists from around the world come and experience my city, its rich culture and brilliant architecture such as Qutub Minar, built by Qutb-Din-Aibak, Red Fort, etc. My city is of great historical importance too. It has been the centre of many previous empires and now it is the capital of India. I very much love my city and once I grow up and become a successful person, I would love to keep living in this city with my family and friends. 

Also Read:- Career in Social Forestry

Essay on My City in 200 words

My city, New Delhi is the one where I was born and brought up. It is one of the busiest cities in the country. It is crowded and has a lot market places such as Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Connaught Place, etc. which have visitors in thousands daily.

Delhi is home to many recognised educational Institutions such as the University of Delhi which is known for its brilliant education and colleges such as Kirori Mal College, Miranda House, etc. Students from all over the country land their dream jobs and institutes in Delhi. Various MNCs such as Microsoft and Google have their offices in my city. Hence, a large population resides here and provides services.

However, one major drawback of living in my city would be the pollution. New Delhi is one of the most populated cities in the world because of all the developmental projects and construction projects being run at the same time. The morning and evening commute traffic adds to this on a major part as well. 

Since there are plenty of opportunities for individuals, people from all around the country relocate to Delhi and with them, they bring their own culture which adds to the diversity of my city.  Although I do wish that the government would be a little more conscious of the alarming pollution levels, I still love my city with all my heart. 

Also Read: – Essay on Pollution

Essay on My City in 400 words

My city, New Delhi, which I proudly call home, has been a centre of culture, trade, art, and architecture for centuries now. The population here is over 1 crore. New Delhi is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. It has been more than 18 years that I have been living in this city. Now, since the population is very much, most of the people in Delhi live in apartments. Many highlights make my city one of the best in the country such as:-

A Heaven for Food Lovers

When you hear of Delhi, one of the most anticipated foods associated with it is the Parathas from the Paratha Gali of Chandni Chowk. Delhi is very much known for its food. Be it momos from the mom stands in Lajpat Nagar, or the Chicken from the chicken stalls of Jama Masjid, tourists and visitors from all around the country and the world come to taste the same. From roadside street food to lavish expensive restaurants, my city has it all.

Places to See

My city has many malls, cafes, parks and marketplaces to explore. All of these are flocked by visitors. It remains a big hustle and bustle city the whole day. It is an urban centre in its true sense. 

An Urban Centre

New Delhi is home to a vast network of Metro which covers the entire NCR. it is one of the most effective public transportation systems and lakhs of people use the same on an everyday basis. 

One other public transport system includes travelling in buses which is a part of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). 

Also Read:- World Population Day

Things I Love About Delhi

Some of the things that I love about my city are mentioned below:-

• I explored the different bazaars and many other places such as Connaught Place etc with my friends.
• One of the best of my city to visit is the Delhi Zoo. it has an amazing variety of animals of all kinds. My favourite animal in the zoo is the majestic lion. Also, I love watching different parrots there as well. They are so vibrant. 
• I love travelling by Metro, It’s fast, it’s clean, it’s affordable.

Although the pollution levels are alarming in my city, I still love it. It has so much more to offer and it’s a beautiful place to live. I have formed many memories here and will continue to do so in the future as I can never part with New Delhi, my city.

Ans: The city in which I live is New Delhi. It is one of the most populated cities and is famous for its remarkable structures. Each day millions of tourists from around the world come and experience my city, its rich culture and brilliant architecture such as Qutub Minar, built by Qutb-Din-Aibak, Red Fort, etc. My city is of great historical importance too. It has been the centre of many previous empires and now it is the capital of India. I very much love my city and once I grow up and become a successful person, I would love to keep living in this city with my family and friends.

Ans: New Delhi, my city has everything a great city needs- amazing architecture, diverse people, great food, etc. I was born and brought up in this city. My family has been living here for decades now. I will be forever grateful to my city for letting me have such beautiful moments which cheer me up.

Ans: The ‘City’ is derived from the French word ‘Citizenry’ which means an ‘Important or a large town’.

Related Reads:

This brings us to the end of our blog on Essay on My City. Hope you find this information useful. For more information on such informative topics for your school, visit our essay writing and follow Leverage Edu.

Deepansh Gautam

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My City Essay – 10 Lines, Short And Long Essay For Kids

Key Points To Remember When Writing An Essay On ‘My City’ For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on ‘my city’ for kids, a paragraph on ‘my city’ for children, short essay on ‘my city’ for kids, long essay on ‘my city’ for children, what will your child learn from this essay.

My city is a great topic to write on because there is so much one can add to an essay on this! Beyond the physical aspect of it, everyone shares an emotional connection with their city. The name of the city, the climate, where I live, and why I love my city are questions to be answered in an essay on “My City” for classes 1, 2, and 3. Sometimes you may change cities, which means switching to a different environment, but the city you would have spent more time in will hold a special place in your heart. By writing an essay on ‘my city’, kids will know what to explore and write about. In simple terms, let them have fun and let the words do the magic. Below is a guide on how to write an essay on “My City” for lower primary classes.

You should always start your essay on “My City” with an introduction and get into the location’s history. Gently walking readers through a new region is the goal of an essay. Given here are some key points to remember when writing an essay:

• List out the city’s name, landmarks, and how far it is away from the capital; if it is the capital city, write a different story.
• Talk about famous educational institutions, schools, and colleges in the city.
• What is the city famous for and why tourists should visit – a few lines on these have to be added.
• How the kids perceive their city, emotion, and local connections needs to be explored and expressed in simple sentences.

Living in any city comes with its perks and downsides. However, all kids love their city and share a special bond with it. A city is beautiful and has many sights to explore, including hidden gems. Here are 10 lines for an essay on “My City” for classes 1 & 2:

• My city is stunning, and I love its layout and vision.
• The people in my city are warm, kind, and friendly.
• I love making new friends in my city and look forward to attending school.
• My city is a home for my family; I live with my parents in the city.
• My city has good services such as food markets, shops, hospitals, and many civic amenities.
• I love to go for a morning walk in the many parks my city has.
• There is a lot to learn about my city and many things I do not know.
• I was two years old when my parents moved to Noida.
• I plan to live in my city with my grandparents and not go elsewhere until I grow up.
• I want to study and get a job in my city because of how comfortable my life is here.

A lot can be learnt by writing an essay on “My City”. It allows kids to see the city they live in with a new light and perspective:

A city can not only be defined based on geographical details, as it carries a significant part of one’s persona. There are so many cities in India, but there is nothing like my city. I live in the capital city of India, New Delhi, and my city is known for its dazzling and warm aura. People also call it mini India, as you will find a mixed population of all cultures and sensibilities here. Famous for monuments like Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, etc., my city has a story for everything. One can find an enriching collection of art, politics, knowledge, and IT here. If you ever visit my city, explore places like Cannought Place, Delhi Haat, Chandni Chowk, etc., to get the local flavour and ambience.

Writing an essay on “My City” can be an enlightening journey for kids as they will be able to share their clear and fresh vision of it. Here is a short essay on my city:

I love my city, Banglore, and I think it’s the best place in the world. It is the land where I grew up and currently live with my parents. I’ve made many fond memories and friends here. I’ve visited many exciting attractions and have gone on picnics hosted by my school. Bangalore has many wilderness projects, and animal lovers can visit the Venugopala Wildlife Park and Bandipur National Park in Mysore. Mysore is 150 km away from Banglore. Other exciting places to go sightseeing are the Bangalore Palace, Forum Mall, and ISKCON Temple. You can also check out the Wonderla Amusement Park, a famous tourist and entertainment attraction. The people here show tremendous hospitality, and my city is also a centre for education and wellness. Many schools, medical institutions, and colleges are found here. Banglore is considered the hub for engineering colleges and IT companies. Banglore is also known for its fast-paced urban lifestyle, but people take time to relax, chill and have fun times with family and friends.

Everybody falls in love with the city they stay in and love to spend time there. Here is how you write an essay for class 3 on “My City”:

Bangalore is my favourite place to live because I was born and raised there. MG road is my favourite area to visit because I can enjoy good food from restaurants like Mcdonald’s and Pizza Hut. It is the hub of recreational and commercial activities in the city. Blossom’s bookhouse in Church Street is my go-to spot because I can buy my favourite comic books and novels there. The buffets in my city are a great hit, and I love Onesta, which is famous for its unlimited pizza meals.

I go to Lal Bagh with my parents during summer vacation and relax there. It is in Jayanagar and a haven for nature lovers. The gates are big, and the scenery spreads across 240 acres of land, having more than 1854 varieties of plants. I love my city and plan to continue living there even after graduating. Finding a job in my city is not hard, and the education here is excellent. Many high school graduates get summer jobs, and I look forward to working on many small projects when I get free time. I can’t wait to explore the several opportunities found in my city. I feel fortunate to live in my town, and my friends feel the same way too.

History Of My City

My city was established in 1956 and became the capital of Mysore after India’s independence. Two separate settlements merged into one in 1949. Bangalore is my city, and it has a population of over 10 million people.

Beautiful Places To Visit In My City

Some of the most beautiful places to visit in my city are Cubbon Park, Brigade Road, Nandi Hills, Lal Bagh, etc.

Facilities Available In My City

There are various facilities available in my city, such as healthcare, fitness, food and beauty services, and civic amenities.

Your child will learn how to navigate their city and the different popular sights. They will also learn what makes their city special and the top reasons why they love it.

Now that you know enough about your city, you can get started on writing an essay on “My City”. Be sure to give your child plenty of inspiration by talking about famous sights and telling popular tales about your city.

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My city essay in English 15 models

My city essay in English ,You will find many paragraphs in My city essay in English can install a short topic with the change of some of the names and places in your country to make this topic suitable for your country.

My city essay in English

The name of the city is (name of the city). Of the governorates (name of governorate) of (the name of the state). It is climate (type of climate) which makes it a beautiful city. it is (the distance) from the capital. It has a population of (population number) approx.

I live with my family consisting of my father, mother, younger brothers, grandparents, uncles, and their children.

My ancestors were born in this city; it is the home of my family since ancient times. My family works in the field of (work name), which is the work of most of the people of the city where I live.

I receive my education at the school (name of the school), one of the city schools. It was bult since a long time. My father, my mother and my uncles learned at this school.

My city has all the services. We have a market (market name) that provides the city with all its requirements of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, poultry, grains, tools, fabrics and other products.

My town is famous for (what the city is famous for).

I like to wake up very early and walk the streets before people wake up and wait for the sunrise and the morning light that illuminates my city and inspires activity and hope.

My city’s residents are known for their diligence and hard workers. The city, which its people is characterized by these specifications, is clean and organized and developing rapidly to cope with global progress.

I love my city and I think it is the best place in the world. It is my homeland where I grew up and learned. In which My family, my friends live and work.

I visited many different cities, and whenever I visit a new city, I was looking for my city. I could not find a city like it.

I love my city and I plan to live there and I hope to be buried at my death next to my parents and grandparents.

I have planned my small project, which I will establish after graduation.

My project depends on my experience of my family’s work and the use of modern technology to develop it.

I love my city; it is a wonderful and developed city. I’m lucky to live in it.

My city essay

I love the city in which I live so much, My city is coastal and I live near the sea, I can see it whenever I go out for a walk or go to school.

This makes it a city that basically does not sleep, as there is always tourism that makes the city awake to cover the requirements of its arrivals.

This is what makes it always in constant development and improvement and a keen interest in the cleanliness of its streets and the construction of many modern buildings in it.

I really like to ride public transport. There is a bus that runs on the sea road only, and you can ride in the upper area and see all the sights in the city and see the beaches through it.

I can also sit in several ancient historical landmarks dating back to ancient times since the beginning of my town’s inception.

Essay on my city

I live in the (…..)  city  and I love it very much. My brothers and I grew up in this city and we know every area in it. We enjoy a lot watching football matches inside the (…..) stadium.

And every holiday we and all the family members go to a zoo and watch the animals and take some pictures, or enjoy sitting near the fish tank  to see some of the new fish that have been included in the garden.

Then watch the main show and watch the dolphin playing with the coach and spraying water on the audience. It makes us interact a lot. I love my city very much because it has many restaurants, parks and beaches.

I enjoy a lot when we go out in the evening to eat in the famous (…..) restaurant. What I like about my city is that it is safe and we can go around and leave at any time and go back and walk on the roads without any fear.

I like very much to say hello to the police who are everywhere. Seeing them makes me feel safe.

I live in a coastal city, so I enjoy a nice mild weather all year round, and in the summer I spend most of my time on the beach, and my cousins ​​come to visit us at the end of the year, and we go to the beach together, there are a lot of activities we do, such as playing football , or playing chess, in addition to swimming, I love my city very much, so I hope to live in it after I graduate from university, and I like to work in it also, I dream of being an engineer in the future, to design some beautiful beach houses.

My city topic

My city is the most beautiful city in the world from my point of view, because every person in this life sees that his city is the most beautiful because it is his homeland in which he was born. In my city, I lived with my family the most beautiful days of my life, as we used to meet during Ramadan and Eid. We have been celebrating the marriage of our relatives for long days. When I went to school, I got to know my friends and we used to have fun every day and play together.

I live in Luxor, which is known among all the cities of the world as a first-class tourist city, due to the presence of Pharaonic monuments and temples in it. Although it is a famous city and loved by people everywhere from all over the world, but I love it because it is my city and has my family, friends and beautiful memories.

My City Paragraph

I live in an industrial city with my family members. My father works in one of the factories near the house. My city is completely dependent on factories.

Factories represent the basic income of many families in my city. The factories in my town have a lot of large areas that help in accommodating a lot of workers.

I would very much like to become an engineer when I graduate because it is one of the most sought-after jobs in my city.

Many factories in the past closed due to lack of development, unlike many of the current factories, which are fiercely competitive and have a spirit of challenge.

I really like the competitive atmosphere that makes people give their best and this is what I want to participate in and experience.

Paragraph about my city

My name is (..). I am from the city of Geneva. I live in it with my family. I am (..) years old. I study in class (..). I love my city very much.

Geneva is famous for its beautiful scenery. It is also famous for its high quality watches. It is the best in this industry in the world.

I love spending time by the Geneva Fountain, which is a symbol of the city. The fountain was built in 1886. I also very much love spending time at the Museum of Contemporary Art for myself and my friends. This is the second special place we love to spend time at.

City Essay In English

Cities are famous for the large population congestion, and many high-rise buildings to accommodate the continuous housing increase, and the continuous expansion of transportation and communications, and the infrastructure must be strong to accommodate the huge number of people present in it.

The city is characterized by containing many profitable commercial opportunities, and provides various job opportunities. The city is also famous for having better education because it keeps pace with the modern era, and is more used, making it more developed.

There is no doubt that any city requires wealthy investors to pump projects and form trades that contribute to the national income of the state and the city, and whenever the appropriate climate is provided, the more investors flock to it.

Therefore, the city is considered one of the important and distinctive areas in which life is fast and profitable for many people.

My Beautiful City Essay

Undoubtedly, I love my city very much, and I love to roam and participate in many activities in it. I like to walk in the parks and do jogging daily.

I like very much to play sport in the garden ( write the name of the garden ). When I finished, I return home from a street of (type the name of the street). I can see the roses on this street and the trees on both sides, It makes me feel energetic, especially the scent of jasmine that is in the air.

After that, I like to go out to participate in some cultural activities that I share with my friends, such as going to the library or talking about some study matters that occupy us.

My city in the evening is beautiful, illuminated by large advertisements, and all the shops and commercial centers are open. We can go and walk around and shop or entertain ourselves.

I love the cinema very much and go to some famous movies like Kingdom of the Rings or something like that. I like to go out late with my family, have a meal at one of the restaurants near the house, enjoy talking with my mum and dad, and take a little drive around the road before going back to the house.

I never get tired of walking around the city and watching the streets. There is always something going on around us that we really enjoy watching it.

My city paragraph in English

My city is characterized by diversity and many differences that make it distinctive and unique, as there are several neighborhoods in my city and they are (write the names of the neighborhoods here). I live in the city of (type the name of the city). Inside a neighborhood of (type the neighborhood name here).

Nevertheless, each neighborhood in the city has its own unique character that retains its own identity, customs and traditions. Which makes there a great curiosity and desire to discover other areas and learn about other customs and traditions in the city.

My city is famous because of the hobby of (type the name of a hobby here). This hobby is shared by many city residents, and there are many playgrounds where we practice this sport.

In the evening, everyone loves to go out and wander the streets and sit on the sides of the roads in famous cafes and eat sweets or drinks.

Writing a paragraph about my city

I love my city very much. I live in a coastal city. In winter, the sea is empty, and walking on the sea promenade is wonderful and there is no crowding.

I like very much to ride my bike during sunset on the Corniche, me and my friends, and to roam some of the roads surrounding the neighborhood in which I live.

We go to play soccer on the beach many days, and we enjoy it a lot, especially since this opportunity does not come often.

Summer in my city, no one can move easily, many summer residents come to my city from neighboring countries that do not have beaches, and everything is crowded.

I also like this, as it represents a main source of income for the city, and all parents depend on it to provide as much as possible before the summer ends.

We own some apartments near the sea. In the summer, I like to help my father in advertising and bring in some tenants. This is profitable as the rent is for two or three days only, and the return is good. We rely heavily on these apartments in the summer.

When the day is over, I like to go with my friends to the cinema, take a walk in the parks, or go for meals in one of the famous restaurants.

It makes me happy, after working hard all morning I managed to make some money, and now I can enjoy it. I love my city so much for these reasons.

My city essay for class 2

I can say that I am one of the lucky people, as I was born in the city of (type the name of the city). It is a distinguished city where all services are available such as courts, stadiums, sports clubs, restaurants, the sea, parks, game and entertainment cities, zoo, hospitals, large police stations, ambulances, the best schools, the best universities.

So I am very happy to be here and live in it and I am very grateful that I was born in this city . I can say that I am fortunate in this, and I appreciate it and try to preserve it, by volunteering in many charitable activities, or keeping the city clean, and diligently studying, so that I can live in the city and enter the university.

I hope when I grow up I can present some projects or ideas that help in the development of the city and make it better than it is.

My city essay for class 10

My city is small and it doesn’t have a lot of amazing things like big cities. But we have love and security in my city, a quality that may not be present in big cities. I live in the city of (type the name of the city). In the region of (type the name of the region). I study in class 10.

Because of the small area of ​​my city, everyone knows each other, and we gather on occasions on a regular basis, and on holidays we go out to the streets to celebrate.

We also have few schools in my city, so the children of the town are almost all in one place, so there is bonding and love between everyone, and all the way we greet each other. It makes me feel safe and I am in my safe zone.

I really like to ride my bike in the city and roam around the stadiums, and if the opportunity allows me to participate in some matches, I am very happy with that.

In addition to going to play some video games and others with my friends, and for a walk in the evening in the park with the family.

I find living in a small town wonderful and I don’t want anything else that we don’t have in our city. I am happy with it as it is and I hope to grow and participate in providing something useful for it.

My city essay in Eenglish for class 4

My city is very beautiful and I love spending time in it. I live in the city of (type the name of the city). I live in the neighborhood of (type the name of the neighborhood here).

I love the neighborhood in which I live at all times, whether it is morning or evening. There are always activities and games in the neighborhood that suit every time.

There are playgrounds for neighborhood children, and in the morning we play inside them. In the evening, the entire city is awake and full of activity and vitality, its streets are full of people, and everyone is wandering in the markets and shops.

I like to cycle with my friends in the streets, or go to the game centers, which are located in the big malls, and play a little.

This is how I see my city as beautiful and its streets are wide and clean, and the school is close to my home, and there is nothing difficult or dangerous in it.

Paragraph about your city

When you think about writing a paragraph about your city, you will always find yourself distracted and not knowing where to start writing. So we will shed some light on several good points that you can write about and use in writing  your homework.

Undoubtedly, there are many wonderful areas in my city that make me fell happiness and pleasure, such as the picnic areas that contain large green areas, and which contain playgrounds and family entertainment areas, in which all family members meet.

I remember in my city the first time my father and mother took me to the park and took the bike with us to teach me driving. I remember my happiness a lot, and how my father worked hard with me to teach me to drive, and we spent the whole day trying to teach me to drive on my own. The presence of an area designated for cycling enthusiasts helped me a lot.

I also have several other areas where I have a lot of happy moments, such as cinemas, clubs that have a swimming pool. There I learned to swim with my coach.

My city is wonderful and has many wonderful places. We have wonderful and clean schools, and we own many famous and huge restaurants that I love to eat in , especially pizza.

We also have many wonderful malls that consist of more than one floor. I enjoy a lot of going with my family and wandering around all the floors and going up the escalator, and seeing the shops and clothes, that makes me very happy.

After touring and buying, we always go to eat ice cream or wonderful drinks in the cafe located at the bottom of the mall. We make this place a habit that we always repeat whenever we go to the mall.

This is my wonderful city that I love and I do not feel that there is anything missing.

In this way we have given you My city essay in English,  and you can read more topics through the following section:

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Essays About Cities: Top 7 Examples and 10 Prompts

If you’re writing an essay about cities, discover helpful examples of essays about cities and prompts in our guide to help stir your creative thoughts. 

Cities are the most stable social organization that has stood the test of time. A place achieves city status not only because of the sheer size of its population but also because of its territories, economic development, and political influence. Creating sustainable and resilient cities has attracted significant attention from academics, policymakers, civic groups, and the private sector over the years. This interest is spurred by pressing threats to the livability of cities, such as flooding, pollution, urban migration, and congestion. Whether you live in a city or dream of city life, writing an essay on this topic is a fantastic way to convey your thoughts on this topic. 

Check out below some amazing essay examples and prompts to help you create an insightful essay.

7 Best Essay Examples

1.  cities are scrambling to prevent flooding by casey crownhart, 2. putrajaya: the capital city you’ve never heard of by ronan o’connell, 3. japan’s hidden jewels: the abandoned island of hashima by hannah bergin, 4. planning to preserve — keeping heritage relevant in cities by marcus ng, 5. building the city of the future — at a $41 trillion price tag by aneri pattani, 6. 8 highlights from enabling masterplan 2030 to empower persons with disabilities by shermaine ang and goh yan han, 7. how cities are using technology to solve their trash problems by nell lewis, 10 writing prompts for essays about cities, 1. all about your city, 2. anti-congestion policies in your city, 3. fixing flood-prone cities, 4. green cities, 5. city vs. countryside, 6. cities in the metaverse, 7. what are megacities, 8. criminality in cities, 9. bucket list cities, 10. agriculture in cities.

“In many cases, their existing systems are aging and built for the climate of the past. And even upgrades can do only so much to mitigate the intense flooding that’s becoming more common, leaving cities to come up with other solutions.”

In this article, Crownhart delves into how states across the United States are experiencing unprecedented flood levels that are drowning out entire towns. While a total upgrade is urgent, it is also insanely costly.

“Building Putrajaya from scratch also afforded generous opportunities for innovation. Mahathir’s goal was to make Putrajaya Malaysia’s most eco-friendly urban centre and its most modern.”

In this Essay, O’Connell describes some capital cities we may not know of. Focusing on Malaysia, we learn that Putrajaya aimed to serve as Malaysia’s next capital during the worsening congestion in Kuala Lumpur. Now, Malaysia’s administrative and judicial capital offers the lure and peace of a sleeping eco-haven.

“A coal-mining site during the Meiji Restoration, Hashima has since been completely abandoned. All that remains of the once thriving site, are the crumbling bones of deserted buildings.”

Looking at some economic issues within cities, Bergin describes the coal mining industry within Hashima. Hashima was once a host to a thriving coal mining industry, but people abruptly left once the mine reserves had depleted. Now, the remnants of its glorious industrial past can only be glimpsed through Google images. 

“Preserving historical buildings and neighbourhoods helps to maintain a city’s distinctive character and engender a sense of belonging. The social fabric is also strengthened when planners work with local communities to create new and relevant uses for old spaces such as industrial neighbourhoods.”

The essay visits the culture and heritage preservation policies and efforts across various cultural cities, both old and emerging. Marcus Ng describes the importance of preserving significant buildings that enhance a city’s unique history and culture.

“As cities invest in air-quality sensors, solar-powered trash compactors, self-healing power grids and more, the opportunities for private industry are huge. Experts say there is just one problem: It’s virtually impossible to measure the return on investment for many leading-edge technologies first being put to use by the public sector.”

In the following decades, cities could be shelling out $41 trillion to build their smart capabilities to take living standards to the next level. However, a looming problem remains, and that is estimating a return from this investment. Pattani discusses the importance of building smart and sustainable cities.

“A new task force will work on designing alternative employment models such as micro jobs – temporary, task-type jobs – which can support more people to work, and increase the number of organisations that commit to being inclusive through the Enabling Mark and Enabling Employment Pledge.”

Among the top countries known for its friendliness to persons with disabilities (PWD), Singapore continues to roll out new efforts to make PWDs more at home in this Lion City. This intriguing essay shows how to progress with essential socio-economic growth within a city.

“As urban populations continue to grow, some cities are struggling to cope. Many are turning to new technologies for cost-effective solutions to clean up waste.”

From AI, automation, and converting waste to energy, cities are drawing up innovative measures to address their growing waste problem. In this essay, Lewis describes how technology can be used to tackle recycling issues in condensed and highly populated cities.

Read on to see writing prompts and ideas to help you get started:

This essay could serve as an ultimate city guide. First, write about the history of the city you line in, including the figures that envisioned and helped make the city blueprint a reality. Then, talk about its economic development and architectural changes over the decades. Finally, recommend the best landmarks tourists should visit.

Traffic congestion can easily rob a city of billions of dollars a year. But it remains the biggest challenge, especially for business hubs. For this essay, share how immense the congestion problem is in your city. Then, lay down the solutions being implemented by your city government or proposed by concerned communities.

With the rapid pace of global warming, flooding in cities is now a significant concern that demands urgent action. Look into model cities and highlight out-of-the-box strategies they are undertaking. Some examples could be Tokyo’s $2 billion floodwater cathedral and the Busan floating pontoon city project. You may also share about your own city’s flood mitigation program. 

Beyond improving the environment and reducing pollution, green cities also promote better health and wellness for their citizens. List down your city government’s efforts to shift toward a greener city. If you want to go the extra mile, interview city officials and city planners. You could also talk to groups advocating for green cities to know more deeply about the obstacles preventing your city from going greener and emerging policy proposals. 

The countryside is always a good place to escape the city’s bustle and hustle from time to time. But if you were to choose a permanent residence, would you go to the big city or the countryside? Make a pick by weighing the pros and cons of moving to the countryside or staying in the city. You may also mull over the push in many countries to bring commerce and jobs to the countryside. Answer how this could benefit provinces, promote countryside living and help decongest cities. 

Many companies are investing billions of dollars to become the first movers in the virtual world, where they aspire to build their cities and empire. This is compelling even government agencies to venture into this exciting new world. But what exactly are the opportunities and threats awaiting netizens in the metaverse? Identify the advantages and disadvantages of metaverse-based cities regarding economic opportunities and social development on an individual, community, and national level. 

Megacities are extraordinarily large cities with millions of residents and diverse cultures. Megacities promise greater connectivity, bigger and more reliable infrastructure, and greater integration of technology in everyday life. In your essay, discuss the global upward trend in the attraction of megacities as a center for business and prosperity. 

In your essay, you can try to answer whether community size affects the criminality rate. First, research by gathering available reports that analyze and compare criminality rates in urban and rural areas. Then, cite the primary factors that make cities more prone to criminal incidents. You could also search for the most violent cities in the world and find out factors that drove criminality in these cities to record highs. 

In this light essay, write about the city you’ve been dreaming of travelling to. Then, explain why this is your top pick. Your reasons may relate to the history of the place, grand aesthetic architecture, or even something more personal. To conclude your essay, list down the must-visit landmarks and must-do activities once you get the chance to visit this city.

Urban agriculture is one way to ensure food sufficiency and promote city livelihoods. First, write about model cities aggressively promoting agricultural farming, cultivation, and processing within city centers. Then, talk about your city’s urban gardening initiatives and how this has helped enhance food security. For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checker . If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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It is Better to Live in a City, or Life is Better in the Countryside? (IELTS Essay)

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Model Essay 1

The debate between urban and rural living has been longstanding, each presenting unique advantages. Some advocate for the bustling life of the city, citing endless opportunities and amenities, while others favor the tranquility and simplicity of countryside living. This essay argues that both lifestyles have their merits, yet the choice largely depends on individual preferences and life stages.

City life is synonymous with convenience and myriad opportunities, drawing people with its blend of advanced healthcare, top-tier educational institutions, and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Metropolises like New York and London epitomize career advancement, offering a spectrum of industries and robust professional networks that are magnets for career-oriented individuals. The vibrancy of urban living is unparalleled, with a cornucopia of entertainment options and social gatherings ensuring a dynamic lifestyle. Yet, this vibrancy comes at a price: the cost of living can be steep, and the unrelenting pace often breeds stress and a sense of isolation among its inhabitants, highlighting the complexity of urban life's benefits against its drawbacks.

Conversely, the countryside presents a vastly different allure, appealing to those yearning for tranquility and a close-knit community ethos. Rural life is defined by its leisurely pace, fostering strong community ties and a profound connection with nature, offering a stark contrast to urban hustle. The picturesque landscapes of areas like the English Lake District or the Tuscan hills serve as serene havens from urban bustle, where the lower cost of living and a more salubrious environment are tangible benefits. However, the idyllic rural life comes with its challenges: the accessibility of services and job opportunities is limited, which could be a significant deterrent for individuals seeking professional development or accustomed to the conveniences of city life, thereby presenting a nuanced choice between the simplicity of rural living and the dynamic urban experience.

In conclusion, both city and countryside living offer distinct advantages and limitations. The choice between the two ultimately hinges on one's lifestyle preferences, career ambitions, and values. While cities dazzle with their promise of opportunity and excitement, the countryside enchants with its simplicity and peace.

Model Essay 2

The debate over whether urban or rural living offers a superior quality of life is a topic of much contention. It is my view that while city life presents unparalleled opportunities for professional advancement and cultural exposure, the countryside offers a tranquil, healthier environment conducive to well-being. This essay will explore the merits of both settings in detail.

Cities, celebrated for their dynamic cultural landscapes, offer a diverse tapestry of entertainment, dining, and educational opportunities, enriching residents' lives. Metropolitan areas, vibrant and bustling, typically host an array of museums, theaters, and galleries that not only provide residents with direct access to the arts but also promote an environment of continual personal and communal enrichment. Urban centers, acting as the epicenter of innovation and employment, present a myriad of career opportunities across various sectors. This diversity in professional avenues allows individuals to embark on ambitious career paths, harnessing the potential for growth and achievement that is often less accessible in less populated areas, thereby underscoring the city's role in shaping pioneering minds and careers.

In stark contrast, rural living embodies a slower pace of life, deeply intertwined with nature's serene rhythms, which is pivotal for mental and physical well-being. The countryside, with its expansive landscapes, fresh air, and a closely-knit community, cultivates a sense of belonging and mutual support, paramount for a harmonious life. These elements play a crucial role in diminishing stress and elevating the quality of life, creating a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility. The proximity to nature in rural areas not only fosters an appreciation for the environment but also encourages an active lifestyle through activities like hiking and gardening. This natural setting promotes a healthier lifestyle, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life and serving as a bastion for those valuing peace, health, and community connection.

In conclusion, city life offers dynamic cultural richness and career opportunities, whereas the countryside provides tranquility and a sense of community. The preference between urban and rural living varies with individual desires and life stages, making the ideal choice one that best suits personal needs and aspirations.

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Phrasal Verbs and Idioms for English Speaking | Lesson 1 – Elementary Level

Phrasal verbs and idioms for english speaking | lesson 2 – elementary level, phrasal verbs and idioms for english speaking | lesson 3 – elementary level, phrasal verbs and idioms for english speaking | lesson 4 – elementary level.

If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

English Writing Practice: Topic 6 – Sample 1

Everything in the universe is in constant change. And everything needs continual improvement if the ever changing and increasing demands of humankind are to be met. If I am ever given the chance to change one important thing about my home town, it would be internet service.

Needless to say that  nothing generally revolutionized the way we live as internet in the past decade.  Thus,  an improvement in this vital service would mean an even more, unheard betterment to the people in my home town. It is said that information is power.  True saying indeed!  I can envision how everything in my home town could improve  dramatically  if the internet service in it were made free, fast and staying out there like electricity, telephone or water all the time.

One thing, a fast free and reliable internet service could improve in my home town is the way people work. If there is a this said service people in my home town must not necessarily commute to a far place to do their job.  This in turn would mean  less traffic jams, spacious work place, more time for family and recreation and so on. The way people learn would be another important thing that a fast, free and reliable internet service could better in my home town.

People will have the chance to  go through  tremendous and different information resources in a very small amount of time. They,  apparently  will also take less time to share it. This assures a more fulfilled life for my home town people. Since its advent, internet touched every part of our life. It in a dazzling way improved the way we do business, learn and communicate. A change in internet service implies good way of living for every one in my home town.

English Writing Practice: Topic 6 – Sample 2

If I could change one important thing about my hometown, it would be air pollution problem, and I will give the following reasons to explain why I want to solve the problem.

The first and most important reason  is that I hope that my hometown can become a beautiful city. As an old industrial city, my hometown has made a great deal of contribution for the country’s economic development.  At a result , the natural environment of the city has been badly damaged. The forest has disappeared; the mountains have become bald, and the most awful thing is that the air quality becomes more and more worse.

People seldom see the blue sky during most time of 30 year. Another reason why I want to change my hometown’s air pollution situation is that the city’s development needs clean and tidy environment to attract investors.  Nowadays  people have come to know that the city’s environment, which is so called “software facility of the city”, plays an important role in the city’s future. For example , due to  the fact that the environment of the city is very poor, many local students who pursue their study out of the city would rather find themselves a job in other cities than coming back to their hometown after they graduated.

In addition,  nowadays people have paid more and more attention to their health. If air pollution problem cannot be solved as quickly as possible, people’s requirement for a healthy body will never be realized.  In my mind, changing air pollution will apparently be my first choice if I can change one important thing about my hometown .  Fortunately  people in my hometown are gradually aware of the serious problem.

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English Writing Practice: Topic 6 – Sample 3

With the developement of my hometown in the past few years, the population is expanding very fast. The city is expiriencing not only a higher birthrate than ever, but also waves of immigration. The streets in the city are crowed or even jamed during the rush hours. If I could change one thing about my hometown, I would develope an advanced public traffic system.

In order to  hold such an  exploding population , the city has extended miles by miles without much plan. It is common for people to travel from the southmost part to the northmost part of the city to go to work everyday. They have to spend three hours or more on the way they go to work and come home. Eight hours’ work is a heavy burden, while people have to spend hours before and after the work. A subway running through or around the city can solve the problem. People could live further away from the downtown without worrying about spending too much time  on the way.

Some people buy their own car or take a taxi to work everyday. It’s really expensive for most of the people in the city. They can’t afford paying so much on traffic fares. Many civil engineering experts advocate that sharing a public traffic system is the most efficient way. People could reduce their fares a lot by using the public traffic system, and they can spend the money on some other things.

Even there are more and more people who can afford buying a car or taking taxi everyday, It is still suggested to using the public traffic system. Because the road developement can never keep up with the demand of the increasing cars, the cars may jam on the roads during rush hours. Usually, the speed of the car in that time is no higher than a bycicle! And pollution is another concern. So many private cars running in the city will bring us an environmental problem.

On the other hand , the pollution from the public traffic system is much lighter.  All in all,  an advanced public traffic system time efficient, cost efficient, and pollution preventing.  This is the trend of advanced cities .

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Essay on My City for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Essay on My City: My city is not just the place I live in but an essential part of my identity. Everyone has fond memories of their city and they always remain a part of a person’s life.

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My city for me is a place where I have spent most of my childhood. It is a place I love and want to be in all my life. It is a place where I belong. Here are essays on My City of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any My City essay as per your need:

Long and Short Essay on My City in English

We have provided below short and long essay on my city in English. These short and long my city essay have been aptly written in easy and understandable language for better memorization and easy presentation.

After going through the essay you will know how is my city an integral part of my life, what does my city constitutes and how many other lives, families it supports etc.

You can use these essays in your school’s/college’s essay writing, speech giving and debate competitions or during discussing about your city with friends and family.

My City Essay 1 (200 words)

My father has a transferable job and hence we are always on a move. We have changed as many as four cities since my childhood. I never thought that there would be any one city that I would really be able to call home until I moved to Jaipur. It has been just two years that we have shifted to this place but it feels like home already.

I love everything about this place – from the house we have rented for accommodation to my school, from my neighbourhood to the local markets, from the beautiful monuments to the delectable food. Everything here is just amazing. But what I like the most about this city is the people here.

The people here are very warm and friendly. Our neighbourhood aunty is always ready to extend help to my mother whenever our father is out on official tours. Her kids are as friendly as her and I have found my best friend in her daughter. I have also made some really close friends in my school.

I also love the fact that there is so much to explore in this city. The never ending bazaars full of beautiful clothes and home décor items, the ancient monuments and the beautiful temples – I just love everything about this city. Finally, there is a place I feel like calling my own. This is my city and I would love to live here forever.

My City Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

I was just 2 years old when my parents shifted to Noida. Noida is a planned city that forms a part of the National Capital Region of India. The city came into existence on 17 th April 1976 and the day is celebrated as Noida Day each year.

My City My Lifeline

I have been living in Noida for the last 12 years. I still remember our old house where I spent 3 years of my life. Though, I was very young at that time, I still have fond memories of my friends who lived in our neighbourhood.

We stayed in a rented accommodation for the first 3 years and then moved to our own flat in a beautiful society that has all the modern amenities. My school is at a distance of just 3 km from my house and my parents’ office is close by too.

The Mall Excursions

Noida is known for its big malls and shopping complexes. People from Delhi and other parts of NCR specially visit these malls to spend good time with their family and friends. I have visited all these malls and just love the fun time spent here. We go to these malls for movies, gaming and also for family dinners. Since the last few months my parents have also started allowing me to go to the malls with friends although they pick and drop me to the place. Excursions to these malls are super exciting. I especially love playing different games such as bowling and air hockey at these malls.

Noida Foodie’s Delight

Noida is certainly a Foodie’s delight. With so many offices and educational institutes around, Noida is a hub for delectable street food. All kinds of food items, from Lucknowi kababs to Chinese momos – everything available here is just delicious.

My city is one of the most happening cities in the country. Everything here is just awesome. I just wish the government here strengthens women security too.

My City Essay 3 (400 words)

Lucknow is my city of birth. It is where my family and extended family lives. We used to live here until I was 10 years old but around 2 years back we had to move to Rajasthan because my father’s business demanded so. I and my parents shifted to Udaipur, Rajasthan however my brother continued to live there with our grandparents because of his preparation for IIT JEE exam as he say I am studying from the best coaching institute for IIT JEE in Lucknow so can’t leave this. However, my father’s project is now complete and we shall soon be moving back to Lucknow. I will be celebrating my thirteenth birthday in my very own city and I am super excited about it.

My Early Memories of Lucknow

We lived in a joint family. I lived with my parents and grandparents. My early memories of Lucknow are all related to my grandparents, their stories, the streets of Lucknow and the weekend trips to the nearby markets. I remember going for morning walk with my grandfather who used to narrate his childhood experiences on the way. I remember the freshness of the bougainvillea plant that grew in our backyard.

I remember my evening visits to the beautiful white marble temple with my grandmother. I remember the fragrance of the freshly prepared kabab paranthas at the street stall in our neighbourhood. I also remember my weekend trips to the market with my parents. We shopped and ate and had a lot of fun during that time.

My Favourite Spots in Lucknow

Lucknow is known for its markets, its scrumptious food, beautiful monuments and. My favourite spots in Lucknow are the Imam Bara, Marine Drive, Hazrat Ganj market and Bhootnath market. I have a lot of fond memories of these places.

I have visited Imam Bara quite a few times. The first time I visited this place with my parents when I was very young. A few years later I visited the place as a part of my school excursion. We also went to the place when my maternal aunt and cousins visited us. I can visit Imam Bara over and over again and still not get bored.

We often visited marine drive in the evening. A stroll by the river side was extremely rejuvenating. I also loved shopping trips to Bhootnath and Hazrat Ganj markets with my mother. We both love shopping and the variety of things we got there was just amazing.

I just can’t wait to be in the city of Nawabs yet again. I am craving to have the delicious kabab roles and korma of Lucknow. I also want to visit all my favourite places in the city and meet my old friends.

My City Essay 4 (500 words)

I live in Chandigarh. I am born and brought up here and I simply love the essence of this place. My city is the most beautiful one in the country. It is one of the seven union territories in India and is the capital city of both Punjab and Haryana.

History and Origin of the City

Chandigarh happens to be the first planned city in India. Its origin dates back to the post independence era. During the partition of India, Punjab was also divided into two parts. Punjab’s capital, Lahore formed a part of the newly formed Pakistan and the state was thus left without any capital. Chandigarh was planned with the aim of giving a capital to Punjab. In the year 1966, a new state was carved from Eastern Punjab. It came to be known as Haryana. Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.

Chandigarh City – Planned and Organized

Chandigarh is known to be a well-planned city. It is appreciated for its design and architecture all over the world. Since it was the dream city of the then Indian Prime Minister, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru special care was taken to build its architecture. American Architect, Albert Mayer was specially called to lay its design. Popular French architect Le Corbusier designed various buildings and contributed to the city’s architecture. The city is divided into various sectors and each sector has its own market and residential area. The city is well planted with a variety of beautiful trees.

Chandigarh’s main attraction is the Sukhna Lake which is an artificial lake in sector 1. It was created in 1958 and has since been one of the most happening spots in the city.

The people of Chandigarh have kept up with the systematic approach it was built with. Not only is the city well designed but it is also kept extremely clean in every way. You will not find any litter around as is seen in various other parts of the country. Traffic police in the city is extremely vigilant. No one can dare to break the traffic rules here. The discipline is maintained at every level. People live in peace and harmony here.

Sukhna Lake – My Favourite Spot

My favourite spot in the city is of course Sukhna Lake. The place is becoming happening by the day. The atmosphere here in the morning is completely different compared to that in the evening. In the morning, the place is calm and serene filled with fresh air. It is the best place to relax and unwind. In the evening, it is crowded with people enjoying boat rides and having snacks. Electronic swings have also been installed for children. The place is full of hustle and bustle during the evening hours. It is a good place to go out with friends as well as family. I can visit the place early morning as well as in the evening. I love it when it is calm and quite as well as when it is full of people.

Chandigarh is not just my city, it is my lifeline. I wish to spend all my life here. I don’t think I will be able to live as happily and peacefully in any other city.

My City Essay 5 (600 words)

I live in Delhi since I was 3 years old and I am completely in love with this city. Life here is fast, people here are full of life and the food you get here is just awesome. The capital of India, Delhi boosts of a rich historical past and beautiful edifices.

Delhi’s Historical Past

The history of Delhi dates back to the 12 th century. It is known as the oldest inhabited cities not just in India but around the world. Delhi has been ruled by several powerful kings including Ibrahim Lodi, Zaheeruddin Muhammad Babur, Sher Shah Suri, Prithvi Raj Chauhan, Qutub-ud-Din Aybak, Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji, Shah Alam Bahadur Shah I and Akbar Shah II to name a few. The city was destructed and re-built several times by different emperors.

It is believed that the Pandvas also lived in this part of the country. During that era, the city was known by the name, Indraprastha. The Old Fort (Purana Qila) is said to have been constructed during that time.

Delhi’s Beautiful Monuments

Delhi is known for its beautiful monuments. There are a number spectacular monuments standing tall since centuries. Many new edifices have been built later and are as magnificent. Tourists from around the world visit Delhi to see these monuments. Here is a look at some of the most popular monuments in my city:

Red fort is one of the oldest monuments in Delhi. Made of red sandstone, the fort encompasses various museums. This brilliant piece of architecture was built by the Mughals in the 16 th century. The Mughal emperors lived here for almost 200 years.

• Humayun’s Tomb

It is said that Humayun’s Tomb is a replica of the marvellous Taj Mahal. It is made with red sandstone and white marble. The tomb is an example of the Persian style of Islamic architecture. The tomb is 47 metres high and 91 metres wide and is surrounded by beautiful Persian-style garden.

• Lotus Temple

As the name suggests, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus. It has 27 petals made of white marble. It has nine doors that open into the main hall. The marvellous edifice is big enough to accommodate up to 2500 people at a time.

Lotus Temple is a Bahai House of Worship however it is open for people belonging to any religion.

• Qutub Minar

Yet another architectural brilliance, Qutub Minar is also made of red sand stone. It was built by Qutub Ud-Din-Aibak. This 73 metre tall edifice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of five storeys that are connected through spiral staircase.

India Gate is yet another historical monument in the city that draws numerous tourists from around the world. The names of martyrs are engraved on this monument. The Amar Jawan Jyoti lit under this monument is a tribute to the Indian soldiers.

• Akshar Dham Temple

Akshar Dham Temple is a place of devotion and purity. It is the latest addition in the list of monuments in Delhi. It was opened for public in the year 2005. Besides the beautifully carved temple and other marvellous buildings, the Akshar Dham complex includes lush green gardens and water bodies.

I have been to all these places and can visit these over and over again. I have beautiful memories of these places.

Apart from the historical monuments, Delhi also includes numerous places to shop around. It can certainly be called a shopper’s delight. I love visiting different markets that do not only give me an opportunity to buy good stuff but also gives me a chance to have delectable street food. I can’t imagine myself living anywhere other than Delhi.

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My Village Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on my village.

My Village Essay- My village is a place that I like to visit in my holidays or whenever I feel tired and want to relax. A village is a place that is far away from the pollution and noise of the city. Also, you feel a connection with the soil in a village.

Moreover, there are trees, a variety of crops , diversity of flowers, and rivers, etc. Besides all this, you feel the cold breeze at night and a warm but pleasant breeze in the day.

The Facts About the Village

Around more than 70% of India’s population resides in villages. Likewise, villages are the main source of food and agricultural produce that we consume. After independence, the villages have grown much in both populations as well as education .

Village peoples are more dedicated to their work then the people of the city also they have more strength and capacity then urban area people.

Moreover, the entire village lives in peace and harmony and there is no conflict of any kind. Villagers come forward in each other sorrows and happiness and they are of helpful nature.

Most importantly, you can see stars at night which you no longer see in the city.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Description of My Village

My village exists in a low lying area that has a warm summer and a chilly winter. Mostly I visit my village in summers because of the holidays. Although the village is far cooler than the city during the summer. Also, you do not need air conditioners in a village because of the breeze. In a village you see greenery and almost every household has a minimum of one tree in their courtyards.

In addition, the thing that I like the most about my village is the fresh and revitalizing air. The air gives a feeling of refreshment even if I have slept for 4-5 hours. Most importantly, at night I see and count stars which I can’t do in the city.

Importance of Village

Villages existed in India from ancient times and they have been dependent on each other for the demand and supply of goods. Likewise, they contribute a lot to the growth and development of the country. India is a country who depends on agriculture more than its secondary and tertiary sector.

Also, India is the second most populated nation of the world and to feed this big population they need food which comes from the villages. This describes why they are important to us and everybody.

In conclusion, we can say that villages are the backbone of the economy. Also, my village is a part of all the villages in India where people still live in peace and harmony . Besides, the people of the villages are friendly and lives a happy and prosperous life as compared to the people of urban areas.

FAQs about My Village

Q.1 What is the best thing about the villages? A.1 There are many good things about villages such as fresh air, rivers, trees, no pollution, the earthy smell, fresh and organic food, and many more great things.

Q.2 Do villages lack in development? A.2 No, villages have developed quite well also they are developing at a pace faster than the cities.

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10 Tips to Write Better Essays in English

If writing an essay sounds a little bit scary, just think of it as a chance to improve your writing skills .

Nobody expects your first essay to be perfect. Just make sure you learn something new every time you write an essay, and you will  grow your abilities.

We’re going to help you out with ten tips for writing better essays while you’re learning English .

1. Create a Word Bank

2. act like a reporter, 3. create topic sentences, 4. argue both sides, 5. read backwards, 6. use an online thesaurus and a dictionary, 7. combine and separate sentences, 8. have a native english speaker edit your essay, 9. review the whole essay with your friend, then rewrite it, 10. use online apps, and one more thing....

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This is an interesting approach to writing your essay. First, choose a topic and write a thesis . A thesis is the main argument of your essay. For instance, if your topic is reading, your thesis might be “Reading makes you smarter.”

Once you have a thesis, think about your main topic and find words that relate to it in different ways. Then, branch out (broaden, diversify) your list to words that aren’t as closely related to your main topic.

For the example above, your primary list might include words like “books,” “reading” and “intelligent.” Your other “branched out” list might include “Harry Potter,” “reading by a fire” or “test scores.”

This process will help expand your vocabulary over time. Using these words when you write will also make your essay more vibrant (energetic, colorful).

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When you are first assigned the topic, go ahead and really explore the possible options for your thesis. Ask questions. Get curious. The more questions you ask before you start writing, the more information you will have to use in the essay.

A strong essay is one that covers a lot of content in a succinct (short, to-the-point) way. This process of acting like a reporter will give you valuable quotes, resources and vocabulary to begin the writing process.

For instance, if you’re writing about a new diet plan , you might ask questions like, “Who is the best candidate for this diet plan?,” “How can someone get started?” and “What is the hardest part of this plan?”

A topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph, and it summarizes the rest of the paragraph. You can create them first to help you stay on track when writing your essay.

For the thesis “Reading makes you smarter,” one paragraph’s topic sentence might be, “Newspapers make you more aware of current events.” Another paragraph’s topic sentence could be, “Reading plays and classic literature will make you more cultured.”

If you’re writing about the three main issues facing writers today, you could write three full sentences that each address one main issue. Set these aside. Then, when you start writing the essay, refer to your topic sentences to create a solid structure that begins at point A and ends at point C.

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If you have to write a longer or more complex essay, it might help to outline both sides of the argument before you start writing. When you write the essay, you will need to choose one side to focus on. But as you prepare, having a side-by-side list of points can be helpful in developing your thesis.

Also, by arguing for the opposite side of your opinion, you will learn which points you need to better address in your essay. You will learn more about the topic, and you will gain more vocabulary words to enrich the essay.

As an example, you might be writing an essay arguing that people should drink less coffee. To argue both sides, you’ll need to consider the opposite side: the benefits of coffee. How will people quit if they are addicted? What about the antioxidants in coffee? Aren’t those good for you? Really explore the entire concept (both sides of the argument) before you write.

Proper grammar is difficult for even the most fluent English speakers. Because you are learning English, you actually have an advantage. Many native speakers learned improper grammar from the start. It’s difficult to undo the damage caused by a lifetime of writing improperly.

As you learn the English language, make a serious effort to practice your grammar and sentence structure. One way to spot improper grammar in your own English writing is to read each sentence backwards (start with the last word and end with the first). This way, you won’t be fooled by how the words sound when you read them in your head.

Is everything in the correct tense (past, present, future, etc.)? If you’re writing about plurals, are the possessive nouns plural? Are the apostrophes in the right places? Does every sentence end with a punctuation mark (period, question mark, exclamation point)? Reading the text backwards makes you focus on the rules of grammar instead of the flow of the sentence.

You might have learned a large number of fancy words when studying for an entrance exam. But before you start using them in academic essays, be very sure you know what they mean in the context of your essay. This is where the dictionary can come in handy .

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A thesaurus is another valuable tool when writing an essay. A thesaurus tells you synonyms, or words that have the same or a similar meaning to the word you look up. It’s important because it can add some volume to your essay and increase the impact of your words.

For example, if you’re writing about cooking, the words “stir” and “add” might come up a lot. This repetition is boring for a reader.

So instead of constantly saying, “Add the tomato” and “add the eggs,” a thesaurus will teach you to say things like “whisk in the eggs” or “gently fold in the tomatoes.” See? It sounds a lot better and adds interest to your essay.

Visual Thesaurus is a resource that works just like a regular thesaurus, but it also shows you the connections between the words. For example, if you type in the word “stir,” you’ll immediately see a whole circle of other words connected to “stir” with lines. From there, you can click on any of the words in the circle (like “move,” in this case) and then see all the words related to that word. This helps you find and learn new words quickly, and it’s also fun!

Once the essay is written, go back through the writing to find any sentences that seem too long or wordy. Break these into two or more sentences.

For example, the following sentence is too long, which makes it unclear:

If you want to write in another language, you need to practice writing in creative ways, like writing on a blog, writing fun poems or texting a friend who speaks the language you’re learning every day.

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Instead, you could write it as two clearer sentences (with less repetition of the word “writing”):

If you want to write in another language, you need to practice in creative ways every day. For example, you could start a blog, create fun poems or text a friend.

Do the opposite with sentences you find too short.

Also, look for sentences that are very closely related to one another. If two sentences seem like the thoughts are connected, you can combine them with a semicolon ( ; ).

For example, the following sentences are very closely related:

Learning to write in another language can be really difficult, especially when you’re first getting started. That’s why it helps to practice every day.

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That’s why you could write it this way:

Learning to write in another language can be really difficult, especially when you’re first getting started; daily practice is helpful.

Meet up with a friend who is fluent in English (or, at least, more fluent than you). This friend can edit your essay and point out any repetitive errors.

If they find mistakes that you make often, you will be able to watch more closely for that error as you write future essays. This friend will also be able to point out grammatical or spelling errors that you might have missed.

If you don’t have any friends who are fluent in English, you can use a website like Conversation Exchange . This is a free site where native English speakers will correct your writing. In exchange, you correct the writing of someone learning your native language.

Once you and your friend have both reviewed your essay and marked any mistakes, rewrite the whole thing. This step is important. Just noting that you made some mistakes will not help you learn how to avoid them in the future.

By rewriting the essay with the corrections in mind, you will teach yourself how to write those sections properly. You will create a memory of using proper grammar or spelling a word correctly. So, you will be more likely to write it correctly next time.

Lastly, there are some fantastic online resources that can help improve your writing. For instance,  Hemingway Editor  can review your document to find any confusing or wordy sentences. You can rewrite these to make them easier to understand.

You could also head over to  Essay Punch  to find resources, tools and support that can help improve your writing skills.  Grammar Book  is a great resource for practicing proper grammar and spelling.

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Since many online resources are readily accessible, feel free to experiment with your options. Try to find the ones that cater best to your learning habits and needs.

The advice in this post is mainly for improving your essay writing over time. However, if you want a more professional opinion for an important essay, you can also use Scribendi . Scribendi is an online essay editing resource that helps with academic and admissions essays. If you’re applying to a school or are writing an important paper, you may want to consider their services to make sure your essay is the best it can be.

Learning a new language is certainly an ambitious (challenging) task. There are so many small details to learn, and the process takes a lot of time and commitment. But with practice and study, you will improve.

It takes even more effort to become a strong writer in a new language, but these tips will help you get started.

Hopefully, you were able to find one or two tips that you believe will help you improve your essay writing abilities. Over time, try to use all of these strategies (or at least more than one) in your writing routine. Good luck!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

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Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

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The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

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We aim for a tool so precise that it becomes possible to unquestioningly adopt its recommendations and still come out ahead — with stronger, tighter prose. Better to be quiet and authoritative than loud and unreliable.

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Got questions? We have answers.

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How to Make Your Essay Better: 7 Tips for Stronger Essays

Krystal N. Craiker

Essay writing doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few tips, you can improve your writing skills for any type of academic essay.

How to Write Better Essays

7 tips on how to make your essay better, how to become a better essay writer.

The best way to sum up how to write better essays is, “Make sure you’re answering the question.”

This sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many students struggle with this.

From not understanding the prompt to poor research skills to off-topic body paragraphs, it’s easy for an essay to derail.

We’ve got seven tips for writing better essays that will help you avoid common mistakes and craft the best essays possible.

Here are our top tips for improving your essay writing skills.

Understand the Prompt or Research Question

The first step in your writing process is to fully understand the essay topic. If your professor gave you a prompt for your academic essay, spend some time analyzing it.

First, take note of whether you’re writing an expository or persuasive essay. The tone, structure, and word choice will differ between essay types.

Pay close attention to the wording of the prompt.

If your teacher wants you to “analyze” the effects of new technology in World War I, but you turn in a descriptive overview of the technology, you are not answering the question.

If they have given you a topic but no prompt, you’ll need to create a guiding question for your research.

Be specific in what you are trying to research, or you’ll end up overwhelmed with a topic that is too big in scope.

“Symbolism in modern literature” is too broad for a term paper, but “How does F. Scott Fitzgerald use symbolism in The Great Gatsby ?” is an achievable topic.

Take Excellent Notes

Once you understand exactly what your essay is about, you can begin the research phase. Create a strong note-taking system.

Write down any idea or quote you might want to use. Cite every note properly to save time on your citations and to avoid accidental plagiarism.

Once you have gathered your research, organize your notes into categories. This will help you plan the structure of your essay.

You’ll likely find that some of your research doesn’t fit into your essay once you start writing. That’s okay—it’s better to have too much information to support your argument than too little.

Write a Strong Thesis Statement

Possibly the most important step in essay writing is to craft a strong thesis statement. A thesis statement is a brief—usually single-sentence—explanation of what your essay is about.

The thesis statement guides the entire essay: every point you make should support your thesis.

A strong thesis is specific and long enough to address the major points of your essay.

In a persuasive or argumentative essay, your thesis should clearly establish the argument you are making.

Make an Outline

Once you have all your research, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. How do you turn the information into a cohesive essay?

Rather than writing an essay with no roadmap, an outline will keep you on track. An outline helps you organize your thoughts, plan your arguments, and sort your research.

A good outline saves you time, too! You can compile the relevant evidence in your notes before writing, so you don’t have to find that specific quote in the middle of essay writing.

An outline will also stop you from reading your finished essay and realizing you went completely off track.

With an outline, you can avoid finding paragraphs that don’t support your thesis right before you submit the essay.

Craft a Great Introduction

An academic essay needs a strong introductory paragraph.

The introduction is the first impression of your essay. It prepares the reader for what’s coming and gets them excited to read your paper.

A good introduction has three things:

• A hook (e.g. insightful statement, quote, interesting fact)
• Brief background information about the topic
• A thesis statement

Using this formula will help you write a strong introduction for your essay.

Have Original Ideas and Interpretations

The best academic writing advice a professor ever gave me was, “You’ve shown me what other people have said about the topic. I want to know what you think about the topic.”

Even a fact-heavy or data-heavy essay needs original ideas and interpretations. For every piece of information you cite, whether you quote or paraphrase it , offer original commentary.

Focus on insights, new interpretations, or even questions that you have. These are all ways to provide original ideas in your essay.

Proofread for Readability

A good essay is a proofread essay.

Readability, or how easy something is to read, has many factors. Spelling and grammar are important, but so is sentence structure, word choice , and other stylistic features.

Academic essays should be readable without being too simple. In general, aim for a readability score that is close to your grade level in school.

There are several ways to check readability scores, including using ProWritingAid’s Readability Report.

The quickest way to increase readability is to fix grammar and spelling mistakes . You can also raise the readability score by using more complex and compound-complex sentences.

ProWritingAid can offer suggestions on how to improve your essay and take it to the next level.

Our free essay checker will check for spelling and grammar errors, plus several other types of writing mistakes.

The essay checker will offer you suggestions on sentence length and passive voice.

It will help you trim the excess words that bog down your writing by analyzing your sticky sentences and overused words.

The essay checker is here to help you turn in an error-free essay.

Want to improve your essay writing skills?

Use prowritingaid.

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Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When she’s not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.

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How to Write Better Essays | 5 Practical Tips

Writing can feel unnatural to some of us. When it comes to talking and having a conversation with someone, you would not have to think about structure, referencing, or even research. Hence it is no surprise that so many students struggle with essay writing.

For those of us, who find it difficult to write great essays, it is quite common to refer to the internet for assistance. After all, there are so many websites that claim to help you write a better essay - some may even write an entire essay for you! But as appealing as these sites may claim to be, you should avoid them at all costs. 

Instead, you need to turn inwards and figure what it is that could be creating a writer's block in your head. Some claim that it can be arduously boring, while others feel overwhelmed with a variety of topics, as well as give in to the pressures of meeting deadlines. 

Once you have worked out what your blockers are, you will find it much easier to target these specific problems and set on a path to become a more proficient essay writer. 

To give you a helping hand, we have compiled our top 5 tips to help you write better essays.  Align them with your own personal qualms and you will have all the necessary tools you need to get better at writing essays.

Tip #1 - Planning/Preparation

Before writing your essay, it is important to plan ahead - the process of selecting what you want to include in your essay, as well as what the overall structure should look like. That is, what journey you are going to be taking the reader on. 

Having a well-planned and organised preparation before writing an essay will help you put your thoughts together in one place, and thus make your points clearer, more logical and thoroughly explained. Planning an essay in this way will not only allow you to see whether you have hit the marking criteria, but would ensure that you have included everything you want to cover in your discussion. 

Depending on what type of essay you are writing, formulating your plan can vary from one subject to another however, assignments are usually formulated in one of the following ways:

• As a question.
• A statement is given to you and you will be asked to create an argument for your point of view.
• You will be given a task to ‘outline’, ‘discuss’, or ‘critically assess’ a particular argument point of view.

Something that may sound obvious, but one of the problems that many students face is not fully answering the essay question or including enough relevant information. It is possible that you may muddle up your subjects or modules - so remember to always write your essay based on the question that is set, and everything you need to include in your essay will be taught in your class. 

Teachers and tutors have a set syllabus that they follow to ensure that anything you need to mention in your essay will be taught or touched upon during your lectures/seminars, so you are never left in the dark. 

The process of essay planning:

Everyone writes and plans differently. However, it is important to find a plan and writing process that suits you. 

Here is an example of just one way to plan an essay that you may find helpful:

• Break down the different parts of your assignment question: Find out what the question is asking you to do then identify what you need to write about. Find out whether it is asking you to ‘discuss’, ‘argue’, ‘describe’ etc - knowing this will help you develop your main ideas to answer the question.
• Brainstorm everything you know about the topic: Identify your thoughts on the subject and what your instinctive response would be to the essay question. This will help you narrow down key topics to research further. Something that some students tend to forget - remember to go through your notes you have taken during classes, seminars and lectures! These notes can help remind you what you have covered during classes - and if you have lecture slides, use them to your advantage!
• Research: If you were provided with a reading list, make use of it. Skim through the recommended reading and once you have identified your key points, it will help you answer your question, then put these together in a mind map or note it down on a large piece of paper.
• Once you done your research, you can organise those points that relate back to your question, by thinking carefully about how you will prove/argue your point. Begin arcing a loose structure with the arguments of your essay, but ensure you remember to include the evidence you have gathered against your statement.
• Decide on your main points: You can make a summary of each of your separate points that you have researched previously. You can put these points on cards or sticky notes and then physically move them around until you have found the best flow for your argument. Remember to think about how each point links to one another. How will your paragraph build on your argument?

This is a rough guide to help structure your essay in 5 easy steps. Of course, you can make your own adjustments to it - your essay plan should help make your life easier and make complete sense to you. 

Once you have a clearly defined a strong essay plan, you will soon discover that the task of actually writing it becomes more efficient. 

Tip #2 - How to write an essay introduction

Now we have learnt how to structure an essay, let us talk about the beginning of your writing process: the introduction. As well as the key points that are needed to ensure you write the best possible start to capture your reader. 

What does an introduction usually need to entail? Putting it simply, an introduction generally consists of three parts.

• The second part of the introduction is the thesis statement - this is your response to the question; it is the most important part of the introduction. Giving the reader the information of what your essay will be about, the thesis statement tells the reader the specific topic of the essay which can include advantages and disadvantages, briefly explaining both sides of your essay question.
• Finally, the third part of your introduction is meant to tell the reader what to expect from the body of the essay - this is where you will outline your arguments. Keeping your essay consistent is important, so you do not lose track of what you will mention in the main body. It will tell the reader what they can expect to see in the essay and in what order.

Why not create a checklist to ensure you hit all three aspects of a good introduction? Here is an example of a checklist you could use:

• Does the essay begin with a general statement which introduces the topic?
• Does the introduction include the thesis statement (introducing advantages and disadvantages)?
• Does the introduction outline the main points?
• Does your essay have a clear, well-organised structure? Is it in chronological order?

Tip #3 - Creative writing to strengthen your essay

Did you know that you can use creative writing techniques to strengthen your essay? The concept is to make your essay unique, and break traditional academic forms of literature to make it a more engaging read. 

Incorporating this writing technique will capture the interest of your reader and convey the message you are trying to put across with conviction, keeping your readers engaged throughout.

What are the techniques you can use for your essay?

Firstly, think about your reader. If you are writing an essay for school or university, it is most likely to be marked by your teacher or university lecturer. As they would be marking various other essays all on the very same topic, you should want to answer the question effectively whilst getting straight to the point - ensure they easily find the information they need to help you score higher marks. You will have a set question which you should be focusing on, which should ensure that you are referring back to the original question throughout the essay - you do not want to lose your reader's attention!

Secondly, another creative writing technique you can employ within your essay writing is the three act structure. This method is not only used in a creative writing piece, but also in films and TV. These “acts” are not distinct from one another, but rather they flow seamlessly throughout to give a natural movement of motion and plot.

Using the three act structure for a school or university essay, you would start with writing the set up - this is where you will establish what you are talking about, essentially by setting the scene. You could create an introduction by opposing the essay question, highlighting your main concerns with the statement whilst backing it with evidence.

Secondly is the confrontation - This will typically be the longest part of the three sections. You will want to introduce all your surrounding problems about the topic of your essay. Develop your arguments and ensure you relate back to your original question, how is your essay answering it? And again, continue to use evidence throughout whilst answering the question.

Resolution - This is where you will be summarising your mentioned arguments with your point of view. When mentioning your opinion, just remember to make sure to include evidence in how you came to this conclusion. You can now tie off any loose ends by offering an alternative explanation for a counter argument. 

Keeping this method in mind can keep you focused and centred to your point, and could help bring you straight to the point, reducing the amount of vagueness in your essay. You can also rest easy knowing that your essay has a good pace and natural flow - covering all the elements you need to achieve good grades. 

For more information on how to incorporate creative writing into your essay check out our article “ 10 Top Tips: Creative Writing Techniques to Improve your Essays. "

Tip #4 - Critical writing

What does a critical essay look like?

This is a type of academic writing where you as the writer will analyse and evaluate text. For you to become a pro at critical writing, you need to support your arguments and ideas with evidence to prove how you reached a specific conclusion.

Putting it in simpler terms, the key to a critical essay is to claim a particular point and then provide evidence to prove that claim. Sounds easy? In fact, many students struggle with critical analysis, and this is where students tend to lose the most marks in an essay. But let us share a great process for you to succeed at critical writing. 

• Examine a source: read through it carefully and critically 
• Organise your thoughts: figure out the core claim and evidence, research secondary resources
• State a thesis: make sure it has both a claim and details sustaining it
• Write an outline
• Write a draft of your critical easy
• Edit and improve your essay 

( Vos, 2019 )

Examining a source: This is a great opportunity to practice smart reading. It is when you read a piece of literature, identify the specific details to the author's claim, and then describe how they present those claims surrounding the topic of literature. Highlight the part of literature that helped you support your arguments, identify both the strengths and weaknesses of what the author has mentioned. 

Organising your thoughts: if you are still struggling to find core evidence to support your points, maybe consider finding examples of other critical essays that are related to the topic you are writing about. This will help you understand what sort of structure you should be aiming for and the type of writing style you require. Use these as guidelines rather than copying their ideas - you should never copy someone else's work. These can really help you start pulling ideas into a structure that will work for you. 

State a thesis: based on the information you have gathered from your reading, you should start directing your evidence towards the thesis question. Ask yourself; what is the point I am trying to make here and how it relates to the original question asked? Avoid saying “in my opinion” or “I think” as you are supposed to express your opinion using the third person.

Using evidence is the foundation of an effective essay: Not only will it provide proof for each of your points, but will help the reader see your point of view with conviction. Critical writing is about your thinking skills, testing you on your analysis and argument building process. These skills are highly valuable and can be transferred into your day-to-day working life - whatever you decide to do in the future, it is a very good skill to have.

Finally, do not fear critical writing ! It may sound daunting at first, but once you have completed a few essays with critical writing, you will have created a structure that works best for you. You could then carry this structure for the rest of your assignments. 

Tip #5 - Read widely

Hopefully, if you are writing an essay for a university module, you have chosen a subject that you are passionate about. This will help bring enjoyment to this activity, allowing you to explore the subject you enjoy the most, while deepening your understanding. 

However, if you are not familiarised with the topic or subject you are writing about; where should you get started with reading? It can be difficult to start writing your first essay by thinking about where do I even start? How do I find appropriate literature to develop my point of view?

The modules you will be covering in school or university usually provide for an extensive reading list that you can rely upon. This usually contains your core reading lists, which your teacher or tutor will regularly refer back to during your lectures and seminars as well.

Further down the list, it likely would also contain some recommended reading which you should be engaging with outside of your primary studies. Even though the list would be extensive, with all your core reading and recommended reading, you should try to go beyond the recommendations - this would not only make your essay stand out but you can also gain better insight into other academic research papers in your essay topic. 

Search for book recommendations online, browsing the ‘People Also Bought’ sections of bookstores, scroll through journals or join discussion forums. There is so much content available to pick and choose from, you should not be facing any shortages of secondary reading to grasp from.

So once you have your reading list, how should you get started?

Set yourself reading goals! Before you start reading, consider asking yourself what you are reading and what you are trying to achieve with the text? This will give you an idea of what type of literature you are looking for, then adjust your research to find different topics of your interest to build your essay. 

Here are some tips to read according to your motivations: 

• If you are reading for general interest to acquire background information for lectures you will need to read the topic widely but without much depth.
• If you are reading for an essay, you might want to focus your reading around your essay question and find small areas of subject in great depth. Make a note of your essay question so you do not get side-tracked. 

( University of Reading, 2021 )

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Improving writing skills takes effort. Instead of using essay writing websites, identify obstacles and address them. Plan, structure, and answer questions effectively. Use creativity and critical analysis. Read widely and utilise recommended resources for success.

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