URBANIZATION

Read the following paragraph. Then use the information in the paragraph to
answer the questions that follow. Write down your answers.
As the rural population began their migration towards the cities in search of
better opportunities, the quiet towns transformed into bustling metropolises.
This shift was largely driven by industrialization, which promised jobs and
prosperity. However, it also poses significant challenges, particularly in terms
of developing adequate infrastructure to support the rapidly growing urban
populations. From housing and transportation to utilities and waste
management, urbanization brought with it a complex array of demands that
continue to shape our cities today.
A complex array of = a wide variety of = many different
Stage 1: brainstorm ideas + select and arrange ideas
Stage 2: express ideas in simple words
Stage 3: upgrade vocabulary
1. What is the definition of urbanization? => Urbanization is the process
in which people move from countryside to the city to work and live.
2. What are the main causes of urbanization? => The main causes of
urbanization are a natural increase of population, industrialization, job
opportunities and social demands.
3. How does urbanization impact the environment? => Urbanization can
lead to pollution, altering natural landscapes and changing ecosystem
dynamics.
4. What are some challenges cities face due to urbanization? => 4. The
problems associated with urbanization are population density,
inadequate infrastructure, lack of affordable housing, utilities and
waste management, traffic congestion and high crime rate.
5. How does urbanization affect the economy? => Urbanization affects
the economy both positively and negatively. The positive aspect is
better economy with higher salary and great career opportunities.
6. What role does infrastructure play in urbanization? => Better
infrastructure in big cities draw people to these areas, thereby
facilitating urbanization.
7. How does urbanization contribute to population growth in cities? =>
Urbanization leads to a faster increase in the size of the population and
the expansion of urban areas.
8. What are the social impacts of urbanization? => One of the biggest
social impacts of urbanization is the increasing income gap between
the rich and the poor.
9. How can urban planning help manage the effects of urbanization? =>
Effective urban planning has the potential to enhance infrastructure.
 10. What are some solutions to the problems caused by
urbanization? => Air pollution in cities can be reduced by encouraging
people to use alternative transport systems through subsidized tickets.
Now imagine you are talking to a 10-year-old kid and have to explain these
concepts in very easy-to-understand words and expressions.

SUGGESTED ANSWERS
1. What is the definition of urbanization?
o Urbanization is when more and more people start living and
working in cities instead of the countryside.
2. What are the main causes of urbanization?
o People move to cities for better jobs, schools, and fun things to
do like parks and museums.
3. How does urbanization impact the environment?
o Cities can create pollution and use up a lot of resources like
water and electricity. But they can also be places where we learn
to use resources more wisely.
4. What are some challenges cities face due to urbanization?
o Cities need to make sure they have enough houses, schools, and
hospitals for everyone. They also need to manage traffic and
keep the city clean.
5. How does urbanization affect the economy?
o When people move to cities, they can find better jobs and start
new businesses, which helps the economy grow.
6. What role does infrastructure play in urbanization?
o Infrastructure is like the skeleton of the city. It includes roads,
bridges, water pipes, and power lines that make life in the city
possible.
7. How does urbanization contribute to population growth in cities?
o As more people move to cities, the number of people living in
cities grows. This is how urbanization contributes to population
growth in cities.
8. What are the social impacts of urbanization?
o Living in cities can change how people live and work. For
example, people might live in apartments instead of houses, or
take the bus instead of walking.
9. How can urban planning help manage the effects of urbanization?
o Urban planning is like drawing a map for the future of the city. It
helps make sure that the city can handle more people and stay a
nice place to live.
10. What are some solutions to the problems caused by
urbanization?
o Some solutions could be building more parks, using clean
energy, and making sure everyone has a safe place to live.
Everyone can help by recycling and taking care of their city.
The following table lists the definitions and explanations for 5 different
terms. In 3 rounds, shorten the definitions and explanations. In round 1,
make sure you write less than 3 sentences (you are esssentially just writing
a summary here). In round 2, sum things up in just 1 sentence. In the final
round, explain these concepts to, let’s say, your 10-year-old niece/nephew
using your own words.
TERM DEFINITION & EXPLANATION
Megacity The United Nations Department of Economic and
Social Affairs in its 2018 “World Urbanization
Prospects” report defines megacities as urban
agglomerations with over 10 million inhabitants.
Megacity is a big city, usually with a population of
over 10 million such as New York City or Tokyo.
Urban Renewal Urban renewal refers to the process of renovating or
replacing dilapidated buildings with new housing,
public buildings, parks, roadways, industrial areas,
etc., often in accordance with comprehensive plans.
It’s a comprehensive scheme to redress a complex of
urban problems, including unsanitary, deficient, or
obsolete housing; inadequate transportation,
sanitation, and other services and facilities; haphazard
land use; traffic congestion; and the sociological
correlates of urban decay, such as crime.
Urban Heat Island An urban heat island (UHI) is a metropolitan area
that’s a lot warmer than the rural areas surrounding it.
This effect can be quite noticeable. On average, cities
tend to be warmer during the daytime and this
difference continues well into the night. The main
cause of the UHI effect is from the modification of land
surfaces while waste heat generated by energy usage
is a secondary contributor.
Urban Forestry Urban forestry is the care and management of single
trees and tree populations in urban settings for the
purpose of improving the urban environment. Urban
forestry involves both planning and management,
including the programming of care and maintenance
operations of the urban forest. Urban foresters plant
and maintain trees, support appropriate tree and
forest preservation, conduct research and promote
the many benefits trees provide.
Suburbanization Suburbanization is a population shift from central
urban areas into suburbs, resulting in the creation of
suburban sprawl. As a consequence of the movement
of households and businesses away from city centers,
low-density, peripheral urban areas grow. Suburban
 dwellers typically work in the cities but raise their
families in a less-congested, safer, and more relaxed
atmosphere.
Urban renewal is plans and activities to make a poor area of a city attractive
for people to live and work in again by building new houses, offices, schools,
etc.
Urban heat islands occur when cities have significantly higher temperatures
than the surrounding rural regions.
Urban forestry is the care and management of tree populations in urban
settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment.
Urban forestry is about planting, taking care of, and trimming trees in cities
with the purpose of improving the living environment in these areas.