Urbanization and the Future of Cities

Written by David S. Wills · December 20, 2016

This short video from TED Ed looks at the history of our cities. It asks when and why humans began moving into cities, and what the future holds.

Lead In

Discuss

1. Do you prefer living in the city or the countryside? Why?
2. What are the advantages or disadvantages of living in the city?

Watch this lesson on YouTube (opens in a new tab)→

Listening

Listening for Main Idea

1. What is this video about?

a) The history of cities.

b) The history and future of cities.

c) The future of cities.

d) Present-day cities.

Multiple Choice Questions

Watch the video and answer the following questions. (Answers are at the bottom of the page.)

1. One hundred years ago, what percentage of the human population lived in cities?

a) 10%

b) 20%

c) 40%

d) 80%

2. What lead to the development of the first semi-permanent settlements?

a) Changes in the global climate

b) An increase in fresh water supplies

c) Improvements in healthcare

d) Advancements in agriculture

3. Which of these technologies developed because of the desire to trade with other cities?

a) Tractors

b) City walls

c) Roads

d) Aqueducts

4. Why did people first move into cities?

a) Jobs

b) Fun

c) Safety

d) More farmland

5. The global population is expected to peak at ___ billion.

a) 7

b) 6

c) 9

d) 10

Speaking

Here’s an IELTS speaking part three question:

What are the advantages of living in a city or big town?

Sample answer:

There are many advantages of living in a city, such as having better access to medical care, education, cultural institutions, and having a better choice of employment. Living in a city usually allows people certain benefits in terms of convenience that are simply not available to those who live in the countryside.

Answers

Main Idea

1. B

Multiple Choice

1. B
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. D