In this blog post, we will delve into the complex and multifaceted challenges that large cities around the world face today. This quiz is perfect for students preparing for English exams or anyone eager to sharpen their city-savvy language skills. 

The first exercise is a reading comprehension test where you will match sentences about specific challenges to the cities they describe. This activity will help you connect particular urban issues with their geographical contexts, deepening your understanding of how these challenges manifest in different parts of the world. As you work through the exercise, you will have the chance to answer thought-provoking questions and make notes about the specific challenges present in your own city. 

The second exercise is a multiple-choice test, focusing on completing sentences with the correct options. This will test your ability to recognize and apply vocabulary related to urban challenges. 



READING COMPREHENSION TEST 


Read the sentences below. 

Write down the number of the sentence where each challenge is mentioned and the name of the city. 

• Housing affordability ______________ 
• Public transport ______________ 
• Traffic congestion ______________ 
• Air pollution ______________ 
• Social inequality ______________ 
• Crime ______________ 
• Loss of green spaces ______________ 
• Energy demand and carbon footprint ______________ 

 

1. Londoners frequently complain about the overcrowding on the Tube, especially during rush hour. 
2. Los Angeles is notorious for its traffic congestion, leading to long commutes and increased stress for drivers. 
3. In cities like San Francisco, the high cost of housing often forces residents to spend a significant portion of their income on rent or mortgages. 
4. In New York City, there is a stark contrast between affluent neighbourhoods and lower-income areas, which often leads to unequal access to quality education and healthcare services. 
5. Downtown Toronto has experienced an increase in shoplifting incidents, affecting both local businesses and shoppers. 
6. The widespread use of air conditioning in Dubai, powered by non-renewable energy sources, leads to significant carbon emissions, especially during the summer months. 
7. Despite ongoing efforts to improve air quality, Delhi frequently ranks among the world's most polluted cities, with residents facing days of hazardous air quality warnings. 
8. As one of the most densely populated cities, Tokyo's green spaces have been increasingly replaced by urban infrastructure to accommodate its growing population. 

​
OVER TO YOU 
​
​

1. What are the main challenges that your city is currently facing? 
   - How are they affecting residents' quality of life? 
   - What strategies could be implemented to manage these challenges? 
2. What are the primary sources of air pollution in your city? 
   - What steps are being taken to improve air quality? 

​

MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST 

​
Test your understanding of various challenges that cities around the world face. For every statement, select the appropriate answer from the multiple-choice options given. 


URBAN CHALLENGES QUIZ 

​1. The shortage of _____________ housing in densely populated cities continues to be a major challenge for local governments. 
A. executive 
B. affordable 
C. industrial 
D. temporary 

2. _____________ noise is a common issue for residents living near major roads or airports. 
A. Industrial 
B. Neighbourhood 
C. Traffic 
D. Cultural 

3. Urban areas with high _____________ rates often experience increased crime and safety concerns. 
A. literacy 
B. unemployment 
C. birth 
D. education 

4. High _____________ rates in certain neighbourhoods can discourage investment and hinder economic growth in those areas. 
A. crime 
B. birth 
C. growth 
D. unemployment 

5. Effective _____________ management is essential for keeping cities clean and free from litter and refuse. 
A. traffic 
B. noise 
C. waste 
D. energy 

6. Urban areas with inadequate _____________ and sanitation infrastructure often face challenges with flooding and the contamination of water supplies. 
A. energy 
B. transport 
C. water 
D. communication 

7. The adoption of _____________ energy is vital for reducing carbon emissions in large cities. 
A. fossil 
B. nuclear 
C. thermal 
D. renewable 

8. Rapid urban _____________ often leads to the loss of green spaces, which affects both biodiversity and the overall quality of life for residents. 
A. sprawl 
B. reclamation 
C. construction 
D. degeneration 

9. The increase in _____________ pollution has become a pressing global concern, leading to severe health problems and contributing to premature dealths. 
A. noise 
B. air 
C. light 
D. thermal 

10. Extreme _____________ events, such as hurricanes and typhoons, are becoming more common in urban areas as a result of climate change. 
A. economic 
B. cultural 
C. social 
D. weather 



Download the PDFs with and without key. 



Answers 


Reading Comprehension Test 

• Housing affordability - (3) San Francisco 
• Public transport - (1) London 
• Traffic congestion - (2) Los Angeles 
• Air pollution - (7) Delhi 
• Social inequality - (4) New York 
• Crime - (5) Toronto 
• Loss of green spaces - (8) Tokyo 
• Energy demand and carbon footprint - (6) Dubai 

​
Multiple-choice Test 

Urban Challenges Quiz 

1. B. affordable 
2. C. Traffic 
3. B. unemployment 
4. A. crime 
5. C. waste
6. C. water 
7. D. renewable 
8. A. sprawl 
9. B. air 
​10. D. weather 


​
IELTS-related blog posts: 
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Hometown 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a city you have visited 
IELTS Speaking Test: Home and Living in the City 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 


Other blog posts: 
City Life - Going out 
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
​Quiz: Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Collocations for Urban Life 

In this blog post, we will delve into the pros and cons of rural life through a reading comprehension exercise about the countryside. This activity will boost your reading skills and provide valuable insights into various aspects of rural living. Our reading comprehension test is designed to engage you with text that explores the benefits and challenges of living in the countryside. 

Following the reading exercise, a multiple-choice test will assess your ability to identify the key advantages and disadvantages of rural environments. This exercise aims to enrich your vocabulary, improve your critical thinking skills, and deepen your understanding of countryside dynamics. 



READING COMPREHENSION TEST 


Read the sentences below. 

Determine if the following statements highlight a benefit or a drawback of living in the countryside. Write down the number of the sentence where the benefit or the drawback is mentioned. 

• Housing ______________ 
• Job market ______________ 
• Public transit ______________ 
• Traffic ______________ 
• Green spaces ______________ 
• Outfoor activities ______________ 
• Lifestyle ______________ 
• Air quality ______________ 

 

1. The job market in rural areas can be limited, often requiring residents to commute to nearby towns or cities for employment opportunities. 
2. In contrast to urban environments, driving in rural areas is generally more relaxed and less stressful. 
3. The air in many rural regions tends to be cleaner and fresher than in urban areas, making them ideal for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and cycling. 
4. Public transit services are often limited or infrequent in rural areas, making it challenging for those without personal vehicles to commute or access essential services. 
5. Housing in the countryside is often more affordable than in urban areas, making it possible to own larger properties with spacious gardens. 
6. The slower pace of life in rural areas allows for more leisurely and stress-free daily routines. 
7. The countryside is abundant with green spaces, providing residents with access to stunning natural landscapes. 
8. Living in the countryside allows for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing. 

OVER TO YOU 
​
​

1. Do the advantages of living in a rural area outweigh the disadvantages? 
2. Take a moment to jot down your thoughts about rural life in your country. 
   - Reflect on both the benefits and drawbacks of living there. 
   - Would you consider it a desirable place to live? 

MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST 

​
Test your understanding of the various advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside with the following quizzes. For each question, select one advantage and one disadvantage from the multiple-choice options provided.​ 


ADVANTAGE QUIZ 

1. What is an advantage of living in the countryside? 
A. Limited access to healthcare facilities 
B. Peaceful and quiet surroundings 
C. Poor internet connectivity 
D. Lack of public transportation 

2. Identify one advantage of rural life: 
A. High cost of living 
B. Limited job opportunities 
C. Clean and fresh air 
D. Long commutes to urban areas 

3. Choose the advantage of countryside life: 
A. Frequent traffic congestion 
B. Overcrowded living conditions 
C. Closer connection to nature 
D. Lack of entertainment options 

4. Select a benefit associated with rural living: 
A. Limited cultural activities 
B. Noise pollution 
C. High levels of stress 
D. Strong sense of community 

5. Which is an advantage of countryside living? 
A. Lower cost of living 
B. Scarcity of employment options 
C. Difficulty accessing amenities 
D. Limited educational facilities 


DISADVANTAGE QUIZ 

1. What is a disadvantage of living in the countryside? 
A. Abundance of green spaces 
B. Access to organic food 
C. Limited public transportation 
D. Close-knit community 

2. Identify one disadvantage of rural life: 
A. Peaceful environment 
B. Proximity to nature 
C. Fewer job opportunities 
D. Low crime rates 

3. Choose the disadvantage of countryside life: 
A. Isolation from urban amenities 
B. Rich cultural heritage 
C. Strong community bonds 
D. Lower pollution levels 

4. Select a drawback associated with rural living: 
A. Tranquil lifestyle 
B. Limited healthcare access 
C. Beautiful landscapes 
D. Diverse wildlife 

5. Which is a disadvantage of countryside living? 
A. Scenic beauty 
B. Abundant outdoor activities 
C. Environmentally friendly lifestyle 
D. Lack of educational facilities 


​
Download the PDFs with and without key.



Answers 


Reading Comprehension Test 

• Housing - benefit (5) 
• Job market - drawback (1) 
• Public transit - drawback (4) 
• Traffic - benefit (2) 
• Green spaces - benefit (7) 
• Outfoor activities - benefit (8) 
• Lifestyle - benefit (6) 
• Climate - benefit (3) 

​
Multiple-choice Test 

Advantage Quiz 

1. B. Peaceful and quiet surroundings 
2. C. Clean and fresh air 
3. C. Closer connection to nature 
4. D. Strong sense of community 
5. A. Lower cost of living 


Disadvantage Quiz 

1. C. Limited public transportation 
2. C. Fewer job opportunities 
3. A. Isolation from urban amenities 
4. B. Limited healthcare access 
5. D. Lack of educational facilities 



IELTS-related blog posts: 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an area of your country that is well known for its natural beauty 

​
Other blog posts: 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 
Collocations for Rural Life 

In this blog post, we will delve into the pros and cons of urban life through a reading comprehension exercise about Vancouver, Canada. This activity will boost your reading skills and provide valuable insights into various aspects of urban living. Our reading comprehension test is designed to engage you with text that explores the benefits and challenges of living in Vancouver. 

Following the reading exercise, a multiple-choice test will assess your ability to identify the key advantages and disadvantages of urban environments. This exercise aims to enrich your vocabulary, improve your critical thinking skills, and deepen your understanding of urban dynamics. 

​

READING COMPREHENSION TEST 


Read the sentences below. 

Determine if the following statements highlight a benefit or a drawback of living in Vancouver, Canada. Write down the number of the sentence where the benefit or drawback is mentioned. 
​

• Housing ______________ 
• Job market ______________ 
• Public transit ______________ 
• Traffic ______________ 
• Green spaces ______________ 
• Outfoor activities ______________ 
• Multicultural environment ______________ 
• Climate ______________ 

 

1. Vancouver is known for its rainy climate. The rainy season in Vancouver is typically long, with most precipitation in fall and winter. 
2. Despite its urban setting, Vancouver offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. 
3. There are plenty of parks and green spaces in the city. 
4. The locals frequently enjoy cultural festivals and events, thanks to Vancouver's vibrant cultural diversity. 
5. The city’s public transportation system, including the SkyTrain, is regarded as efficient and reliable by most residents. 
6. Vancouver is known for its high housing prices, which stem from geographical limitations and increased housing demand. 
7. Vancouver does face challenges with traffic congestion primarily because of its rapid population growth. 
8. The job market in Vancouver is diverse, with significant opportunities in the technology and film industries. 

OVER TO YOU 
​
​

1. Are the benefits of residing in Vancouver greater than the drawbacks? 
2. Take a moment to jot down your thoughts about the city you call home. 
   - Reflect on both the positives and negatives of living there. 
   - Would you consider it a great place to live? 

MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST  


Test your understanding of the different benefits and drawbacks of city living by taking the quizzes below. For each question, select one advantage and one disadvantage from the multiple-choice options provided.​ 
​
​
ADVANTAGE QUIZ 


1. What is an advantage of living in a city? 
A. Access to diverse job opportunities 
B. High cost of living 
C. Limited public transportation 
D. Noise pollution 

2. Identify one advantage of urban life: 
A. Higher crime rates 
B. Wide variety of cultural activities 
C. Limited green spaces 
D. Poor air quality 

3. Choose the advantage of city life: 
A. Long commutes 
B. Expensive housing 
C. Proximity to healthcare facilities 
D. Traffic congestion 

4. Select a benefit associated with urban living: 
A. High living expenses 
B. Lack of entertainment options 
C. Limited restaurant choice 
D. Variety of educational institutions 

5. Which is an advantage of city living? 
A. Overcrowding 
B. Limited job markets 
C. Access to public transportation 
D. High unemployment rates 


DISADVANTAGE QUIZ 


1. What is a disadvantage of living in a city? 
A. Proximity to cultural events 
B. High noise levels 
C. Diverse dining options 
D. Extensive public transportation system 

2. Identify one disadvantage of urban life: 
A. Access to specialized healthcare 
B. Abundance of shopping centers 
C. High levels of pollution 
D. Variety of career opportunities 

3. Choose the disadvantage of city life: 
A. Numerous job options 
B. Proximity to educational facilities 
C. Vibrant social life 
D. High population density 

4. Select a drawback associated with urban living: 
A. Wide range of leisure activities 
B. Efficient public services 
C. Access to diverse communities 
D. High cost of living 

5. Which is a disadvantage of city living? 
A. Risk of traffic congestion 
B. Variety of recreational facilities 
C. Limited career opportunities 
D. Access to public parks 


​
Download the PDFs with and without key. 


​
Answers 


Reading Comprehension Test 

• Housing - drawback (6) 
• Job market - benefit (8) 
• Public transit - benefit (5) 
• Traffic - drawback (7) 
• Green spaces - benefit (3) 
• Outfoor activities - benefit (2) 
• Multicultural environment - benefit (4) 
• Climate - drawback (1) 

Multiple-choice Test 

Advantage Quiz 

1. A. Access to diverse job opportunities 
2. B. Wide variety of cultural activities 
3. C. Proximity to healthcare facilities 
4. D. Variety of educational institutions 
5. C. Access to public transportation 

​
Disadvantage Quiz 

1. B. High noise levels 
2. C. High levels of pollution 
3. D. High population density 
4. D. High cost of living 
5. A. Risk of traffic congestion 
​


IELTS-related blog posts: 
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Hometown 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a city you have visited 
IELTS Speaking Test: Home and Living in the City 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 

​​
Other blog posts: 
City Life - Going out 
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Collocations for Urban Life 

​In this lesson, you will find sample answers to three questions with regard to hometowns and cities. 
These will be incredibly helpful for students preparing for an English-speaking exam. 

​​​
Here are the questions we are going to focus on: 
(At the end of this post, you will find a list of 10 additional questions you can use for more speaking practice.) 
​

1. Is your hometown a nice place to live? 
2. Is your city suitable for young people? 
3. Is it easy to find a job in your city? 

Is your hometown a nice place to live? 

In IELTS Speaking, you might be asked about the city where you live. 
⠀
If the examiner asks, 'Is your hometown a nice place to live?', you need to think of reasons why it is or isn't. 
⠀
In that case, you can mention: 
⠀​

• how friendly the people are 
• how safe the city is 
• how affordable the city is 
• how convenient it is to live in this city in terms of transport, grocery stores, entertainment and other amenities 
• whether or not you have access to green spaces 

​
EXAMPLES

1. There's a strong sense of community in my hometown, and everyone knows everyone. 
2. It's a very diverse city and the people are extremely welcoming. I feel truly safe here/there. 
3. The cost of living in my hometown is very reasonable, and it's a pretty safe place to live, too. 
4. There is a wide variety of affordable food options, including street food and drinks. 
5. In my city, you will find a wide selection of coffee shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of entertainment options to choose from. 
6. Living in my city is quite convenient because there are lots of shops and services just around the corner. 
7. It's a compact city. You can access everything you need within walking distance and easily get around without a car. 
8. My hometown has a lot of space and it's very scenic. There are a lot of places where people can enjoy outdoor activities pretty much all year round. 
9. There's a river running through the heart of the city where people can do water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking. 
10. In my city, you will find a lot of parks close by. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy. 

VOCABULARY 

• a (strong) sense of community (phrase) (B1) - the feeling of sharing things and belonging to a group in the place where you live | SYNONYM: a strong community spirit 
• a (culturally) diverse city (collocations) (B2) - including many different types of people and cultures 
• the cost of living (phrase) - the amount you need to pay for food, clothes, etc. 
• extremely/very reasonable (collocations) (B2) - fair and not too expensive 
• a wide range/choice/variety/selection of something 
• entertainment options - e.g. theme parks, cinemas, museums, art galleries, nightclubs, etc. 
• (just) around/round the corner (idiom) - not far away; very near 
• a compact city = a small city 
• within (easy) walking distance (phrase) - near enough to walk to easily 
• scenic /ˈsiːnɪk/ (adjective) - having beautiful natural scenery 
• in the heart of a city (phrase) - the city centre (BrE), the city center (AmE) 

​Is your city suitable for young people? 
​
Some cities are far more attractive to a young demographic than others. Why is that? What makes them so appealing to young adults? An obvious reason is that they offer a lot more job opportunities. OK, that's fair enough. What about some other reasons? 
⠀
If you were taking an English-speaking test and the examiner asked, 'Is your city suitable for young people?', what would you say? 
⠀
In your answer, you could consider mentioning: 
⠀

• the access to educational institutions 
• some industries and employment opportunities for young professionals 
• the easy access to cultural and sporting events throughout the year 
• the cost of living in the city 
• how affordable it is to buy your own home 

EXAMPLES 

1. My city is home to plenty of universities, which makes it attractive to a young demographic. 
2. It's a great place to raise kids mainly because of the wide range of educational institutions the city has to offer. 
3. The city has a large economy. There are plenty of job opportunities for young professionals of all kinds. 
4. The city has a vibrant atmosphere. It's been growing a lot in recent years, and there are plenty of job opportunities in various areas, including the industrial sector, small businesses, and big retail stores. It's an exciting place to be, especially for working people. 
5. Throughout the year, there are a lot of open-to-the-public events and festivals around the city. 
6. It is especially popular with young professionals looking for a more active social life. 
7. The city has a vibrant nightlife as many people often gather after work or school to unwind and socialize in bars and clubs. 
8. However, I believe the city is not entirely affordable, as the cost of living is quite high for young workers trying to cover their living expenses. 
9. Rental prices in my city tend to be quite high. It can be challenging to find an affordable place to live, especially for university students or young professionals. 
10. My city draws a lot of young adults in because of its low cost of living and affordable housing. 

VOCABULARY 

• home to someone/something - the place where somebody/something can be found 
• attractive to someone - having features or qualities that make something seem interesting and worth having | SYNONYM: appealing 
• a young demographic - young people 
• a large economy | OPPOSITE: a small economy (collocations) 
• popular with someone | popular among someone (prepositions) 
• entirely affordable (collocation) (B2) 
• the high/low cost of living/housing 
• cover something (B2) -  to provide enough money for something 
• living expenses (collocation) (B2) - money that you spend on rent, food, and things such as electricity, gas etc. 
• draw someone ↔ in (phrasal verb) - to get someone involved in something 
• affordable housing = housing affordability 

​
​Is it easy to find a job in your city? 

Why do people relocate to a new city? Well, one of the top reasons why many professionals move to a different city is to find better employment opportunities. 
⠀
If you were taking an English-speaking test and the examiner asked, 'Is it easy to find a job in your city?', what would you say? 
⠀
In your answer, you could consider mentioning: 
⠀

• the top industries in the city that provide employment 
• whether the city is business-oriented or more focused on tourism 
• different types of employment opportunities that are available in the city 
• challenges that young professionals may face when applying for jobs 
• how easy it is for young professionals to enter the job market without prior work experience 

EXAMPLES 

1. ​There's a booming job market, especially in the tech industry, where both tech giants and startups are constantly looking out for new talent for various roles. 
2. The city is home to major pharmaceutical companies and is a leader in healthcare innovation. 
3. The city's economy thrives on three key sectors: tourism, agriculture, and film production. 
4. My city provides a very friendly environment for career growth and business opportunities. Many multinational companies have established their headquarters in this city, making it a magnet for talent. 
5. It's a business-friendly city that has a lot to offer. It's a place where your career can really take off. 
6. Seasonal jobs in my city are much easier to secure due to the high demand for workers during the summer and holiday seasons. 
7. The city has a diverse economy with plenty of job opportunities in finance, technology, and healthcare. Overall, it's easy for recent graduates to gain work experience. 
8. Finding a job in this city can be challenging due to high demand, but young professionals can sharpen their skills through volunteer work and internships. 
9. Despite the competitive job market, fresh graduates can still find entry-level positions and internships to gain valuable hands-on experience. 
10. The job market in this city is highly competitive due to the large number of applicants. As a result, fresh graduates often find it difficult to land their first job without previous experience. 

VOCABULARY 

• a booming/thriving market (collocations) (C1) - extremely strong and successful 
• a job market (BrE) / a labor market (AmE) (collocations) - the number and type of jobs that are available in a particular place 
• in the tech industry (collocation) 
• look out for someone/something (phrasal verb) (B2) - to keep trying to meet someone or find something 
• fresh/new talent (collocations) (B1) 
• a leader in something (B1) - the product or company that is the best or most successful 
• thrive on something (phrasal verb) (formal) (C1) - to grow, develop, or be successful 
• multinational companies/corporations (collocations) (B2) - a corporation that operates in many different countries 
• establish/set up a company (collocations) (B2) - to start a company or an organization 
• headquarters (B2) - the main offices of a business company 
• a magnet for someone/something (collocation) (C1) - a person, place or thing that someone/ something is attracted to 
• take off (phrasal verb) (B2) - to suddenly start to be successful or popular 
• secure a job (collocation) (formal) (B2) - to get something, sometimes with difficulty 
• high demand (collocation) (B2) - a lot of people want something 
• demand for something (B2) - the need or desire that people have for particular goods and services 
• a diverse economy - based on a broad range of economic activities in a region or country 
• a fresh/new/recent graduate (collocations) 
• get/gain experience (collocations) (B1) 
• sharpen/master/improve a skill (collocations) (B1-B2) - to learn it so that your skill is very good 
• a competitive job market (collocation) (B2) - a market in which the number of individuals looking for employment exceeds the number of available positions 
• an entry-level job/position/worker (collocations) - a job, etc. at the lowest level in a company, profession, trade, etc. 
• useful/valuable experience (collocations) 
• first-hand/hands-on experience (collocations) - experience gained by doing something yourself 
• extremely/highly/very competitive (collocations) (B1) 
• a large/great number of someone/something (collocations) 
• find something + adjective - find it hard, find it more difficult, etc. 
• land a job (collocation) (informal) (C2) - to succeed in getting a job, especially one that a lot of other people want 

Here is a list of some IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions to help you practise and prepare for the test: 

1. Let's talk about your hometown. What kind of place is it? 
2. Have you always lived there? 
3. How long have you lived there? 
4. Is the city where you live crowded? 
5. What do you like most about your hometown? 
6. Is your hometown a popular place for tourists to visit? 
7. Is your hometown suitable for young people? 
8. What kind of jobs do people in your hometown do? 
9. Has your hometown changed much in recent years? 
10. Are you planning to live in your city for a long time? [Why? / Why not?] 

Leave a comment with your answers! 



IELTS-related blog posts: 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a city you have visited 
IELTS Speaking Test: Home and Living in the City 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 


​Other blog posts: 
City Life - Going out 
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Collocations for Urban Life 
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