Quiz: Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life

Download the PDFs at the end.

Vancouver, Canada (Frank Crymble from Getty Images)

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. 

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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. 
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• 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 
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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.​ 
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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 


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Download the PDFs with and without key. 


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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 

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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 
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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 

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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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The answers can be accessed via Google Drive. Click to download immediately.

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