IN THE CITY B2

IN THE CITY

Start

Alicia Yangüela García

FEATURES IN A CITY

Buildings & Housing apartment block modern/old buildings crowded well-maintained/run-down buildings high-rise residential buildings affordable housing

City Areas city centre residential neighbourhoods outskirts neighbourhood suburbs pedestrian areas

Environment & Life in the Citygreen spaces and public parks air and noise pollution clean streets safe areas cost of living cultural activities nightlife

Transport traffic jams bike lanes busy roads public transport network bypass / ring road

types of urban areas

Match the words to their definition.

1. metropolis a. urban area inhabited by very poor people living in small undeveloped huts 2. town b. area near the centre, associated with social and economic problems 3. commuter town c. urban area larger than a village but smaller than a city 4. shanty town d. a very large and busy city 5. inner city e. urban area whose residents work elsewhere, but they live and sleep in there 6. suburb f. a residential area of a city

types of urban areas

Match the words to their definition.

1. metropolis a. urban area inhabited by very poor people living in small undeveloped huts 2. town b. area near the centre, associated with social and economic problems 3. commuter town c. urban area larger than a village but smaller than a city 4. shanty town d. a very large and busy city 5. inner city e. urban area whose residents work elsewhere, but they live and sleep in there 6. suburb f. a residential area of a city

AMERICAN vs BRITISH

Americans have different terms for some of the features of their cities. Can you match the American terms to their definitions or equivalent British English terms?

1. downtown2. uptown 3. mall 4. condominium (condo) 5. apartment 6. parking lot 7. gas station 8. subway

a. building containing flats that are owned, not rented b. car park c. flat d. in the residential areas outside the city centre e. petrol station f. shopping centre g. underground, tube (London) h. in the city centre

AMERICAN vs BRITISH

Americans have different terms for some of the features of their cities. Can you match the American terms to their definitions or equivalent British English terms?

1. downtown2. uptown 3. mall 4. condominium (condo) 5. apartment 6. parking lot 7. gas station 8. subway

a. building containing flats that are owned, not rented b. car park c. flat d. in the residential areas outside the city centre e. petrol station f. shopping centre g. underground, tube (London) h. in the city centre

in the city

Study the sentences. What do you think the underlined adjectives mean?

• This part of the city is extremely impoverished. The standard of living is very low.
• It’s totally deserted here. Where is everybody?
• This district is very rundown. It urgently needs redevelopment.
• It’s very drab here. Looks like most of the buildings were constructed during the Soviet era.
• What a picturesque little town! It looks just like a postcard.
• The city centre is really overcrowded. There’s no room to breathe!
• This area is really vibrant. There’s so much life.
• This part of town is very touristy. There aren’t many locals here.

Name that city!

Study the descriptions of the cities below. Try to guess the city.

This vibrant city lies on the west coast of the United States. It is the second most populous city in the United States with a population of nearly 4 million people. The city is famous for its movie studios and is the home of many film stars. While the downtown area is generally regarded as safe, the rundown ghetto areas of the east and south of the city are considered to be dangerous, high-crime areas.

This city is situated in South-East Asia. With a population of 7 million people, it is one of the most densely populated areas in the world and has more high-rise buildings than any other city. It is also one of the world’s leading financial centres. The city is renowned for its spectacular waterfront views and for famous actors such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. →

Name that city!

Study the descriptions of the cities below. Try to guess the city.

This capital city has the largest community of billionaires in the world. However, there is also very high inequality and many impoverished areas on the outskirts of the city. The centre of the city features beautiful parks and historical landmarks. This contrasts sharply with drab suburban areas, which still feature Soviet-era tower blocks. It also has one of the most overcrowded and stressful metro systems in the world. →

This European capital city is one of the oldest cities in the world with a history of around 3400 years. It is widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy. The heritage of the past is still evident in the city’s ancient monuments, temples and works of art. The city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites and is an economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural centre.

SPEAKING

Take turns to describe a city. Other students must try to guess its name. You may find the expressions below useful.

• The city lies on ... / is situated in / on ...
• The city is considered to be ... / is regarded as ...
• The city has a population of about ...
• The city is renowned for ...
• The city is home to a number of ... / several ... / plenty of ... / a few ... / an abundance of ...
• The centre of the city features ...

DISCUSS

• What are the main advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city compared to a small town?
• What are some challenges that modern cities face, and how can they be addressed?
• What are the key factors that make a city livable?
• How does the cost of living in your city compare to other major cities in your country or around the world?
• If you could live in any city in the world, which one would you choose and why?
• How has your hometown changed over the past decade?
• What do you think cities will look like 50 years from now?