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Q1
What are the biggest challenges of living in a large city, and what can city governments do to address them? Give specific examples.
Useful Expressions
high cost of housing · traffic congestion · public transportation · green spaces
Show Model Answer
Living in a large city offers many opportunities, but it also comes with significant challenges. One of the most pressing is the high cost of housing. In many major cities, rent and property prices have increased dramatically faster than wages, pushing lower-income residents to the outskirts or out of the city entirely. City governments can address this by requiring developers to include a percentage of affordable units in new residential projects.
Another major challenge is traffic congestion and air pollution. As more people move to cities, the number of private vehicles grows, which slows traffic and worsens air quality. Governments can respond by investing in high-quality public transportation — including metro systems, bus rapid transit, and cycling infrastructure — to give residents practical alternatives to driving.
Finally, access to green spaces is often limited in dense urban environments. Research consistently shows that parks and green areas improve both physical and mental health. Cities should prioritize integrating green spaces into urban design, even in highly built-up areas. Addressing these challenges requires long-term commitment, but with the right policies, large cities can become healthier and more equitable places to live.
Another major challenge is traffic congestion and air pollution. As more people move to cities, the number of private vehicles grows, which slows traffic and worsens air quality. Governments can respond by investing in high-quality public transportation — including metro systems, bus rapid transit, and cycling infrastructure — to give residents practical alternatives to driving.
Finally, access to green spaces is often limited in dense urban environments. Research consistently shows that parks and green areas improve both physical and mental health. Cities should prioritize integrating green spaces into urban design, even in highly built-up areas. Addressing these challenges requires long-term commitment, but with the right policies, large cities can become healthier and more equitable places to live.
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