In groups. Look at the graph and map and discuss the questions.
a What trend does the graph show?
b What happened in 2010?
c Where in the world is urban growth happening fastest and slowest?
d Why do you think urban growth is happening faster in these places?
The urban and rural population of the world, 1950–2030
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
World, total population World, urban population World, rural population
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
2030
City population
500–750 thousand 750–1,000 thousand 1–5 million 5–10 million 10 million or more
2 4 3.2 Listen and check your answers to 1.
3 In groups. Discuss the reasons for urban growth around the world and make a list of your ideas. 3.3 Listen to part of a lecture about urbanization. Does the lecturer give the same reasons as
you for urban growth? 42 English for the 21st Century • Unit 3