READING
Counter-urbanisation
1 Read the text about the causes and effects of counter-urbanisation. (Đọc văn bản về các nguyên
nhân và ảnh hưởng của phản đô thị hóa.)
While urbanisation has led to fast urban growth, counter-urbanisation has resulted in the opposite
situation. Counter-urbanisation happens when a great number of people move from urban areas into
rural areas.
This phenomenon is linked to the ‘push' and "puli’ factors of migration. Trying to avoid overcrowded
inner cities, city dwellers look for larger, cleaner and quieter houses with more land at cheaper prices in
rural or suburban areas. They want to escape the air and noise pollution, and the crime in inner cities.
However, counter-urbanisation causes serious problems in the shrinking cities. These cities face severe
economic strain and a sharp increase in poverty. Despite declining populations, they still have to spend
money maintaining infrastructure, such as roads, sanitation, public transport, etc., built for a much larger
population.
Meanwhile, villages in the countryside become increasingly urbanised, grow fast and soon lose their
uniqueness and charm. Local prices go up because city migrants have more money. They earn money
from well-paid city jobs and high-valued city properties. Villagers often find it more and more difficult
to earn a living and provide for their families.
Counter-urbanisation has caused many negative effects. Governments should find urgent short-term
solutions before implementing a long-term comprehensive programme to make life sustainable for
people in both urban and rural areas.
2 Read the text again and decide whether the following statements are true (T), false (F), or not
given (NG), and tick the correct box. (Đọc văn bản một lần nữa và quyết định việc các nhận định sau
đây là đúng (T), sai (F), hoặc không xác định (NG), và đánh dấu vào ô đúng.)
1. Urbanisation and counter-urbanisation are two opposite trends.
2. City dwellers look for houses in rural or suburban areas just because they are cheap.
3. Shrinking cities still face high rates of crime.
4. When populations decline, cities spend less money on maintaining infrastructure.
5. Country villages quickly lose their unique character and charm when they become urbanised and
grow fast.
6. Governments should offer immediate short-term solutions to make life sustainable for both urban
and rural inhabitants.
Đáp án:
1.T 2. F 3. NG
4.F 5.T 6. F
3 Work with a partner. Use the information in the table below or your own ideas to make a
conversation about one of the historical figures. (Làm việc cùng người bạn. Sử dụng các thông tin