You are going to watch a number of short video clips which discuss some of the problems caused by urbanisation. You should make notes as you watch each clip and then answer the questions
This lesson will help you practice your listening and note taking skills
This video looks at the global growth of urbanisation since the industrial revolution
Video one Watch the clip and make notes then answer the following questions
Useful vocabulary LEDCs: Less Economically Developed Country MEDCs: More Economically Developed Country
1. Before the industrial revolution, what proportion of the world population lived in cities of more than 10,000?
2. When did urbanisation start to happen in Europe and North America?
3. Between 1950 and 2000, what happened to the population in LEDCs?
4. How do MEDCs compare to LEDCs with regard to a. Consumption? b. Rubbish?
5. What five problems caused by city life are mentioned in the clip?
6. What is the cause of the growth of shanty towns?
The following video clip looks at some of the push and pull factors behind urbanisation in South Africa.
Video 2 Watch the clip and make notes then answer the following questions.
1. One of the problems of rural life is the lack of amenities. Which three things are mentioned?
2. What difficulties do farmers face?
3. What are the advantages of strong family ties?
4. What problems do young people face?
5. Why are they “pulled” towards the city?
6. From the bus window, what do conditions seem to be like in the city? (What do the young people see?)
7. What are the conditions like when the bus finally stops, how do they compare with the rest of the city?
The following clip shows some of the problems people living in the favelas of Rio.
Video 3 Watch the clip and make notes then answer the following questions.
Vocab: Favela: poor area of residence with little or no amenities found in the big cities of Brazil.
1. What problems does Rio face?
2. Why can’t the city expand?
3. What happens to people who come to live in Rio?
4. What recommendations are made to improve the situation? And how long will it take?
The following clip looks at some of the problems in LA
Video 4 Watch the clip and make notes then answer the following questions.
1. Why is LA known as the city of dreams?
2. How does this effect urbanisation?
3. Who are Project Step and how do they help people?
4. What drew Andy Deanus to LA?
5. How did Project Step help him?
6. What was the cause of the riots?
7. What natural problem does LA face?
© Mick Parkin Language Centre University of Leeds 2011
Created using the LOC Tool, University of Southampton