Vocabulary

A. Read the article. (Đọc bài báo)

Changing Cities

By the year 2050, 66% of the people on Earth will live in large cities. Most of them will live in tall apartment buildings, so it makes sense to design those buildings in ways that are good for the environment. Rooftop gardens, for example, save energy for heating and cooling and are a comfortable place for people to spend time.

Crossing the street in a big city can create problems. One solution is the “X-crossings” found in Tokyo, Japan, and other cities. There, when the traffic light turns red, all of the vehicles must stop. Then, the pedestrians can cross in any direction. Another solution could be neighborhoods with more stores and restaurants on every block. This makes it easier for people to walk to the places they need to go.

In the future, many cities will have many kinds of public transportation, like Hong Kong. In addition to cars and taxis, people in Hong Kong use buses, trains, boats, and streetcars all convenient ways to get around the city.

Answer:

Đến năm 2050, 66% dân số trên Trái đất sẽ sống tại các thành phố lớn. Hầu hết họ sẽ sống trong các tòa nhà chung cư cao tầng, vì vậy việc thiết kế những tòa nhà này một cách có lợi cho môi trường là hợp lý. Vườn trên mái, ví dụ, giúp tiết kiệm năng lượng cho việc làm mát và sưởi ấm và cũng là nơi thoải mái cho người dân dành thời gian.

Băng qua đường trong một thành phố lớn có thể tạo ra các vấn đề. Một giải pháp là các "đường chéo X" được tìm thấy ở Tokyo, Nhật Bản và các thành phố khác. Ở đó, khi đèn đỏ, tất cả các phương tiện phải dừng lại. Sau đó, người đi bộ có thể đi băng qua theo bất kỳ hướng nào. Một giải pháp khác có thể là các khu vực có nhiều cửa hàng và nhà hàng trên mỗi khối. Điều này làm cho việc đi bộ đến nơi mà họ cần đến dễ dàng hơn.

Trong tương lai, nhiều thành phố sẽ có nhiều loại phương tiện giao thông công cộng, như Hong Kong. Ngoài xe hơi và taxi, người dân ở Hong Kong sử dụng xe buýt, tàu điện, tàu thủy và các loại xe điện ngầm là cách thuận tiện để đi lại trong thành phố.

B. Write each word in blue next to the correct meaning.

(Viết mỗi từ màu xanh bên cạnh nghĩa đúng)

1. neighborhoods parts of a city where people live near one another

2. _______________ electric vehicles on rails for transporting people

3. _______________ system of vehicles such as trains, taxis, and buses that are used by the public

4. _______________ a set of red, yellow, and green lights that help control the traffic

5. _______________ large buildings with many apartments

6. _______________ garderns on the roofs of buildings

Answer:

1. neighborhoods: khu vực dân cư trong thành phố, nơi mà mọi người sống gần nhau

2. streetcars: các phương tiện điện trên ray để chuyên chở người

3. public transportation: hệ thống các phương tiện như tàu hỏa, taxi và xe buýt được sử dụng bởi công chúng

4. traffic lights: một tập hợp các đèn màu đỏ, vàng và xanh giúp kiểm soát giao thông

5. apartment buildings: các tòa nhà lớn với nhiều căn hộ

6. rooftop gardens: các khu vườn trên mái của các tòa nhà

C. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Discuss in pairs.

(Bạn có đồng ý hay không đồng ý với các tuyên bố sau đây? Thảo luận theo cặp)

1. All apartment buildings should have rooftop gardens.

2. People should use more public transportation.

3. Traffic lights are necessary to reduce the number of road accidents.

Answer:

1. All apartment buildings should have rooftop gardens.

• Agree: Rooftop gardens are beneficial for the environment and can provide a space for residents to relax and enjoy nature.

• Disagree: It may not be feasible or affordable to install rooftop gardens in all apartment buildings, and some buildings may not have enough space or structural support for them.

2. People should use more public transportation.

• Agree: Public transportation can reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, and it can be more affordable and convenient for many people.

• Disagree: Some people may prefer the privacy and flexibility of driving their own vehicles, and in some areas, public transportation may not be readily available or may be unreliable.

3. Traffic lights are necessary to reduce the number of road accidents.

• Agree: Traffic lights can help regulate traffic flow and prevent collisions by signaling when it is safe to proceed through an intersection.

• Disagree: Some people may argue that traffic lights can cause traffic backups and delays, and that alternative traffic management methods, such as roundabouts or traffic circles, may be more effective.

D. What do you think? Circle Y for yes or N for no. Compare answers in pairs.

(Bạn nghĩ sao? Khoanh tròn Y nếu có hoặc N nếu không. So sánh câu trả lời theo cặp)

In the year 2040, ...

1. My city will have a larger population than it does now. Y N

2. People will still drive cars in the city. Y N

3. Buildings will be taller than they are now. Y N

4. There will be more parks and gardens in the city. Y N

Answer:

1. My city will have a larger population than it does now. Y

2. People will still drive cars in the city. Y

3. Buildings will be taller than they are now. Y

4. There will be more parks and gardens in the city. N (depending on the city's urban planning policies and priorities)

E. Complete the sentences with words from the box.

(Hoàn thành các câu với các từ trong hộp)

be enjoy he see want will

1. Adam will ___________ in Vancouver, Canada alt next week.

2. That's great! ___________ he take a tour of Vancouver?

3. Yes, that way he will ___________ different neighborhoods.

4. Will ____________ use the public transportation there?

5. I think so. He probably won't __________ to spend money on taxis.

6. That sounds great. I think he will really ____________ his visit!

Answer:

1. Adam will be in Vancouver, Canada at next week.

2. That's great! Will he take a tour of Vancouver?

3. Yes, that way he will see different neighborhoods.

4. Will he use the public transportation there?

5. I think so. He probably won't want to spend money on taxis.

6. That sounds great. I think he will really enjoy his visit!

F. In pairs, think about the city or town you are in now. What will it be like 10 years from now?

(Theo cặp, hãy nghĩ về thành phố hoặc thị trấn mà bạn đang ở. 10 năm nữa sẽ như thế nào?)

Answer:

Goal check

Join another pair of students and talk about the future of your city or town. Use your list from F and will or won't.

(Tham gia cùng một cặp sinh viên khác và nói về tương lai của thành phố hoặc thị trấn của bạn. Sử dụng danh sách của bạn từ F và sẽ hoặc sẽ không)

Answer:

Suggestions:

Person 1: Have you ever thought about what Ha Noi will be like in the future?

Person 2: Not really, but I know the city has been growing and changing a lot in recent years. What do you think will happen?

Person 1: Well, I think Ha Noi will continue to urbanize and develop, but there will also be more emphasis on sustainability and livability. For example, I could see the city investing in more green spaces, bike lanes, and public transportation, to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.

Person 2: That sounds like a good idea. I also think Ha Noi will continue to attract more high-tech industries and startups, as the city becomes a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Person 1: Yes, I agree. In fact, I read an article recently about how Ha Noi is already home to some of the fastest-growing tech companies in Southeast Asia. I think this trend will continue as more investors and entrepreneurs discover the potential of the city.

Person 2: That's exciting. But what about the cultural heritage of Ha Noi? Do you think the city will still preserve its historical landmarks and traditions?

Person 1: I think so. In fact, I think cultural preservation will become even more important as Ha Noi grows and changes. The city has such a rich history and unique identity, and I could see the government and local communities working together to protect and promote that.

Person 2: That's a good point. And what about the economy? Do you think Ha Noi will continue to rely on manufacturing and services, or will there be more diversification?

Person 1: I think there will be more diversification. Ha Noi has already made strides in areas like tourism, education, and healthcare, and I could see more investment in those sectors, as well as emerging industries like biotech and fintech. Of course, manufacturing and services will still be important, but I think the city will become more balanced in terms of its economic base.

Person 2: That all sounds very promising. I'm excited to see how Ha Noi develops in the years to come!