IELTS Reading Passage Part II

Let’s practice for IELTS with EDUFOLKS.

The Impact of Urban Green Spaces on City Life

Urban green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and green rooftops, are increasingly recognized for their importance in modern city planning. These areas provide not only aesthetic and recreational benefits but also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of city dwellers. As urban areas continue to expand and population density increases, the role of green spaces has become more critical.

One of the primary benefits of urban green spaces is their ability to improve mental health. Studies have shown that access to green spaces can reduce stress levels, enhance mood, and improve overall psychological well-being. People living near parks and nature reserves are less likely to suffer from mental health issues compared to those in areas without such spaces. Additionally, these spaces promote physical health by encouraging outdoor activities, such as jogging, cycling, and sports, which are essential for a healthy lifestyle.

Green spaces also play an essential role in environmental sustainability. They help mitigate the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activity and the concentration of buildings and infrastructure. Trees and plants in urban areas absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, helping to combat air pollution. Furthermore, green spaces can manage storm water runoff more effectively, reducing the risk of flooding in cities during heavy rain.

However, the development and maintenance of urban green spaces come with challenges. Limited space in densely populated cities can make it difficult to allocate areas for parks or community gardens. Moreover, the financial cost of establishing and maintaining these areas can be significant, requiring funding from local governments or private entities. There is also the issue of accessibility; not all residents have equal access to green spaces, particularly those living in poorer districts where resources may be scarce.

Despite these challenges, many cities are prioritizing the creation and enhancement of green spaces as part of their urban development plans. For instance, initiatives such as rooftop gardens, vertical forests, and urban reforestation programs are becoming more common in major metropolitan areas around the world. These projects aim to integrate greenery into the urban landscape in innovative ways, enhancing the quality of life for residents and making cities more livable.

Questions:

1. Urban green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and __________, are increasingly recognized for their importance in city planning.
2. One of the primary benefits of urban green spaces is their ability to improve __________ health.
3. Studies have shown that access to green spaces can reduce __________ levels and enhance mood.
4. People living near parks and nature reserves are less likely to suffer from __________ health issues.
5. Urban green spaces encourage physical activities like __________, cycling, and sports.
6. Green spaces help combat air pollution by absorbing __________ dioxide and producing __________.
7. The urban heat island effect makes cities significantly __________ than surrounding rural areas.
8. Green spaces can help manage stormwater runoff and reduce the risk of __________ during heavy rain.
9. One challenge in developing urban green spaces is the __________ cost of establishing and maintaining them.
10. Initiatives like __________ gardens, vertical forests, and urban reforestation programs are becoming more common in cities around the world.
11. Not all residents have equal access to green spaces, especially those in __________ districts where resources may be scarce.
12. Creating and enhancing green spaces contributes to making cities more __________ for their residents.

Answers:

1. Green rooftops
2. Mental
3. Stress
4. Mental
5. Jogging
6. Carbon dioxide, Oxygen
7. Warmer
8. Flooding
9. Financial
10. Rooftop
11. Poorer
12. Livable