UNIT 5 – URBANIZATION - Exercise 1

Circle the correct option to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the following numbered blanks from 18 to 22
Global urbanisation has increased significantly in recent decades, and one of the main drivers of this growth has been rural migration. ___(1)___. Half of the world's population already resides in cities, and by 2050, experts predict that number to reach as high as two-thirds. Many factors contribute to this global phenomenon ___(2)___.
There are many push factors which force people away from rural life. For example, rural residents have fewer employment options because there are not many large companies nearby. What's more, rural jobs are mainly related to agriculture, so crop failures because of natural disasters ___(3)___. By contrast, there are pull factors that attract people to urban life. Urban areas have more industries, so people can easily get good jobs and achieve a higher standard of living. ___(4)___, which allows urban citizens to access leisure activities easily.
In the process of urbanisation, rural migration causes various far-reaching impacts on the environment and urban citizens. First, deforestation occurs when city governments have forests cut down to build accommodation for new residents, which harms the environment and reduces air quality. As growing populations result in more deforestation and pollution, the air quality worsens, which can lead to health issues for residents. Second, ___(5)___. As a result, some low-income people are unable to obtain the necessary affordable housing and end up living in slums, where the quality of life is very poor.
(Adapted from Bright)