Understanding the Impact of Urbanization
In today's lecture, the professor discussed the significant impact of urbanization on both social and environmental aspects of city life. He began by highlighting how the rapid growth of cities has led to increased housing demand, which in turn has contributed to the development of informal settlements. The professor pointed out that these settlements often lack basic services and infrastructure, resulting in challenges such as poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare.
Furthermore, the lecture covered the environmental consequences of urbanization, notably the increase in pollution and traffic congestion. The speaker emphasized the importance of sustainable urban planning, which integrates green spaces and promotes public transportation to mitigate these issues. By the end of the lecture, the professor concluded that while urbanization poses many challenges, it also offers opportunities for innovation in urban design to create more livable and resilient cities.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.