People are moving to urban areas in search of better job opportunities, improved education, and higher living standards. In cities like Jakarta, this is causing rapid population growth and strain on essential infrastructure. One challenge is severe traffic congestion, which leads to longer commute times and increased air pollution. Another example is the struggle of hospitals and schools to accommodate the growing population, resulting in limited access to necessary healthcare and education. A final example is the housing shortage, which drives up costs and forces many individuals into overcrowded living conditions with inadequate services.
Read the passage.
Cities Are Growing
Southeast Asia as a whole remains largely rural, with agriculture still playing a major role in many economies. However, in recent years, more people have been moving to urban areas in search of jobs, better education, and higher living standards. This migration has fueled the rapid urbanization of major cities like Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City, transforming them into sprawling urban centers. As these cities grow rapidly, they face increasing urban challenges, including overcrowding, traffic congestion, and pollution.
The fast-paced population growth puts enormous strain on a city's infrastructure — the public works and structures essential for supporting a modern economy. Roads become clogged with vehicles, leading to longer commute times and rising air pollution. Hospitals and schools often struggle to accommodate the growing population, resulting in limited access to healthcare and education. Basic services like water supply, electricity, garbage disposal, and sewage facilities may also fall behind the rising demand, creating sanitation and safety issues. Housing shortages drive up costs, forcing many people into overcrowded places with poor living conditions. As cities continue to grow, addressing these challenges becomes crucial to ensuring sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all residents.
Adapted from: ©2019 Pearson Online & Blended Learning K–12 USA.
What problems have been caused by rapid urbanization (growth of cities) in Southeast Asia?
A complete answer will include the following information:
3-4 sentences in paragraph form
explain why people are moving to urban areas
explain what this is causing in cities like Jakarta
give 2-3 detailed examples of the challenges this growth has caused
You may use the sentence starters below to help you, or you may write your own original 3-4 sentences.
People are moving to urban areas _________________________. In cities like Jakarta, this is causing rapid __________ and strain on _________________. One challenge is ____(in your own words - do not copy from the passage)______________________. Another example is ____(in your own words - do not copy from the passage)______________________. A final example is ____(in your own words - do not copy from the passage)______________________.
(4 points)
Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
1 answer