Section A: Visual Text
Study the webpage below and answer Questions 1-4
Creating a more pleasant living environment
A significant increase over recent decades in the volume of traffic on our residential streets has resulted in greater noise, air pollution, and road danger. To mitigate this in some areas, local authorities have already implemented designated paths for cycling and walking only. Now, a new and more holistic approach aims to discourage traffic from entering entire residential areas by, instead, confining most cars and other vehicles to major roads.
Rationale for the changes
This ‘low-traffic neighbourhood’ approach will mean quieter, safer streets but private, delivery and emergency vehicles will still be able to access homes and businesses, while avoiding streets in residential neighbourhoods. So you and your neighbours will benefit from easier access to your favourite local shops.
Best-laid plans
Plans are being drawn up for your neighbourhood and your help is needed. To maximally benefit all, the placement of interventions such as mini parks, bus lanes and ‘no-drive’ areas will be decided in partnership with residents. A community mapping exercise, which aims to create a picture of what it is like to live in your neighbourhood, will take place in the Town Council building on 1 October 2022 from 14:30 when residents and stakeholders can discuss the role their streets will play. The greater the involvement from you, the better the final plan!
Click here to register your interest.
Text 1
Making Your Urban Spaces Greener and More Serene
In recent times, the urbanization of many city areas has caused a surge in concrete buildings, diminishing green spaces. This has led to a rise in heat, reduction in biodiversity, and a disconnect with nature. To counteract this, several municipalities have started to integrate more green zones, transforming concrete jungles into urban oases.
Why the green transformation?
This ‘green pocket’ initiative will not only provide cooler and aesthetically pleasing environments but will also serve as habitats for local fauna. Furthermore, residents and businesses will still have their regular amenities, but now they’ll be complemented by nearby parks and green belts. This means you and your family can enjoy both the hustle and bustle of city life and the tranquility of nature in close proximity.
Your Vision Matters
Blueprints for your locality are under development, and we value your insights. To ensure the redesign benefits everyone, locations for features such as community gardens, picnic spots, and ‘green corridors’ will be planned in collaboration with you, the residents. A neighbourhood brainstorming session is scheduled at the City Hall on 10 October 2022, at 16:00. Here, residents and local officials can come together to envision the future green spaces. The more voices we hear, the more vibrant our urban oasis will be!
Click here to share your green dream with us.
Questions
Qn1. (a) In the first paragraph, how is the transformation described as a counteract to urbanization? [1]
Qn1. (b) What will the ‘green pocket’ initiative provide to the environments? [1]
Qn2. Look at the section under the heading ‘Rationale for the changes’. Identify two phrases used to make the changes sound more appealing to residents. [1]
(i)
(ii)
Qn3. Referring to the images accompanying the text, which features of the ‘green pocket’ initiative might they showcase? Use the section ‘Your Vision Matters’ for reference. Complete the table. [2]
(i) Photograph 1
(ii) Photograph 2
Qn4. What is the main aim of the webpage? [1]