1. Read the title and look at the picture. What do you think the text is about? Read the text to check.

(Nhìn vào tiêu đề và các bức tranh. Bạn nghĩ bài đọc nói về điều gì? Đọc bài khóa để kiểm tra.)

 a) Read the text. Choose the option (A, B, C or D) that best fits each gap (1-5).

(Đọc bài khóa. Chọn các đáp án (A, B, C hoặc D) phù hợp với mỗi chỗ trống (1-5).)

COUNTER-URBANISATION

Challenges and Opportunities

Counter-urbanisation, the 1) _____ of people migrating from urban areas to live in rural ones, has become increasingly common in Vietnam in recent years. To illustrate, a number of people have decided to leave bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for rural areas. Counter-urbanisation is a new phenomenon with several benefits and potential problems for the whole nation.

Counter-urbanisation can bring positive effects on a country. Moving away from major cities can help to alleviate issues such as overcrowding, traffic congestion and pollution in those urban areas. What's more, it can even create opportunities for rural development as an increase in the rural population can encourage significant 2) _____ in businesses and infrastructure in the countryside.

However, counter-urbanisation has also brought challenges to rural areas in some cases. Many rural areas lack basic amenities such as medical 3) ______, schools and public transportation, making it difficult for newcomers to settle in. This puts a strain on rural infrastructure and services. At the same time, there is a real risk of environmental damage as more people move into previously undeveloped areas. Deforestation, pollution, and other environmental issues can arise as a result of increased human 4) _____ in these areas. In conclusion, counter-urbanisation is a new trend that comes with advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, local governments and communities will need to work together to effectively manage public services, energy supplies and natural resources in order to promote economic 5) _____ and sustainable development.

3. Read the text again and answer the questions.

(Đọc lại bài khóa và trả lời các câu hỏi sau.)

1. How can counter-urbanisation affect cities positively?

(Phản đô thị hóa có thể tác động tích cực đến các thành phố như thế nào?)

2. Why might some people struggle to adapt to rural lite after leaving cities?

(Tại sao một số người có thể gặp khó khăn trong việc thích nghi với cuộc sống nông thôn sau khi rời thành phố?)

3. In what way can counter-urbanisation affect the Earth?

(Phản đô thị hóa có thể ảnh hưởng đến Trái đất như thế nào?)

4. Work in groups. One group will think of positive effects of counter-urbanisation. The other group will think of negative effects. Hold a debate in class on the issue.

(Làm việc theo nhóm. Một nhóm sẽ nghĩ về những ảnh hưởng tích cực của phản đô thị hóa. Nhóm còn lại sẽ nghĩ về những ảnh hưởng tiêu cực. Tổ chức một cuộc tranh luận về vấn đề này trong lớp.)