🌍 Topic Summary
Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding countryside. This is often characterized by low-density housing, single-use zoning, and increased reliance on automobiles. Suburbanization, on the other hand, is the process of population movement from central urban areas to the suburbs, driven by factors like affordability, better schools, and a perceived higher quality of life. Both concepts are intertwined, with suburbanization often fueling urban sprawl.
🏘️ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Urban Sprawl |
A. The growth of areas on the edges of cities |
| 2. Suburbanization |
B. Development characterized by low-density housing and reliance on cars |
| 3. Edge City |
C. A concentration of business, shopping, and entertainment outside a traditional downtown |
| 4. Exurb |
D. A semi-rural district located beyond the suburbs |
| 5. Zoning |
E. The process of dividing land and regulating its use |
Match the numbers to the letters! (e.g., 1-A, 2-B, etc.)
📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: infrastructure, density, decentralization, automobiles, residential.
Urban sprawl is often associated with low ___________ housing and an increased reliance on ___________. This pattern of growth leads to the ___________ of services and employment, straining existing ___________. The shift towards primarily ___________ zones further exacerbates the problem.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Discuss the environmental and social impacts of urban sprawl. What are some strategies that urban planners can use to mitigate these negative effects? Provide specific examples.