Warm up - Thinking ab the Topic Look at these photos. Talk about them with your partner In your city, do more people ride bikes or drive cars? Think about traffic congestion. Are bicycles ‘part of the problem’ or ‘part of the solution’? Erie meeba srt) on ea eee ee Cot es to practise how to do this, Keep to the time limit! ne For I6LTS reading, you need to be able to read QUICKLY to find the author's purpose and the raain. structure of the reading passage. 82 g nhantriviA How much time do you spend stuck in traffic, breathing in diesel fumes as you commute to work or to college every day? Traffic congestion in the big cities is one of the key issues facing city planners these days. It has only continued to get worse; despite the attempts to solve these problems. Expensive solutions such as new flyovers, bus-only lanes, and park-and-ride options are all under consideration in many big cities. But these are all car-friendly solutions. What about the humble bicycle? B Cycling is key way of reducing traffic congestion and has other benefits as wel. It saves fue, is healthier for the cyclists (if they survive the trip unharmed), and reduces air pollution forall other commuters who walk or travel on other forms of transport It provides a more cost-effective and efficient use of city space by reducing the need for enormous parking buildings and inner-city motorways. Another point is that cycling is a cheaper alternative than car ownership with its registration fees, fuel costs, and regular mechanical expenses. At present, many people drive over relatively short distances ‘that could equally be travelled by bike, However, often the fear of cycling in heavy commuter traffic keeps such people off ‘their bikes, G Take a moment to think about those who risk the dangers of busy city roads on a bicycle. Cyclists are the most vulnerable people in heavy traffic. They move fast, they are balanced on two wheels, and they have no outer metal shell to protect them. If they are on their way to work, they may well be carrying work-related documents in a backpack or pannier, which increases the balance problem, As cyclists are much smaller than vehicles, drivers frequently do not even notice them and accidents are common. Often, especially in hot weather, cyclists only wear light clothing, which means the injuries they suffer are likely to be serious. Even helmets cannot always prevent fatal head injuries, ‘What needs to happen for cyclists to feel comfortable cycling to work? The first major requirement is changing ‘ur ideas so that cycling becomes a sensible transport choice and cyclists are safe on the roads. Public education is an essential part of this to ensure that other road users are more considerate to cyclists and learn how to drive safely when bioycles are sharing the roads. Employers also need to be aware of cyclists’ needs. These usually range from secure cyele racks to prevent theft to the provision of showers and lockers so people can change from cycling to business clothes once they arrive at work. Larger companies might also find that providing “leet cyclos' to enable employees to go on errands during work hours is an effective policy: E The second major necessity is the development of a safe, convenient network of cycling pathways that link different parts of the city, but ideally are separate from the regular road system. These cycle paths should also allow for some separation of cyclists and pedestrians, as people walking can be badly injured or even killed if a cyclist collides with them. In areas where this is not possible, city streets should have clearly marked cyole lanes with restrictions 10 prevent drivers from using them. F ‘Some cities, for example, Copenhagen and Amsterdam, have made a particular effort to achieve this. They have developed areas that are either car-free (only for pedestrians and cyclists) or ‘pedestrian priority’, where pedestrians and cyclists have the right-of-way and cars are only permitted to move at low speeds. Planners believe that the presence of cyclists at alll hours of the day and evening keops the city safer. Since 1995, there has been a city bike system in Copenhagen which allows anyone to borrow a bike from one of 110 bike stands around the city for a small deposit. Once the bike is returned to the same or another stand, this money is refunded. There has also been an active policy of establishing bike lanes, adding bike crossings to intersections, and reducing the number of car parks to discourage cars in the central city. Currently, about 34% of commuters in Copenhagen cycle to work: G Gycling is clearly a healthy and effective alternative to the private car in our congested cities. The greater the proportion of cyclists to other vehicles, the safer cycling becomes. As some forward-thinking cities have demonstrated, there are many ways in which local city governments can actively encourage and subsidise cycling as a positive option for commuters. The most important of these requires some brave decisions to curb the dominance of the private car, and the gridlock experienced in all major cities shows that such action has become essential3. Read the first sentence ONLY of each paragraph in the reading passage. Take NO MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES to do this. What is the writer's purpose in this passage? A_ A description of types of transport in modern cities B_ An analysis of traffic congestion problems CA discussion of how cyclists are vulnerable D_ A description of cycling as a solution to traffic problems Rance 4. Look at the following topic sentences which come from the reading passage. The first paragraph is NOT included. Underline the key words in each topic sentence and then discuss with your partner the likely topic of each paragraph. Cycling is a key way of reducing traffic congestion and has other benefits as well. ‘Take a moment to think about those who risk the dangers of busy city roads on a bicycle. What needs to happen for cyclists to feel comfortable cycling to work? The second major necessi link different parts of the Poof is the development of a safe, convenient network of cycling pathways that ity Some cities, for example, Copenhagen and Amsterdam, have made a particular effort to achieve this. G. Cycling is clearly a healthy and effective alternative to the private ear in our congested cities. mao (Cyclists at Risk Necessity for Action Educating Drivers and Employers Reasons for Cycling Planning to Reduce Traffic Congestion Problems of Trallic Congestion Examples of Effective Cycle-friendly Developments Safe Cycling Networks B4 - Lessons for IELTS - Reading www.nhantriviet.comWas Paragraph A 5 Paragraph E Paragraph B 6 Paragraph F Paragraph G 7. Paragraph G Paragraph D 8. u é Au eetionis ally follow the order of the reading passage. ‘Traffic planners are thinking about new solutions to traffic congestion. Which TWO of the following are NOT described in the reading? Choose TWO letiers, a=. overbridges for vehicles expansion of road networks . making streets wider special lanes for buses parking areas for motorists to change to public transport peoge ‘The reading passage describes some reasons for encouraging cycling. Which ONE of the following is NOT listed? Choose the correct letter, a, 6, 6 d, ore. a, to lower the number of cars on the streets b, to move quickly through heavy traffic ¢. to lessen pollution of city air 4d. to provide an option that costs less than using a car ¢. to lessen need for car parks and roads |. The reading passage discusses requirements for cycling to work Which THREE of the following are NOT listed? Choose THREE letters, a—f- laws preventing cyclists from carrying documents in backpacks ). education of drivers action taken by employers to support employees who cycle Jaws requiring cyclists to wear helmets . system of eyeling pathways or special lanes for cyclists policies requiring cyclists to wear bright-coloured clothing peeoege In the examples given, a number of cycling-friendly developments are described. Which TWO of the following are NOT included? Choose TWO letiers, af. |. areas without vehicle access . areas where people walking or on bikes have priority free, covered bike parks |. bikes that anyone can borrow and return later . additional taxes on petrol and diesel fewer car parks peoce wwwwinhantrivietcom Transport - 85ee 12. Statistics to show that cycle-friendly policies are effective 13, A description of company facilities for employees who cycle to work 4, ‘The fact that cyclists are often not noticed by drivers 15, Solutions from city planners that favour private cars 16. Reasons why cyclists should not use the same paths as people who are walking A comparison of the cost of owning a bike and a car 18. The writer's main idea a. In the future, cars will need to be banned from cities b, Automobiles are shaping our city planning €. Cycling is the key to a reduction of traffic congestion . Some city governments have encouraged cycling. TPL You wit usually find the answer to this question im the first and/or final paragraphs) TIP 2 Not al tne four enelees will be ideas frome the passage. Your job isto choose the wasn. idea, the one that sums up the whole reading pascage fter You Read This section of the reading units will include some activities to help you to understand and practise reading skills that will help you with the IELTS test, We een 5. Match the words above to the meanings below. a. being at risk of harm b. necessary 86 - Lessons for IELTS - Reading wwrw.nhanttiviet.comUNIT TF} modern, progressive = happening very often special, focused perfect causing death h. crowded i. simple, modest jj, not joined or linked k. related to machines 1. effective, without wasted time or effort im, huge a, thinking about the needs of others 6 Complete the following sentences, using the adjectives above or adverb forms if necessary. a. Given that traffic congestion is worsening, official action to encourage cycling has become b. , cycle paths will be divided ftom the regular road system by walls or hedges. c, Most parking buildings are and ugly. d. Copenhagen and Amsterdam are both cities with policies for cyclists. ce, Cyclists are at risk in heavy traffic, as drivers do not even notice them. £ Drivers need to be educated to be to cyclists g Sadly, a collision between a cyclist and a car is often for the cyclist. h, Equally, pedestrians are when cyclists and pedestrians share the same paths, fee eee | fumes expansion pedestrians | commuters alternative registration pannier provision tee errands priority intersections 7 Complete the following sentences, using the target vocabulary above. You will not need all of the words. a means making something bigger. b, An is another option. © are people moving around on foot. wnww.nhanttivietcom Transport - 87aa is a bag on the side of a bike. eA is something that is essential £ are things that limit what can be done. & The of showers means they are made available. h are people who regularly travel to work in the ci i. Diesel are the gases from buses and trucks. i are short trips to collect or deliver things, k, Having means being the most important. eee 8 In the reading passage, there is a number of cases of comparatives and superlatives. Find as ‘many as possible and highlight them. Then, try to complete the following chart and identify what is being compared in each case. es Siege Cees traffic congestion now / traffic bad worse worst congestion before healthy efficient cheap vulnerable considerate large safe “important ES 9 Consider these parts of the main reading passage. Words, such as it, they, them, this, and these, which refer to something previously mentioned in the passage are in bold. Identify (highlight or underline) which word or words each one refers to. The first one has been done for you - It refers to ‘traffic congestion’. 8B - Lessons for IELTS - Reading trivietcomCycling in the City A... Traffic congestion in the big cities is one of the key issues facing city planners these days. It has only continued to get worse, despite the attempts to solve these problems. B_ Cycling is a key way of reducing traffic congestion... It saves fuel, is healthier for the cyclists (if they survive the trip unharmed), and reduces air pollution for all other commuters who walk or travel on other forms of transport. It provides a more cost- effective and efficient use of city space by reducing the need for enormous parking buildings and inner-city motorways. © Take a moment to think about those who risk the dangers of busy city roads on a bicycle. Gyclists are the most vulnerable people in heavy traffic. They move fast, they are balanced on two wheels, and they have no outer metal shell to protect them. As cyclists are much smaller than vehicles, drivers frequently do not even notice them and accidents are common, Often, especially in hot weather, cyclists only wear light clothing, which means the injuries they suffer are likely to be serious. D_ ... The first major requirement is changing our ideas so that cycling becomes a sensible transport choice and cyclists are safe on the roads. Public education is an essential part of this to ensure that other road users are more considerate to cyclists and Jearn how to drive safely when bicycles are sharing the roads. Employers also need to be aware of cyclists’ needs. These usually range from secure cycle racks to prevent theft to the provision of showers and lockers so people can change from cycling to business clothes once they arrive at work. E__ The second major necessity is the development of a safe, convenient network of cycling pathways that link different parts of the city, but ideally are separate from the regular road system. These cycle paths should also allow for some separation of cyclists and pedestrians, as people walking can be badly injured or even killed if a cyclist collides with them. In areas where this is not possible, city streets should have clearly marked cycle lanes with restrictions to prevent drivers from using them. G__... Assome forward-thinking cities have demonstrated, there are many ways in which local city governments can actively encourage and subsidise cycling as a positive option for commuters. The most important of these requires some brave decisions to curb the dominance of the private car, and the gridlock experienced in all major cities shows that such action has become essential. vnwanhantrviet.com Transport - 88