Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- profound /pruh-FOUND/
[adjective] – very great or intense
The new law had a profound effect on how schools managed student safety. - mobility /moh-BIL-i-tee/
[noun] – the ability to move or be moved easily
The city designed new buses to support the mobility of elderly residents. - complicate /KOM-pli-keyt/
[verb] – to make something more difficult or complex
New parking rules could complicate life for shop owners in the city center. - exacerbate /ig-ZAS-er-beyt/
[verb] – to make a problem or situation worse
Poor waste management can exacerbate environmental pollution in large cities. - contentious /kuhn-TEN-shuhs/
[adjective] – causing disagreement or likely to lead to an argument
The decision to close the library early turned into a contentious topic at the town meeting.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Montmartre, a historic neighborhood in Paris, has become the center of growing tensions over overtourism. Once described as a village-like area in the heart of the capital, it has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Stores serving local residents have disappeared, while cafés, souvenir shops, and tuk-tuks have multiplied. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur (pronounced SAH-kray KUR), located at the top of the hill, drew approximately 11 million visitors in 2024, surpassing the Eiffel Tower in attendance. A total of 48.7 million visitors traveled to Paris during that year, representing growth of 2 percent over the previous year. In response, some residents placed banners declaring resistance against what they termed “Disneyfication,” pointing to the replacement of bakeries and butchers with ice cream stalls and tourist-oriented vendors. Authorities have attempted to limit short-term rentals, yet the pressure from tourism continues to intensify.
Experts emphasize that unchecked visitor growth creates profound challenges for historic neighborhoods. Urban planners have warned that iconic districts may become “zombie cities,” retaining visual charm but losing permanent communities. Residents with mobility issues have argued that pedestrian-only streets complicate daily life, forcing reliance on taxis. Protest groups, such as Vivre à Montmartre, argue that essential services are vanishing, leaving food deliveries as the only option. Similar unrest has emerged across Europe, with Venice imposing an entry fee, Athens limiting visitors to the Acropolis, and Barcelona residents staging demonstrations against cruise ships. Analysts state that demographic expansion, inexpensive air travel, and digital platforms directing crowds to viral sites will exacerbate congestion. The United Nations forecasts a global population of nearly 10 billion by 2050, a development that could exacerbate the strain. Whether mitigation strategies can preserve authenticity and equilibrium between tourism and residency remains a contentious question.
Experts emphasize that unchecked visitor growth creates profound challenges for historic neighborhoods. Urban planners have warned that iconic districts may become “zombie cities,” retaining visual charm but losing permanent communities. Residents with mobility issues have argued that pedestrian-only streets complicate daily life, forcing reliance on taxis. Protest groups, such as Vivre à Montmartre, argue that essential services are vanishing, leaving food deliveries as the only option. Similar unrest has emerged across Europe, with Venice imposing an entry fee, Athens limiting visitors to the Acropolis, and Barcelona residents staging demonstrations against cruise ships. Analysts state that demographic expansion, inexpensive air travel, and digital platforms directing crowds to viral sites will exacerbate congestion. The United Nations forecasts a global population of nearly 10 billion by 2050, a development that could exacerbate the strain. Whether mitigation strategies can preserve authenticity and equilibrium between tourism and residency remains a contentious question.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a famous tourist place that was very crowded? If so, what was your experience like? If not, which famous place would you like to visit one day?
- Have you seen changes in your city or town because of visitors or tourists? If so, what kind of changes did you notice? If not, what changes do you think might happen if more tourists come?
- Do you agree that too many tourists can make daily life difficult for local people?
- How might overtourism affect the environment in historic neighborhoods?
- What could local governments do to balance tourism and the needs of residents?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- neighborhood
- overtourism
- Eiffel Tower
- short-term
- intensify