Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What kinds of places in your town or city do many visitors like to go to?
- What feelings do crowded places give you?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- pressure /PRESH-er/
[noun] – the act of trying to influence or control someone or something; strong force or stress
The hospital faced pressure from the public to provide faster services. - banner /BAN-er/
[noun] – a long piece of cloth or paper with words or pictures used to show a message in public
Protesters carried banners to show their opinions about the new law. - rental /REN-tl/
[noun] – a property or thing that is rented out for payment
Many students look for apartment rentals near the university. - uncontrolled /uhn-kuhn-TROWLD/
[adjective] – not managed, not limited, or not kept under control
The factory closed because of uncontrolled costs in production. - congestion /kuhn-JES-chuhn/
[noun] – a situation where something is too crowded or blocked
The airport faced congestion because too many flights arrived at the same time.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Montmartre, a historic district in Paris, is facing growing pressure from overtourism. Once described as a quiet, village-like area, the neighborhood has been reshaped by the rise of cafés, souvenir shops, and tuk-tuks. Local stores such as bakeries and butchers have disappeared. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur (pronounced SAH-kray KUR), standing at the top of the hill, received about 11 million visitors in 2024, more than the Eiffel Tower. In the same year, Paris recorded 48.7 million tourists, a 2 percent increase from 2023. Residents responded by placing banners against what they call the “Disneyfication” of the district. Authorities have tried to regulate short-term rentals, but the flow of visitors continues to intensify.
Experts warn that uncontrolled growth threatens historic neighborhoods. Urban planners state that popular areas may become “zombie cities,” attractive but without permanent communities. Residents with mobility problems argue that pedestrian-only streets make daily life difficult, forcing dependence on taxis. Groups such as Vivre à Montmartre report that essential services are disappearing, leaving deliveries as the only option. Similar problems are appearing elsewhere in Europe. Venice has introduced a fee for day-trippers, Athens has limited visits to the Acropolis, and Barcelona residents have protested against cruise ships. Analysts believe population growth, cheap flights, and online platforms will increase congestion. The United Nations projects nearly 10 billion people worldwide by 2050, raising questions about how cities can preserve balance between tourism and local life.
Experts warn that uncontrolled growth threatens historic neighborhoods. Urban planners state that popular areas may become “zombie cities,” attractive but without permanent communities. Residents with mobility problems argue that pedestrian-only streets make daily life difficult, forcing dependence on taxis. Groups such as Vivre à Montmartre report that essential services are disappearing, leaving deliveries as the only option. Similar problems are appearing elsewhere in Europe. Venice has introduced a fee for day-trippers, Athens has limited visits to the Acropolis, and Barcelona residents have protested against cruise ships. Analysts believe population growth, cheap flights, and online platforms will increase congestion. The United Nations projects nearly 10 billion people worldwide by 2050, raising questions about how cities can preserve balance between tourism and local life.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What problem is Montmartre, a historic district in Paris, facing?
- How was Montmartre described in the past?
- What types of local stores have disappeared from the neighborhood?
- How many visitors went to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in 2024?
- What problem do residents with mobility issues face?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a famous place that was very crowded? If so, what did you see or feel there? If not, which famous place would you like to visit in the future?
- Have you ever noticed changes in your town or city because of visitors? If so, what kind of changes did you see? If not, what changes do you think could happen if many tourists came?
- Do you agree that cities should set limits on visitors to protect historic places?
- What should tourists do to respect the people who live in popular areas?
- What can local leaders do to keep a balance between tourism and daily life for residents?