Building Cities for Everyone
A city sidewalk may seem like a simple strip of pavement. But imagine trying to use one that is too narrow for a wheelchair, blocked by trash cans, or missing a safe crossing. A small part of a city can make a big difference in who can travel comfortably and safely.
World Cities Day, observed every October 31, draws attention to choices like these. The United Nations established the day to encourage cooperation among countries and communities as they address the challenges of growing cities. It is also a chance to consider how cities can become better places for everyone who lives in them.
Why city planning matters
Cities bring people close to jobs, schools, stores, and services. When many people live near one another, however, they also share limited space and resources. A growing city may need more homes, clean water, public transportation, and places to collect waste. If these needs are not met, some residents may struggle to find safe housing or reach important services.
- pavement:
- A hard surface made for walking or driving on.
- cooperation:
- People or groups working together toward a goal.
- residents:
- People who live in a particular place.
- reliable:
- Able to be depended on to work or arrive as expected.
- absorb:
- To take in a liquid or another substance.
- maintained:
- Kept in good condition through regular care.
- conditions:
- The circumstances or features of a place or situation.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why does the author begin by describing problems with a sidewalk?
- 2How can sharing limited space and resources create challenges for growing cities?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Building Cities for Everyone” is a explanatory article reading passage about World Cities Day and sustainable urban development, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (525 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.