Issue — March 2026

Quiz: How Green Is Your City?

B2 Quiz 12 sentences

Quiz: How Green Is Your City? 0 / 12

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Test your knowledge of environmental vocabulary and ideas shaping the cities of the future.

What Makes a City Green?

A city earns the label "green" when it balances urban life with environmental care. Green spaces — parks, rooftop gardens, and tree-lined streets — are essential for both wildlife and human well-being. They help reduce air pollution and offer a break from the heat and noise of busy streets. Many cities also invest in renewable energy, such as solar panels on public buildings or wind turbines on the outskirts.

Measuring Urban Sustainability

Experts use several indicators to judge how sustainable a city really is. A common measure is the carbon footprint, which estimates the total greenhouse gases produced by the city's activities. Biodiversity — the variety of plants, animals, and insects in an area — is another important sign of a healthy ecosystem. Cities that score well usually have low emissions, efficient public transport, and policies that limit urban sprawl. They also work to cut congestion on the roads, since traffic is a major source of pollution.

Quiz

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1According to the article, what is one benefit of green spaces in cities?

The article states that green spaces help reduce air pollution and offer a break from the heat and noise of busy streets.
2What does a city's carbon footprint estimate?

The article defines the carbon footprint as the total greenhouse gases produced by the city's activities.
3Which of the following does the article describe as an important sign of a healthy urban ecosystem?

The article says that biodiversity is an important sign of a healthy ecosystem.
4Why do cities try to cut congestion on the roads?

The article notes that cities work to cut congestion because traffic is a major source of pollution.
5According to the article, what do cities that score well on sustainability usually have?

The article states that high-scoring cities usually have low emissions, efficient public transport, and policies that reduce urban sprawl.

Must Know 10

air pollution Noun the presence of harmful or poisonous substances in the air, caused by vehicles, factories, and other human activities.
biodiversity Noun The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole. It refers to the number of different species and the genetic variation within and between them.
carbon footprint Noun The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities, measured in carbon dioxide equivalent.
congestion Noun Congestion is the state of being overcrowded or blocked, especially referring to heavy traffic or a buildup of fluid in the body such as in the lungs or nasal passages.
ecosystem Noun An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment, including both biotic and abiotic factors.
emissions Noun Substances (especially gases or radiation) discharged into the atmosphere, typically as a result of industrial or natural processes. The plural form of 'emission'.
green spaces Noun Areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation in urban or built-up environments, such as parks, gardens, and nature reserves, used for recreation and environmental benefits.
pollution Noun The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the natural environment, causing damage to air, water, and soil quality.
renewable energy Noun Energy obtained from natural sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.
urban sprawl Noun The uncontrolled expansion of a city or town into the surrounding countryside, often resulting in low-density development and loss of agricultural land.