The concept of sustainable urban development has evolved significantly over the past decade, shifting from a focus solely on environmental conservation to a more integrated approach that balances ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Recent studies indicate that cities adopting green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements and urban forests, not only mitigate flooding and heat islands but also enhance residents' mental well-being. However, critics argue that such measures often prioritize affluent neighborhoods, exacerbating spatial inequality. To address this, policymakers are increasingly employing participatory budgeting, allowing communities to decide on green projects. Yet, the effectiveness of this tool remains contested, as it requires high civic engagement and may still be dominated by vocal minorities. Thus, sustainable urbanism is not merely a technical challenge but a deeply political process involving trade-offs among stakeholders.
❓ According to the passage, what is a major limitation of participatory budgeting in sustainable urban development?
A. It focuses too much on environmental conservation at the expense of economic growth.
B. It may be influenced by vocal minorities despite requiring broad civic engagement.
C. It has been proven ineffective in reducing urban flooding and heat islands.
D. It exclusively benefits affluent neighborhoods without any community input.
✅ 正确答案
It may be influenced by vocal minorities despite requiring broad civic engagement.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first