PTE Reading: Multiple Choice

Cities around the world are planting more trees, and the reasons go beyond appearance. On hot summer days, streets lined with trees can be noticeably cooler than streets without them, because leaves provide shade and release water vapour. Trees also capture some of the dust and pollutants in the air, although their effect on overall air quality is smaller than many people assume.

Planting a tree is the easy part. Young trees in cities face difficult conditions: compacted soil, limited space for roots, damage from vehicles and long periods without water. As a result, many die within their first few years unless they are watered and protected. Some cities have responded by creating larger planting pits and using underground structures that give roots room to grow beneath pavements.

Choosing the right species matters as well. A single species planted across a whole city can be wiped out by one disease, so planners increasingly favour a mix of species that can cope with hotter, drier summers.

Electric bicycles have become one of the fastest-growing forms of transport in many European countries. Unlike ordinary bicycles, they have a small motor that assists the rider when pedalling, which makes hills and longer distances much easier. This has made cycling attractive to groups who previously rarely cycled, including older people and commuters who live further from their workplace.

Their growth has also created new questions. E-bikes are heavier and often faster than ordinary bicycles, and some cities have seen an increase in accidents involving them, particularly among older riders. Batteries can be expensive to replace, and theft is a common concern because of the bikes' high price.

Supporters argue that the benefits outweigh these problems. When people replace short car journeys with e-bike trips, traffic and emissions fall, and riders still get regular physical activity, even with motor assistance.