B1 — Intermediate
Oxford Street is a famous shopping street in London. There is a plan to make it a pedestrian-only area. This means cars will not be allowed, and people can walk freely. It will make the street safer and cleaner. People can enjoy shopping without worrying about traffic. However, some people may not agree with this plan. It could be a good idea because it will make Oxford Street a better place for everyone.
Read the article about making London’s Oxford Street pedestrian-only.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2610/261029-oxford-street-pedestrianized.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to unlock the full potential” mean? “Oxford Street would “unlock the full potential” of an important area of London and help make a better, greener, and richer London.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “off limits” mean? “Around one kilometre of the street is off limits to vehicles.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “mixed reactions“ mean? “There have been mixed reactions to the pedestrianization of Oxford Street.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the pros and cons of pedestrianizing Oxford Street?
- What is your opinion about this plan?
- What do you think about this, “Traffic will be pushed to the small streets nearby causing economic and environmental harm.”
- If the most famous / important street in your city is made pedestrian-only, how do you think it would affect the people and the city itself?
- Have you been to a street in your city/country that is similar to Oxford Street? How would you describe it?