ACADEMIC LISTENING TEST PRACTICE
KOWLOON WALLED CITY
KOWLOON WALLED CITY
For Students Preparing for Academic Tests / IELTS and TOEFL
Listen as you read the script.
Playing Time: 2 minutes 56 seconds
Hong Kong's Walled City was a densely populated, ungoverned slum located in the heart of Kowloon. The Walled City was a place where residents lived in cramped, squalid conditions, but it was also a place where they could live freely and independently. The Walled City was a place that defied the expectations of what a city should be and its legacy still resonates in Hong Kong today.
The Walled City was originally built as a military fort in the 19th century but was later abandoned. Over time, it became a refuge for those who couldn't find a place to live in Hong Kong's rapidly growing population. In the decades that followed, the Walled City grew into a labyrinthine maze of streets and buildings, rising to a height of six or seven stories in some areas. Its buildings were constructed without regard for zoning laws or building codes, leading to a dense and chaotic environment.
Despite its reputation for being a lawless and dangerous place, the Walled City was also a place where residents looked out for one another. It was a place where residents had a strong sense of community and where they formed their own governance systems to ensure the safety and well-being of those who lived there. This sense of community, combined with the lack of interference from the government, allowed the Walled City to thrive in its own unique way.
The Walled City was a melting pot of cultures, with residents from all over the world living side by side. Many residents were refugees from Mainland China who sought refuge in Hong Kong during the Communist Revolution. Others were descendants of the original residents who had lived there for generations. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the residents of the Walled City formed close bonds with one another and created a vibrant, tight-knit community.
However, as Hong Kong's population continued to grow, the Walled City became increasingly overcrowded and unsanitary. The government of Hong Kong eventually decided that something had to be done and in the late 1980s, the decision was made to demolish the Walled City and replace it with a public park.
The demolition of the Walled City was a massive undertaking, but it was finally completed in 1994. Today, Kowloon Walled City Park stands on the site of the former slum, offering visitors a glimpse into the unique history and culture of the Walled City. The park is a peaceful and tranquil space, with trees and gardens where the former slum once stood.
The Walled City was originally built as a military fort in the 19th century but was later abandoned. Over time, it became a refuge for those who couldn't find a place to live in Hong Kong's rapidly growing population. In the decades that followed, the Walled City grew into a labyrinthine maze of streets and buildings, rising to a height of six or seven stories in some areas. Its buildings were constructed without regard for zoning laws or building codes, leading to a dense and chaotic environment.
Despite its reputation for being a lawless and dangerous place, the Walled City was also a place where residents looked out for one another. It was a place where residents had a strong sense of community and where they formed their own governance systems to ensure the safety and well-being of those who lived there. This sense of community, combined with the lack of interference from the government, allowed the Walled City to thrive in its own unique way.
The Walled City was a melting pot of cultures, with residents from all over the world living side by side. Many residents were refugees from Mainland China who sought refuge in Hong Kong during the Communist Revolution. Others were descendants of the original residents who had lived there for generations. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the residents of the Walled City formed close bonds with one another and created a vibrant, tight-knit community.
However, as Hong Kong's population continued to grow, the Walled City became increasingly overcrowded and unsanitary. The government of Hong Kong eventually decided that something had to be done and in the late 1980s, the decision was made to demolish the Walled City and replace it with a public park.
The demolition of the Walled City was a massive undertaking, but it was finally completed in 1994. Today, Kowloon Walled City Park stands on the site of the former slum, offering visitors a glimpse into the unique history and culture of the Walled City. The park is a peaceful and tranquil space, with trees and gardens where the former slum once stood.
Kowloon Walled City in the 1980s
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