Megacities and Population Growth – Differentiated Reading Comprehension Pack (KS2)

Take your class on a global journey exploring how cities grow and change with this Megacities and Population Growth reading comprehension pack. This fully differentiated resource introduces pupils to the concept of megacities, urbanisation, and the challenges and opportunities of life in the world’s largest cities.

Learners will discover what makes a megacity, why people move from rural areas to cities, and how population growth shapes human geography. Through engaging, fact-filled passages and structured comprehension tasks, pupils develop key geography knowledge and literacy skills together.

What’s Included:
• 3 extended non-fiction reading passages (HA, MA, LA)
• 10 comprehension questions per level
• Complete answer sheets for self- or teacher-marking
• Glossary of key geographical vocabulary
• Editable Word format for easy differentiation

Key Features:
• Explains the meaning of megacities and urbanisation
• Covers causes and effects of population growth
• Discusses key examples including Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai
• Highlights real-world issues such as overcrowding, pollution, and sustainability
• Fully aligned with KS2 Geography and Reading Comprehension objectives
• Designed for mixed-ability teaching and guided reading

National Curriculum Links:
KS2 Geography:
• Describe and understand key aspects of human geography, including: settlement, land use, and economic activity
• Understand population distribution and urbanisation
• Develop use of geographical vocabulary, maps, and data
• Compare life in different parts of the world

English (Reading Comprehension):
• Retrieve and record information from non-fiction
• Identify key facts and main ideas
• Use glossaries to understand subject-specific vocabulary
• Explain cause and effect using evidence from the text

Perfect For:
• KS2 Geography and Reading lessons
• Cross-curricular literacy and geography units
• Independent work or homework
• Guided reading and topic work
• International schools and global studies themes