Tips: A report repeats many people's ideas. Wait for the speaker's own view and check each choice against it.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Zoning should stay as it is, since long-term residents invested with certain expectations.: This is how supporters of current zoning see it. The speaker says zoning laws do need reform. From this perspective, zoning is seen as a way to respect long-term residents who invested their savings with certain expectations. Personally, I believe zoning laws do need reform, but not through a one-size-fits-all solution.
• Zoning should change, with gentle density that keeps neighbourhood character.: Gentle density is an idea some cities are trying. The speaker reports it but does not make it a personal plan. Rather than eliminating single-family zoning altogether, some municipalities are experimenting with gentle density. The idea is to add housing without dramatically changing neighbourhood character.
• Zoning should change, starting where most residential land is kept for single-family homes.: Critics give the land figure for Ottawa and Calgary. The speaker never says where reform should start. They note that in cities such as Ottawa and Calgary, over 70% of residential land is reserved mainly for single-family homes.

Correct Answer: Too much land for single-family homes makes it hard to build enough townhouses or low-rise apartments.

Why this is correct: Dr. Rahman says the land imbalance makes it nearly impossible to build enough townhouses or low-rise apartments. She names newcomers, seniors and young adults.

Tips: Several people are named in the report. Link each idea to the person who says it.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Zoning rules favour wealthier households, even though they are not meant to.: This is the social equity point that 'some people' make. It is not Dr. Rahman's argument. Some people argue that zoning rules, while not intentionally discriminatory, end up favouring wealthier households.
• Gentle density, like multiplexes on single-house lots, can add homes without changing a neighbourhood.: Gentle density is the middle-ground idea some municipalities are testing. Dr. Rahman does not talk about it. Rather than eliminating single-family zoning altogether, some municipalities are experimenting with gentle density. The idea is to add housing without dramatically changing neighbourhood character.
• Families value quiet streets and lower buildings, so their neighbourhoods should be protected.: This is the view of supporters of current zoning. Dr. Rahman is quoted on the critics' side. They point out that many families choose areas like Riverdale in Toronto or Mount Pleasant in Vancouver precisely because of their quieter streets and lower building heights.

Correct Answer: Rents rose more slowly where more housing types were allowed.

Why this is correct: The City of Edmonton reported that areas allowing more varied housing types saw rents rise more slowly than areas with stricter zoning.

Tips: When a city report is named, notice exactly what it measured. Similar words like price, rent and supply mean different things.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Home prices rose more slowly where more housing types were allowed.: Prices are mentioned at the start, for Toronto and Vancouver. The Edmonton report is about rents. In places like Toronto and Vancouver, where prices have climbed faster than wages, zoning rules can shape who gets to live where, and at what cost. Last year, the City of Edmonton reported that neighbourhoods allowing more varied housing types saw rents rise more slowly than areas with stricter zoning.
• Housing supply grew faster where more housing types were allowed.: Limited supply is the critics' general argument. The Edmonton report gives a result about rents, not supply. On the other hand, critics say this argument overlooks how exclusionary zoning limits housing supply and pushes prices even higher. Last year, the City of Edmonton reported that neighbourhoods allowing more varied housing types saw rents rise more slowly than areas with stricter zoning.
• Commutes were shorter where more housing types were allowed.: Longer commutes come from the story about the neighbour in Mississauga. Edmonton does not report on commutes. She eventually had to move much farther away, increasing her commute and childcare challenges.

Correct Answer: As anecdotal, but in line with trends housing advocates have found.

Why this is correct: The speaker admits the story is anecdotal. The speaker then says such stories echo broader trends identified by housing advocates.

Tips: After a personal story, listen closely to what the speaker says next about the story.

Why the other options are wrong:

• As anecdotal, but in line with Edmonton's rent figures.: The Edmonton figures are about rents in different areas. The speaker does not link them to the story. Last year, the City of Edmonton reported that neighbourhoods allowing more varied housing types saw rents rise more slowly than areas with stricter zoning. Stories like this are anecdotal, of course, but they echo broader trends identified by housing advocates.
• As anecdotal, but in line with the 2023 homeowner survey.: The 2023 survey is about homeowners' worries over traffic and schools. It is not linked to the story. According to a 2023 survey by the Canadian Urban Institute, 62% of homeowners said they worry that allowing more duplexes or small apartment buildings would increase traffic and strain local schools. Stories like this are anecdotal, of course, but they echo broader trends identified by housing advocates.
• As typical, and as proof that zoning is meant to keep people out.: The speaker calls the story anecdotal, not proof. Also, zoning is described as not intentionally discriminatory. Some people argue that zoning rules, while not intentionally discriminatory, end up favouring wealthier households. Stories like this are anecdotal, of course, but they echo broader trends identified by housing advocates.

Correct Answer: Respectful, saying their side of the debate has valid points.

Why this is correct: The speaker says both sides have valid points. So the speaker respects the defenders' worries, even while calling for reform.

Tips: Notice how strongly the speaker agrees or disagrees. Small words show whether a view is accepted, preferred or rejected.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Respectful, saying their side of the debate has the stronger case.: The speaker says both sides have valid points. The speaker never says the defenders' case is stronger. Both sides have valid points.
• Dismissive, saying their worries ignore how zoning limits supply.: This is what the critics say. The speaker does not dismiss the defenders in this way. On the other hand, critics say this argument overlooks how exclusionary zoning limits housing supply and pushes prices even higher. Both sides have valid points.
• Dismissive, saying long-term residents' expectations should not count.: The speaker never says this. The speaker values community and wants growth to feel manageable. From this perspective, zoning is seen as a way to respect long-term residents who invested their savings with certain expectations. As Canadians, we value fairness and community, and the truth likely lies in allowing more flexibility while investing in infrastructure so growth feels manageable rather than alarming.

Correct Answer: The speaker most likely lives in Mississauga.

Why this is correct: The speaker says 'a neighbour of mine in Mississauga'. A neighbour lives close by, so the speaker most likely lives in Mississauga too.

Tips: Small personal words like 'my' or 'mine' can tell you about the speaker's own life. Listen for them.

Why the other options are wrong:

• The speaker most likely lives in Vancouver.: Vancouver is named for prices, a neighbourhood and its multiplex decision. Nothing links the speaker's home to it. Vancouver's recent decision to allow multiplexes on lots previously limited to one house is often cited as a cautious step.
• The speaker most likely lives in Edmonton.: Edmonton is named only because of its city report on rents. Nothing links the speaker's home to it. Last year, the City of Edmonton reported that neighbourhoods allowing more varied housing types saw rents rise more slowly than areas with stricter zoning.
• The speaker most likely lives in Ottawa.: Ottawa is named only for its land figure. Nothing links the speaker's home to it. They note that in cities such as Ottawa and Calgary, over 70% of residential land is reserved mainly for single-family homes.