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Latest post Sun, Apr 13 2008 6:16 AM by Tuongvan. 2 replies.
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Tuongvan  +  499983 Sun, 13 Apr 08 04:55 AM

Dear teachers ,

I don't understand the phrase in bold in the following passage. Please help me understand it :

" ..The increase in population, however, has led to overcrowding in many cities .This puts a strain on schools and hospitals, as well as water and electricity supplies.Increased pollution is another unpleasant result.

There is also a human side to this tragedy . Families sometimes have to live apart .In these cases , children may live at home with relatives , while their parents go and live in an urban area......."

What are the meanings of "  put a strain on " and "  There is also a human side to this tragedy ." ?

Thank you in advance

   

Joined on Sun, Dec 30 2007
Regular Member 975
van
Anonymous, 1 yr 225 days ago
 Hi. 'Strain' is another word for stress or tension.  So this means that because of the overcrowding in cities, the school and hospitals and other service providers are finding it difficult to provide the services needed.

To say there is a 'human side' simply refers to the aspect of the problem that affects humans/people.  The result of the problem is that families are separated. 

Tuongvan, 1 yr 225 days ago

Thank you very much teacher. I got it.

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