According to Melbournians, they live in a paradise where ideas are discussed, the arts are celebrated, and life is beautiful. Sydneysiders claim to live in the same kind of place - only better. Nobody can agree on how the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne started, but it's been going on for as long as anyone can remember.

If you believe the stereotypes that fuel this rivalry, Melbourne is just a quaint coastal city with nothing to do unless you're into indie music festivals and a slow-paced lifestyle, while Sydney is an expensive, unfriendly place with a focus on business and no place to park. If you believe what Melbournians and Sydneysiders say, the cities don't have much in common except that they're both Australian cities whose residents love where they live.

In reality, Sydney is a warm, beautiful city with lots of green, cross-harbor ferries, and world-class beaches, while Melbourne's right-in-the-city beaches are near colorful neighborhoods where there are plenty of things to do for entertainment.

Both Melbourne and Sydney have fabulous restaurants featuring cuisine from just about anywhere in the world, and both offer nightlife possibilities with something for everyone. In addition, both cities feature a year-round schedule of art and music festivals, as well as other cultural events catering to every taste. And their excellent public transportation systems help you get around easily.

It's true that Melbourne tends to have less rain than Sydney and that Sydney's average temperatures are higher, but it's wonderfully pleasant in either place. And while the cost-of-living is a little lower in Melbourne and salaries are higher in Sydney, prices in both really are quite comparable.

So, what's the rivalry all about? It probably comes down to civic pride. Residents of both of these world-class cities are rightly proud of where they live, and though there are differences, the differences are not really all that extreme. If you're not convinced, visit both and see for yourself.

Are these statements true (T), false (F), or is the information not given (NG) in the article? Write the correct letters.

____ 1. The rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne is a recent development.

____ 2. Life in Sydney, like in Melbourne, can also be slow.

____ 3. It's hard to get anywhere in Melbourne or Sydney without a car.

____ 4. It costs slightly less to live in Melbourne than it does in Sydney.

Discuss these questions. Then share your answers with the class.

1. Why do you think people in Melbourne and Sydney tend to focus on the differences between the two cities rather than on the similarities?

2. Are there any cities in your country that have a rivalry? How are the cities similar and different? Is the rivalry based on stereotypes or on facts?