B2 – Upper Intermediate
Elderly people in South Korea have been enjoying free subway rides for about 40 years now. However, rapidly aging population coupled with increasing operating costs of subways have caused this perk to spark some issues for their national government.
Read the article about how these free rides for the elderly have become a complicated political problem in South Korea.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “thorny” mean here, “They have, however, become a thorny political issue as South Korea’s population rapidly ages and subway operating costs soar.” Use this word in your own sentence.
- What does ”staunchly” mean, ”The finance ministry is staunchly opposed.”? Give at least one (1) synonym of this word and use it in a sentence.
- What does “to remain in place” mean? “To cope, Seoul unveiled plans in December to hike subway fares for the first time since 2015, by as much as 30%, although free rides for the elderly will remain in place.” Use this word in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on these free subway rides for elderly people? Do you have the same perk for senior citizens in your country? Why or why not? Do you think it is a good idea?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of free subway rides for the elderlies?
- In your opinion, should the national SK government shoulder some of the cost of these free rides for the elders?
- What is your reaction to this, “Any scaling back of subway perks for the elderly will not help their chances in next year’s parliamentary election.”?
- To cope, some cities in SK are raising the minimum age for senior citizen benefits including free subway rides to 70. Express your opinion on this.
- Share your thoughts on the cost of senior welfare in your country.