B1 – Intermediate
One of the driving factors to the growing population in India is the family’s preference to have at least one son. Families keep on having children until the mother finally gives birth to a male baby. Although the country has shown improvement in several measures concerning women’s empowerment, the preference for a son has not completely disappeared in their culture.
Let’s read the article and know more about the Indian parents’ undying desire to have a son.
https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/asia/indias-unwanted-girls.htm
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the phrase “go missing” mean? “About 2 Indian females go missing across all age groups because of abortions, diseases and malnutrition.” Use it in a sentence.
- Define the phrase “would rather“. “Many families would rather have a son than a daughter.” Give two synonyms and use it in a sentence.
- What does the phrasal verb “take over” mean? “In upper-class families, sons carry on the family tradition or take over the family business.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do parents in India desire to have sons instead of daughters?
- What is the dowry system? What is your opinion on it?
- What could be the long term effects of son preference in India?
- Do you have a child? If yes, did you have a gender preference? Why or why not?
- In some societies, they prefer a boy for a child. What do you think about this?