B1 – Intermediate
The world is home to more than 8 billion people. In the past, the United Nations estimated that by the year 2100, the population is going to be 10.8 billion.
In contrary to that, a recent report released by the The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says the world has a problem because the birth rates are shrinking. The world’s population is falling due to different reasons.
Read the article about the UN’s report on the world’s birth rate crisis.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250612-global-birth-rates-crisis.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “falling birth rate” mean? “Falling birth rates and increased longevity are creating many problems.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “to struggle with something” mean? “Many countries are [struggling] with ageing and shrinking populations, labour shortages, and rising healthcare and pension costs.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “family-friendly policy” mean? “The UN said one solution to the crisis is to create “family-friendly policies, such as affordable childcare and paid leave for all carers.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Share your opinion on this news.
- What are the reasons for the falling birth rates across the world and what are its consequences?
- Do you have the same problem in your country? Do you have family-friendly policies? Talk about it.
- What is your opinion on giving all carers a pay?
- Many couples want children, but they cannot afford them. Share your insights on this.
4 replies on “Global Birth Rate Crisis”
1-Share your opinion on this news.
I think the aging of the population is a serious problem. The people are living longer but there are fewer births every year. A balance between birth and deaths is necessary for the stability of the planet.
2-What are the reasons for the falling birth rates across the world and what are its consequences?
life is becoming more and more expensive. Wages are lower and supporting a family is difficult
3- Do you have the same problem in your country? Do you have family-friendly policies? Talk about it.
In my country there is a falling birth rate.There is little help for families. Depending on the community, you can get help for families each child born, but at most for one year. Now they have increased permission peternity to 4 months so the mother is on 4 months to. There are discounts on schooling, waterpolo, electricity…for big familily with 3 o more children
I
4-What is your opinion on giving all carers a pay?
I think is a solution if salaries allow it. It doesn’t make sense for you salary to be lost paying the carers
5-Many couples want children, but they cannot afford them. Share your insights on this
Because the salary is low and you cannot support your family. The prices of thing are rising more and more.
Interesting take on this topic about the global birth rate crisis.
Take a look at how this answer can be improved:
Stay as consistent as you can with your writing practice.
1. What does “falling birth rate” mean? “Falling birth rates and increased longevity are creating many problems.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
sentence–> Falling birth rates mean fewer babies are being born each year
synonym–> Reduced natality
2. What does “to struggle with something” mean? “Many countries are [struggling] with ageing and shrinking populations, labour shortages, and rising healthcare and pension costs.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
Means–> means to have difficulty doing or dealing with something
sentence –> He struggles with reading, but he keeps practicing
3. What does “family-friendly policy” mean?
means –> To help people balance their work and family responsibilities.
“The UN said one solution to the crisis is to create “family-friendly policies, such as affordable childcare and paid leave for all carers.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
sentence –> The company has a family-friendly policy that lets parents leave job early to pick up their kids
Well done answering this lesson’s vocabulary questions. You may also respond to the discussion questions in your next posts.
See how this sentence can be improved:
Nice job!