Tag: Social Issues

Tighter Immigration Controls in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Japan recorded a record 42.4 million foreign arrivals and 4.13 million foreign residents in 2025 while tightening immigration enforcement under its “Zero Plan.”

Overstayers declined for a second year, deportations and entry denials increased, and asylum applications fell as screening became stricter. 

Despite tougher controls, tourism and regional travel continued to surge, raising questions about how Japan will balance stricter enforcement with its growing need for foreign workers amid population decline.

Listen to the audio and read the article about Japan’s tighter immigration controls yielding results.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/09/japan/society/immigration-control-data

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overstayer” mean? “The government aims to cut asylum processing times to six months by 2030 and reduce the number of illegal overstayers to zero.” Use the word in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “humanitarian ground” mean? “Japan granted refugee status to 187 people in 2025, while 474 were given complementary protection and 525 were allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “recognition rate for refugees” mean? “Recognition rates for refugees remain low. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why has the number of foreign arrivals increased in Japan despite stricter immigration controls?
  2. What are your insights on Japan’s Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan?
  3. Do you think stricter immigration policies can effectively reduce illegal overstayers without discouraging tourism and foreign workers?
  4. What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of faster asylum processing and expanded deportation efforts?
  5. Should Japan prioritize stronger border enforcement or a more welcoming immigration system to address labor shortages?

Press Freedom at Lowest Level

B1 – Intermediate 

According to a report by the Reporters Without Borders, press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years.

In most countries, press freedom is “problematic” or very bad. Only countries in northern and western Europe have good press freedom.

The report says pressure on journalists is increasing. Governments are limiting the media. Some countries use laws to control reporting.

Read the article about press freedom being at its lowest level in 25 years.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260504-press-freedom.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “press freedom”. “Press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years.” Use this term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
  2. What does “systematic policy” mean? “It says there was a “systematic policy” of attacks on journalists in the USA.” Use the term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
  3. What does “authoritarian tendency” mean? “Political pressure on the press is intensifying, authoritarian tendencies are growing, and the media market is heavily weakened.” Use the term in a sentence. Give synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about the current state of press freedom?
  2. Why do you think press freedom is getting worse in many countries?
  3. Why is press freedom important in a country? What can happen if there is no press freedom?
  4. What problems do journalists have in your country?
  5. How can people support or protect journalists?
  6. How can press freedom be improved in the whole world?

Risky “Looksmaxxing” Trend

B1 –  Intermediate 

“Looksmaxxing” is a trend where young men try to make their looks better. 

Some people use dangerous methods like hitting or pressing their face bones. Others get cosmetic treatments like fillers or surgery.

Doctors say this can be very bad for the body. It can also affect mental health and self-confidence. Experts advise to focus on healthier ways to feel good about yourself.

Read the article about the risky trend of looksmaxxing.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260423-looksmaxxing.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “looksmaxxing”. “A new trend among young men is causing doctors to worry. It is called looksmaxxing.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “bone smashing” mean? “Many things can go wrong with bone smashing and cosmetic surgery.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “the only thing in one’s life” mean? “Anda Solea, an expert on looksmaxxing, said problems start for men when looks become the only thing in their lives.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  4. What does “self-esteem” mean? “Too many young men are falling into the trap of dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion sbout looksmaxxing?
  2. Why do you think young men are doing it?
  3. Why do too many young men feel dissatisfaction and have low self-esteem?
  4. How can people build self-esteem without focusing too much on looks?
  5. Do you think society puts too much value on physical appearance? Why or why not?

Understanding the Gender Pay Gap

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The gender pay gap remains a widely discussed issue in modern societies, highlighting differences in earnings between men and women across various industries and roles. Despite long-standing principles of equal pay, disparities still exist, reflecting broader patterns of inequality in the workplace and beyond.

Understanding this issue requires looking beyond simple wage comparisons and examining the social, economic, and structural factors that influence employment opportunities and career progression. By exploring its causes and impacts, discussions about the gender pay gap can help promote fairer policies and more inclusive work environments.

Read the article to know the definition, facts and causes of gender pay gap.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20200109STO69925/understanding-the-gender-pay-gap-definition-facts-and-causes

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “marginal” mean in this sentence? “The gender pay gap stubbornly persists, with only marginal improvements being achieved in recent years.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “gross hourly earning” mean? “The gender pay gap is the difference in average gross hourly earnings between women and men.” Construct a sentence featuring this phrase. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “over-representation” mean? “About a quarter of the total gender pay gap can be explained by an over-representation of women in relatively low-paying sectors, such as care, health or education.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the gender pay gap exists in your country? Why or why not?
  2. How do career choices affect the gender pay gap?
  3. Do you think taking career breaks impacts a person’s salary? How?
  4. Should companies be required to disclose employees’ salaries? Why or why not?
  5. What changes would you suggest to reduce the gender pay gap?

Gen Z Divided Over Reproductive Rights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The question of whether reproductive rights should be exercised at all costs has been the subject of a protracted and contentious debate.

Nonetheless, there is a gender disparity among Gen Z regarding these rights, which helps explain how this generation approaches life.

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to click for someone” mean? “That’s when it clicked for me and realized how important this issue is.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “psychic shock” mean? “Dobbs was such a psychic shock for a lot of women because it took a right away that they’d had for a long time.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to dig one’s heels in” mean? “They feel like their the last generation of men who run the show, and they’re digging their heels in and trying to get as much as they can.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What causes the gap between Gen Z men and women regarding reproductive rights?
  2. Do you think the views and opinions of men and women on reproductive rights have significantly widened over time? Why do you think so?
  3. Does restricting abortion harm the right to life? Explain your stance.
  4. Are there similar restrictions in your country, and how do Gen Z men and women react to them?
  5. How do social media and online discussions influence Gen Z’s views on reproductive rights?

Ukraine Hit Russian Missile Component Plant

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ukrainian forces launched a missile strike on the Kremniy El microelectronics factory in Russia’s Bryansk region. The factory reportedly produces electronic components used in Russian missile systems, including the Iskander-M.

Read the article to know more about the strike that caused major damage, 6 deaths, and 42 injuries, according to local officials.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg1eqw30l9o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to reach a stalemate” mean? “Both sides have continued attacks, even though the war has reached a stalemate recently.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to hinge” mean? “The outcome of the talks hinges on part of his proposals that envisages Ukraine giving up to Russia areas it does not currently control in the Donbas – an industrial area composed of the administrative regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “relinquish” mean? “Russia currently controls more than 80% of those areas – which Ukraine says it cannot agree to relinquish.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Ukraine striking a Russian electronics factory that produces missile components?
  2. Do you think attacking military-related factories is justified during a war? Why or why not?
  3. How might this kind of strike affect the future of the war between Ukraine and Russia?
  4. Do you think attacks on factories like this could increase tensions between countries involved in the conflict?
  5. In your opinion, what impact could these strikes have on civilians living near military facilities?

Squid Game Ends, South Koreans Return to the Reality

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After the popular TV show Squid Game ended, many people around the world were left shocked by its story. The show showed people struggling with debt, poverty, and unfair treatment. However, for many South Koreans, these problems are not just part of a TV drama. They are real-life challenges that some people still face every day.

Read this article to learn more.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg665pyn82o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut-throat” mean? “Squid Game was born against the backdrop of cut-throat competition and widening inequality in South Korean society – where people are too stressed to have children and a university placement exam is seen as the defining moment of a person’s life.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. What’s the meaning of “to be brushed to the side“? “Those darker messages seemed to be brushed to the side on Saturday night, as a massive parade celebrated the release of the blockbuster’s final season.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. Define “eponymous”. “In the show’s later seasons, viewers follow Gi-hun’s quest to bring down the eponymous games, which are packaged as entertainment for a group of wealthy VIPs.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think entertainment like Squid Game can help people understand serious social problems better than news stories? Why?
  2. Do you think the global popularity of shows that address social issues (like Squid Game) can influence real social change? Why?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using fiction to highlight real problems like poverty and inequality?
  4. The show includes characters such as a laid-off factory worker whose story is inspired by real events. How does this make the drama more powerful or meaningful?
  5. In your country, what are the biggest financial pressures people face today?
  6. What changes would you like to see in your country to reduce inequality or unfair competition?

Challenges of Urbanization in Modern Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Urbanization is one of the most significant trends shaping the world today. As people move from rural areas to urban centers in search of better jobs, education, and services, cities are growing rapidly and becoming home to a large share of the global population. This expansion brings many advantages, such as economic opportunities and cultural exchange. However, it also creates serious challenges that affect the daily lives of millions of urban residents and the environment they live in.

Modern cities often struggle to meet the needs of their expanding populations. High housing demand leads to overcrowding and rising prices, while transportation systems become overwhelmed with traffic and congestion. At the same time, environmental problems like pollution and loss of green spaces threaten public health and quality of life. To build sustainable and equitable urban areas, governments and planners must find solutions that balance growth with social and environmental well-being.

Read this article about challenges of urbanization in modern cities.

Challenges of Urbanization in Modern Cities

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “social unrest” mean in this sentence? “At the same time, inequality in cities can create further divisions between different social groups. As the rich and poor live in separate areas, tensions can rise, contributing to social unrest.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “disparity” mean? “While urbanization brings economic opportunities, it also creates significant disparities between different social groups.” Construct a sentence featuring this word.
  3. What does the term “informal settlement” mean? “This leads to the rise of informal settlements or slums, where people live in substandard conditions with limited access to basic services like clean water and sanitation.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city?
  2. How does the high cost of living affect young people and families?
  3. In your opinion, what should city leaders prioritize to make urban life better?
  4. Do you think future cities will be better or worse than those of today’s? Explain your opinion.

Farmers Protest EU-Mercosur Deal

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Farmers took to the streets of central Madrid to demonstrate against European Union’s agricultural policies and the Mercosur deal.

Farmers believe that allowing an influx of goods from countries that have lower health and environmental guarantees will have an impact on the country’s agricultural sector.

Read the article about farmers protesting against the EU-Mercosur deal.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-11/farmers-tractors-gather-in-madrid-to-protest-eu-mercosur-deal

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “free trade agreement”. “Thousands of farmers marched into central Madrid on Wednesday to protest against European Union’s agricultural policies and a free trade agreement with a group of South American nations.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “politically charged” mean? “In Spain, farmer protests have become politically charged, with far-right nationalist party Vox having made large inroads among farmers in recent years by denouncing that the country’s largest parties – the governing Socialists and the conservative People’s Party – aren’t doing enough for the agricultural sector.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to make inroads” mean? “In Spain, farmer protests have become politically charged, with far-right nationalist party Vox having made large inroads among farmers in recent years by denouncing that the country’s largest parties – the governing Socialists and the conservative People’s Party – aren’t doing enough for the agricultural sector.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the farmers protesting against?
  2. Share your thoughts about this protest.
  3. Share your thoughts about the Mercosur deal.
  4. Talk about everything you know about your country’s agricultural policies.
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “Farmers aren’t seeking a monopoly, but they want food products produced in other countries to be produced under the same conditions that are required of them.”

Mark Zuckerberg In Court

B1 – Intermediate 

Many young people use social media. Sometimes, a bit too much. This compulsive use of social networks could potentially have serious impact on the youths. 

In a court hearing, CEO Mark Zuckerberg spoke about how websites such as his own Meta affect young people.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the trial about the effects of social media on young people.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/mark-zuckerberg-in-court-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “age limit”. “The lawyer also pointed to a company email about age limits.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to face” mean in this context, “A 20-year-old woman says she began to use Instagram and YouTube at a very young age and later faced addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “over time” mean? “He also said the company tried to improve its rules over time.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. “Zuckerberg said he regrets that the company didn’t act faster. He also said the company tried to improve its rules over time.” What is your opinion on Zuckerberg’s statement?
  2. The young woman believes social media platforms caused serious harm in her life. What is your opinion about this?
  3. Share your opinion about this, “Children under 13 cannot join Meta, but this rule didn’t always work.”
  4. How can social media platforms protect young people?
  5. “The result of this trial may affect future law and the way social media companies work.”  Do you believe this could happen? Share your thoughts.
  6. Talk about your social media use. How has social media affected you so far?