Tag: Social Issues

Housing in Spain and Poverty

B1 – Intermediate

Housing generally refers to the social problem of ensuring that members of society have a home in which they can live in, whether this is a house, or some other kinds of dwelling, lodging, or shelter.

Watch the video below about housing in Spain and its connection to poverty.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the woman in the video?
  2. Do you know anything about your government’s housing policy?
  3. Does your government provide housing for people on low or no income?
  4. Is it easy to find good quality housing in your town?
  5. How can housing be made affordable for everyone?
  6. What issues will arise with housing of the future?

Egg Freezing Perk for Female Employees

B1 – Intermediate

Apple and Facebook are among the biggest tech firms known for giving their employees, some might call, “awesome” work perks.

Recently, some companies decided they will provide financial assistance to their female staff should they opt to go for egg-freezing in their 20s or 30s.

Read the article to know more about this egg freezing perk.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1704/170426-egg-freezing.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of this perk?
2. What are your thoughts on this statement: “When [IVF] is done purely to protect their job, I think it’s extraordinary that women think this is liberating.”?
3. What unique perks are given to employees at your company?
4. What perks do you want your company to start giving out to its employees?
5. What do you think is the best age to start having children. Tell some reasons why.

Literature to Explain Migrants to Children

B2 – Upper intermediate

Reading and literature brings about many benefits, especially in children. In Bologna, Italy, a book fair for children is featuring something different and very timely.

Take a look at the video below then express your thoughts.

Video: Book fair features literature to explain migrants to children

Discuss:

1. What is the point of this unique book fair in Bologna?
2. What are other ways we can educate children about migrants and the Syrian war?
3. Are book fairs a popular idea in your country? Have you been to one?
4. What are your preferences in books? Reading materials?
5. What are the advantages of children being exposed to reading books at an early age?

 

Funeral Discounts for Japan’s Elderly

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In Japan, the authorities have been encouraging the older people to give up their licenses to reduce traffic related accidents that involve seniors.  A  funeral discount is given to them  to do the trick.  What do you think of this initiative? How successful do you think this strategy will be?

Let’s read more:

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1703/170325-elderly-drivers.html

Discussion Questions:

1. How safe are the roads in your country?
2. Who are the most dangerous drivers in your country?
3. What would you do to make roads safer?
4. Should seniors have stickers on their cars to warn other drivers?
5. Should there be an age at which people should stop driving?
6. What kind of driver are you?

Video: Iran Pre-Nups Put Men in Jail

B2 – Upper intermediate

Every country has specific laws when it comes to marriage and separation. In Iran, a specific system is threatening husbands to face jail time if they fail to give spousal support.

Watch the video and be ready to answer discussion questions.

Iran pre-nups land thousands of men in jail

Discuss:

1. What is the “mehrieh” system and how is it affecting husbands?
2. What is the Iranian government doing to combat the problems in the “mehrieh” system?
3. Does your country have very strict rules when it comes to divorce and separation?
4. Are there cultural practices in your country regarding marriage that you think should be changed?

Syrian Children in Toxic Stress

B2 – Upper Intermediate

War affects children as much as it affects adults, how ever different the impact is. Children are dependent on the care, empathy, and attention of adults who love them. Their attachments are frequently disrupted in times of war, due to the loss of parents or other custodians.

Read the article below to know more on how the children are fairing in the middle of the Syrian war.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39188402

Discussion Questions:

1. How does war affect children? What are the lifelong influences?
2. How do children of war view this phenomenon?
3. How should we rehabilitate children who have witnessed the horrors of war?

Aid Given in Cash

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some people are hesitant in giving money to charities as they are doubtful whether their donations would be used efficiently.

In Kenya, charitable organizations are trying out a new way of helping through direct cash transfers, letting the recipients spend the money however they wish to.

Read more on this from the article below.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39038402

Discussion Questions:
1. How did Joseph Ombimbo Nyakwaka spend the money he received?
2. What are the positive things about direct cash transfers in donating?
3. What are the criticisms on this method of giving?
4. Imagine receiving $1000 and you can spend it however you want. How would you like to spend it?

Dying to be Thin: Eating Disorders

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you feel fat? Interestingly enough, fat is not a feeling. For some people, the thought of feeling full, bloated or bigger than they should be conjures up a wide range of emotions.

For people suffering from eating disorders, feeling fat goes beyond the sensation of feeling full after a meal. They also suffer from depression, from feeling unloved and ignored or unappreciated.

Click the link below to learn more about eating disorders.

http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/column-dying-to-be-thin-what-you-should-know-about-eating-disorders-793076-Feb2013/

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the signs and symptoms of eating disorders?
2. What are your thoughts on the eating disorders mentioned in the article? Is this something that people in your country struggle with?
3. The influence of the media is greater than ever. They promote bodies that are thin and idealistically well proportioned. Do you agree or disagree with this? Why or why not?
4. What should the government do to help reduce the number of people suffering from this
condition?

Racial Profiling

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Racial profiling has been a hot topic for the past few years. The reality of it is getting to be more and more common.

Read about racial profiling and express your thoughts about it.

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/11/us/everyday-racial-profiling-consequences-trnd/index.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What images spring to mind when you hear the term ‘racial profiling’?
2. Is racial profiling OK if it leads to a reduction in terrorist attacks?
3. Which races are targeted most under racial profiling? Is this fair?
4. Which is worse – racial profiling or religion profiling?
5. Do you think racial profiling will alienate those profiled and thus lead to greater social problems?
6. How would you feel if you were suspected of wrongdoing because of your colour or race?

Causes & Solutions of Juvenile Delinquency

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C1 – Advanced

Juvenile crime is a crime committed by young people below a specific age – 18 in most countries. Even kids can run afoul of the law. Once a child commits a crime and enters the criminal justice system, he or she may be deemed a “juvenile delinquent.”

Causes and Solutions of Juvenile Delinquency

 Discuss:

1. What are the main reasons children become criminals?
2. What kind of crimes do young people usually commit?
3. Why do you think juvenile crime increased in the past decade?
4. Should young people go to prison if they commit serious crimes?
5. How much are parents to blame if their children become criminals?
6. What part do you think movies, the Internet and video games play in leading young people to crime?
7. Is juvenile crime a problem in your country?
8. What would you do if you discovered your children had committed criminal acts?