“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 5: Society and Environment
Story 01: Understanding Common Social Issues Around the World
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Prevalent
- Marginalized
- Deprivation
- Stigma
- Equitable
- Multifaceted
- Vulnerable
- Natural disasters
- Cycles
- Access
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Social issues are problems that affect communities and societies, and they vary widely depending on the region and the specific context. Despite this diversity, certain social issues are prevalent across the globe, and they continue to have significant impacts on people’s lives. This passage will explore some of the most common social issues around the world.
One of the most significant social issues is poverty. Many people around the world lack access to basic needs, such as food, water, and shelter, and they may also lack access to education and healthcare. Poverty often perpetuates cycles of deprivation and can lead to malnutrition, illness, and early death.
Another common social issue is inequality. This can take many forms, including gender inequality, income inequality, and access to basic human rights. Inequality often leads to discrimination and can limit opportunities for people from marginalized communities.
Access to healthcare is also a major social issue, particularly in low-income countries. Many people do not have access to basic medical care, which can lead to untreated illnesses, disability, and premature death.
Environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation, are also significant social issues that affect people worldwide. Climate change, in particular, has significant impacts on vulnerable communities, such as those living in low-lying areas and regions prone to natural disasters.
Finally, mental health is a growing concern worldwide. Many people experience mental health problems, but stigma surrounding these issues can prevent individuals from seeking help and limit access to care.
In conclusion, social issues are complex and multifaceted, and they require attention and action from individuals, communities, and governments. By understanding the common social issues that affect people around the world, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is poverty, and how does it affect people’s lives?
- What are some forms of inequality that exist around the world?
- What are some of the barriers to accessing healthcare in low-income countries?
- How do environmental issues affect people’s lives, and what are some possible solutions?
- Why is mental health a growing concern worldwide, and what can be done to address it?
Conversations Starters:
- What social issues are prevalent in your country, and what can be done to address them?
- Have you ever felt marginalized in your community, and what steps can be taken to ensure that everyone feels included?
- How does deprivation affect individuals and communities, and what can be done to address poverty and lack of resources?
- What are some common stigmas that exist in society, and how can we work to eliminate them?
- In what ways can society become more equitable, particularly in terms of access to education and healthcare?
- How can we better understand the multifaceted nature of social issues and work towards more comprehensive solutions?
- What are some vulnerable populations in your country, and what measures can be taken to protect them?
- How can communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters, particularly in areas prone to these events?
- What are some examples of cycles of poverty, and how can they be broken to create more opportunities for individuals and families?
- In what ways can access to resources, such as education and healthcare, be improved in your country to create a more just society?
