“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 05: The Growing Concern of Wealth Inequality in Today’s Society
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Wealth inequality
- Unequal distribution
- Multifaceted
- Exacerbates
- Social unrest
- Upward mobility
- Perpetuating
- Purchasing power
- Disproportionate influence
- Equitables
Read or Listen to the following passage:
In today’s world, there is a growing concern about wealth inequality, which refers to the unequal distribution of wealth and income among individuals and groups in society. Wealth inequality is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects various aspects of society, including social, economic, and political spheres. It is a challenge that many countries around the world are facing, and it is becoming increasingly important to address it.
One of the most significant impacts of wealth inequality is that it exacerbates poverty, creating a divide between the rich and the poor. This divide can lead to social unrest, instability, and conflicts, which can have serious consequences for society. Wealth inequality also limits the opportunities for the less fortunate to achieve upward mobility, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that can last for generations.
Another consequence of wealth inequality is that it can have a negative impact on economic growth. When wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, it limits the purchasing power of the majority of the population, which can slow down economic growth. This is because the majority of the population will have limited spending power, which in turn can affect the performance of businesses and industries.
Furthermore, wealth inequality can also lead to political instability, as it can create a situation where the wealthy have a disproportionate influence on the political process. This can lead to policies that favor the rich, leading to further wealth concentration and income inequality.
In conclusion, wealth inequality is a serious issue that affects various aspects of society. It is essential to address this issue through policies and programs that promote economic growth, social mobility, and fairness. By doing so, we can create a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is wealth inequality, and how does it affect society?
- What are some of the consequences of wealth inequality?
- How does wealth inequality limit upward mobility for the less fortunate?
- How does wealth inequality affect economic growth?
- What is the relationship between wealth inequality and political instability?
Conversations Starters:
- How has wealth inequality affected your community and the people around you?
- In your opinion, what are some of the main causes of wealth inequality?
- Do you think that policies promoting wealth redistribution are necessary to address wealth inequality? Why or why not?
- What can individuals do to address wealth inequality in their own communities?
- What are some potential long-term consequences of wealth inequality for society as a whole?
- How does upward mobility impact wealth inequality?
- Do you think that wealth inequality is more prevalent in certain countries or regions of the world? Why do you think this is the case?
- What role do policies and government interventions play in addressing wealth inequality?
- How does the unequal distribution of wealth and income exacerbate social unrest and political instability?
- How can we promote a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential?
