A social issue is a problem that influences a considerable number of the individuals within a society. It is often the consequence of factors extending beyond an individual's social issue is the source of a conflicting opinion on the grounds of what is perceived as a morally just personal life or societal order. Social issues are distinguished from economic issues; however, some issues (such as immigration) have both social and economic aspects. There are also issues that don't fall into either category, such as warfare.
There can be disagreements about what social issues are worth solving, or which should take precedence. Different individuals and different societies have different perceptions.
Lead-in
1. The list below contains some problems which students often encounter at university. Number them from 1-6 according to how serious you think they are. (1 = most serious; 6 = least serious)
feeling homesick; examination pressure; colds and flu; poor accommodation; language difficulties; student debt. |
Can you list out other problems that new students may encounter?
2. Pair work: Agree or disagree
Look at the following statements about some social problems. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Can you give reasons for your opinions with supporting facts or examples?
1) Gender discrimination is still a serious problem in the world?
2) Education can prevent crime.
3) The young generation should live together with the older generation.
4) The Government should subsidize scientific research.
[Tips:]
Your position:
Positive/ agree:
I'm in favour of...
I believe in ..., etc.
Neutral:
I'm onot sure...
Possibly ..., etc.
Negative/ disagree:
I don't believe/ think...
I'm against ..., etc.
Task 1
This short passage talks about stress on the job.
A. Answer the following questions.
1) What does stress on the job cost American companies?
_____________________________________________________________________
2) What are the most stressful professions?
_____________________________________________________________________
3) What is the best way to deal with stress?
_____________________________________________________________________
B. Complete the following sentences with what you hear on the tape.
1) __________ of the office workers today say they suffer from stress at work.
2) Recently, __________ and __________ have begun to study the problem more closely.
3) The signs of stress range from __________, _________, and __________ to __________ or even __________.
Task 2
Listening Aids
blackmail (n.): the practice of obtaining money or advantage by threatening a person or government
execute (v.): kill sb., esp. legally as a punishment
hijacker (n.): a person who uses violence or threats to take control of a plane, vehicle, or ship
hold out against: try to prevent yourself from doing sth. that sb. is trying to force you to do
outrage (n.): an event that produces great anger and shock, esp. because it is cruel or violent
the lesser of two evils: (also the lesser evil) the less unpleasant or harmful of two unpleasant choices
Margaret and Peter are talking about governments' attitudes towarfds terrorism.
A. Complete the following summary of the two speakers' opinions.
1) The first speaker's attitude: Government shouldn't ________________________________.
a) A hijacker only has to _______________________ or ________________________.
b) If a government doesn't ______________________________, we will ______________________________.
______________________________ wherever they land, and terrorism will stop.
c) If you want to get rid of evil, you must ______________________________________________________.
2) The second speaker's attitude: It's natural that government has to give in to the hijackers.
a) _______________________________________________.
b) ____________________ will be lost in the process. Terrorism is based on the simple idea that
___________________________________________________________________________.
B. Answer the following question.
What does the second speaker mean when she says "So long as you're not one of the victims!"
to the first speaker?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Task 3
This passage tells something about the miserable life of illegal immigrants in a small factory in the United States.
A. Complete the following sentences with what you hear on the tape.
1) In one of the rooms there are ___________ women. There is only a little ______________, and this
comes from _____________ in the roof. The room is __________, __________, and ____________.
2) Her name is Maria, and she comes from ___________.
3) She won't say that the working hours __________ be changed; she won't say that the working
conditions _________ be permitted.
B. Answer the following questions.
1) Where is the small factory located?
___________________________________________________________________
2) What does this small factory produce?
___________________________________________________________________
3) How long has the young girl been working? How long will she work before she stops?
___________________________________________________________________
4) Why doesn't Maria complain about the heavy work and bad working conditions?
___________________________________________________________________
