Social issues

i. Complete the gap-fill with the following expressions

child labor economic development intellectual property civil liberties Illegal immigration
capital punishment gun control environmental awareness religious freedom freedom of speech
Free trade human rights

1) Violations of human rights are a cause for international concern and often result in sanctions against the offending
countries. One example is the recent uproar over _______________________ in some parts of the world, where
religious minorities face discrimination and persecution.
2) _________________ agreements have the potential to boost ____________________________ in many countries,
leading to increased opportunities for employment and wealth creation.
3) Critics argue that they can also escalate ___________issues, as lax* labor regulations may enable the exploitation of
young workers in pursuit of profit.
4) The debate over ___________________ continues, with some countries advocating for its use as a deterrent to serious
crimes, while others argue that it is a violation of basic ____________________.
5) Meanwhile, the importance of _______________________ has grown, given the pressing need to address climate
change.
6) Many governments have introduced _________________ measures to reduce the incidence of firearm-related violence.
7) __________________________ is a complex issue that raises questions about ____________________________,
national security and protecting borders.
8) Balancing the need for __________________________________ with the responsibility to prevent hate speech and
discrimination is a constant challenge in democratic societies.
9) The protection of ____________________________ is a significant concern in the digital age, where piracy and
copyright infringement are widespread issues.

*Lax – inaccurate, vague

ii. Sort the expressions from the activity 1 into appropriate categories

Human Rights and Freedoms (5 items)

 Social issues

Economic and Trade Issues (2 items)

Legal and Justice Issues (2 items)

Environmental Concerns (1 item)

Exploitation (1 item)

Crime and Criminal Behavior (1 item)

iii. Vocabulary: (10 min)

Read the passages; identify the social issue in each. Underline the key words that make
you think of a particular issue.

1. In many countries, there is an ongoing debate about the balance between individual freedoms
and public safety. Advocates argue that safeguarding personal rights, including privacy, is
paramount. They believe that government intervention in certain areas violates these rights,
potentially setting a dangerous precedent. On the other hand, proponents of stricter regulations
contend that such measures are necessary to protect society from harm. They argue that the
lack of control has led to increased incidents of violence and abuse, making it vital to strike a
new balance.

The social issue is "gun control."

2. In many parts of the world, children are still being subjected to long hours of work in
substandard conditions, often to support their families. This issue has raised widespread
concerns, with child rights activists and organizations advocating for stricter regulations to
combat this issue. They argue that it is essential to ensure children have the opportunity to
receive an education and enjoy their childhood. Several international conventions and treaties
have been established to address this problem.

Answer:
 Social issues

3. In many societies, there is a continuing struggle to find common ground on this issue.
Proponents emphasize the importance of respecting diverse beliefs and traditions. They argue
that ensuring freedom of worship and expression is crucial for a harmonious society. On the
other side, critics worry about potential conflicts and propose stricter regulations to prevent
discrimination. This complex issue involves striking a balance between personal beliefs and the
rights of others.

Answer:

4. The topic of this issue has gained significant attention in recent years. Advocates stress the
importance of sustainable practices and the need to address the consequences of climate
change. They argue for stricter regulations and policies to mitigate environmental damage. On
the opposing side, some express concerns about the economic impact of these measures. The
ongoing debate revolves around protecting the planet while preserving economic development.

Answer:

5. In several nations, there is an ongoing debate about how to manage the flow of people across
borders. Advocates for stronger border controls argue that unauthorized entry poses challenges
to national security and economic stability. They emphasize the need for comprehensive
immigration reforms to regulate and manage the flow of people into the country. In contrast,
proponents of immigrant rights argue that it's essential to address the root causes of migration
and provide a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants. This issue has prompted
political and social discussions about human rights, economic impact, and cultural diversity.

Answer:

6. Over the years, there have been growing concerns about the lack of access to quality education
in many regions. This issue particularly affects marginalized communities and perpetuates* a
cycle of poverty. Advocates for change argue that education is a fundamental human right, and
it should be made available to all without discrimination. Various organizations and
governments are working to bridge the educational gap and improve opportunities for
underserved populations.

Answer: