Addressing Global Social Issues
Problems
pressing problem COL
(to control) crime rate TERM = the ratio of crimes in an area
(social) welfare TERM = someone’s welfare is their health and happiness Ex: Police are concerned for the welfare of the child's mother.
to be out of work PREP
to go around PHR = to be distributed so that everyone gets some Ex: In some classes, there aren't even enough books to go around.
close down PHR = same as close. Ex: Find out more about your obligations if you plan to permanently close down your business.
earn sb’s bread and butter IDIOM
senior citizen = someone who is more than 60 years old
social isolation TERM = a complete or near-complete lack of contact with society
invasion of privacy TERM = the intrusion into the personal life of another, without just cause
Solutions
harsh law / strict law COL
(better) law enforcement TERM = making sure that people obey the law
to combat crime = to fight crime
to set up retraining course PHR/COL
establishment of (clubs/organizations) = the process of starting or creating something such as an organization. Ex: Davis proposed the establishment of new business clubs.
a fine TERM = a sum of money required to be paid as a penalty for an offense
hooligan TERM = someone who is noisy or violent in public places
(prison) sentence TERM = a punishment given by a judge, usually involving a period of time that a person must spend in prison Ex: She received the maximum sentence of ten years.
to do community service COL = work that someone does as a punishment, instead of going to prison
Language Bank: Evaluating solutions
In the case of petty/ serious/ violent crimes such as …
I (don’t) think that making them apologize would be an effective measure because …
A prison sentence would be counter/ productive …
A fine may be the best solution …
It (all) depends on the circumstances. For instance, if someone commits an act of vandalism, …
Hooligans should be made to …
It’s important to encourage a sense of responsibility
Facing and solving social problems (Unit 35 adv.)
to address the issue/the problem COL – syn. to face / to face up to the question
force for good ID – a positive influence
Economic migration can be seen as a force for good
to tackle (the problem) – to deal with (the problem)
novel – new and unusual WF novelty
law and order (break down) ID – state of society when everyone obeys the law. Ex: to maintain law and order;
riot TERM– a violent protest by a crowd of people
to erupt – to burst out suddenly
social fabric ID – social structure
public disorder COL– expression of dissatisfaction by a crowds of people, especially about political matter
draconian (measures) COL – extremely severe
to take measures COL
relief TERM - food, clothes, and money given to people who are in urgent need of help, for example because of a war or other bad situation to provide relief
fresh drive ID – new effort
to make a plea COL – to make an urgent or emotional request
to break the cycle COL – to bring a stop to a negative pattern of behavior
run-down area TERM – area in very bad condition
antisocial (behavior) COL - showing a lack of care for other people or for society in general
underage drinking TERM – problem of people under 18 drinking
dysfunctional (families) COL – not behaving normally
Neighborhoods and housing
low-income families COL
to find a roof for smn – to provide shelter COL
(to live) in poor sanitary conditions COL
to be unfit for human habitation (about a house) COL
affordable – not affordable (too expensive)
to incite violence/crime COL – to encourage other people to commit violence/crime
to be vigilant – to watch and observe for problems or danger WF vigilante - a member of a volunteer committee organized to suppress and punish crime (a bit like Batman)Ex: the danger of these self-appointed vigilantes is that they sometimes go after innocent people
illegal substance – illegal drug
to claim benefits COL – to ask for financial support from the state
shanty town TERM- an area where very poor people live in shanties
shanty TERM- a badly built house made from sheets of wood, metal, or other thin material
a force for change ID
Words and expressions related to poverty
penury/ to live in penury – the state of being extremely poor COL
to live on/below the breadline – having the level of income of an extremely poor person COL
impoverished=destitute=poor
an impoverished area COL
destitute people COL
to be deprived OF smth - to lack necessities of life COL, PREP
to live from hand to mouth – having just enough money to stay alive IDIOM
money is tight – to have not much money COL Example: Since money was tight, we settled for a short trip to the north.