←

🌍 Social Issues Vocabulary

Essential words for discussing education, society, and modern challenges

🎯Learning Objectives

Master key vocabulary to discuss contemporary social issues, educational challenges, and generational differences. These words are essential for academic discussions, essays, and understanding current events.

📚 Education Vocabulary
Literacy
/ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/
The ability to read and write
The government is working to improve literacy rates in rural areas.
Drop out
/drɒp aʊt/
To leave school or university before completing your studies
Many students drop out due to financial difficulties.
Scholarship
/ˈskɒl.ə.ʃɪp/
Money given to a student to help pay for their education
She received a scholarship to study at the university.
Academic
/ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk/
Related to education and learning in schools or universities
His academic performance has improved significantly this year.
👥 Generation Gap Vocabulary
Generation gap
/ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən ɡæp/
Differences in opinions, values, and attitudes between younger and older people
The generation gap is evident in their different views on technology.
Traditional
/trəˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/
Following old customs, beliefs, or ways of doing things
Older generations often have more traditional values about marriage.
Modern
/ˈmɒd.ən/
Related to the present time or recent times
Young people tend to embrace modern technology more easily.
Tolerance
/ˈtɒl.ər.əns/
The willingness to accept different opinions, behaviors, or beliefs
We need more tolerance between different generations.
⚠️ Social Problems Vocabulary
Unemployment
/ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/
The situation when people who want to work cannot find jobs
Youth unemployment is a major concern in many countries.
Jobless
/ˈdʒɒb.ləs/
Without a job; unemployed
The economic crisis left thousands of people jobless.
Poverty
/ˈpɒv.ə.ti/
The state of being extremely poor
Many families struggle with poverty in developing nations.
Divorce
/dɪˈvɔːs/
The legal ending of a marriage
Divorce rates have increased in recent decades.
Addiction
/əˈdɪk.ʃən/
The condition of being unable to stop using harmful substances or behaviors
Social media addiction is becoming more common among teenagers.
Inequality
/ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɒl.ə.ti/
The unfair situation where some people have more opportunities than others
Income inequality continues to be a global challenge.

🎮 Exercise 1: Match the Definitions

Word Bank:

literacy tolerance unemployment generation gap scholarship

1. Money given to help students pay for education:

2. Differences between younger and older people:

3. The ability to read and write:

4. When people cannot find jobs:

5. Accepting different opinions and beliefs:

✍️ Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences

Choose the best word to complete each sentence:

1. Many students _______ of university due to financial problems.

2. Social media _______ is affecting young people's mental health.

3. The company became bankrupt and left many workers _______.

💡Using These Words

These vocabulary words are essential for:

  • Academic discussions: Analyzing social issues in essays and presentations
  • News comprehension: Understanding current events and media reports
  • Debates and conversations: Expressing opinions about modern society
  • Writing tasks: Creating compelling arguments about social problems

Practice tip: Try to use 3-5 of these words in conversations this week to reinforce your learning!