Complete each sentence (A—H) with one of the endings (1—8): A. There are many different factors that cause poverty such as
B. Historically, geography has prevented or slowed
C. Those living in poverty suffer
D. Poverty increases
E. Low income levels and poor employment opportunities for adults in turn create the conditions where
F. Many governments have institutions or departments dedicated to
G. Most developed nations give
H. Sometimes celebrities organize
1. the risk of homelessness.
2. tackling poverty.
3. unemployment, overpopulation, some historical factors, war, discrimination, erosion, deforestation, drought, water crisis and many others.
4. development aid to developing countries.
5. benefit concerts to fight hunger in developing countries.
6. the spread of new technology to areas such as the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa.
7. lower life expectancy.
8. households can depend on the income of child members.
2. Give the definitions of the following words
• developing country • developed country
• injustice • life expectancy
• poverty • starvation
• discrimination • famine
• malaria • drought
3. Say if you agree or disagree with the following statements. Comment on your answer
1) There is a lot of injustice in the world.
2) Poverty begets violence.
3) Poverty statistics measure inequality rather than material deprivation or hardship.
4) All people are born equal.
5) Developed nations must give development aid to developing countries.
6) Poverty and richness corrupt people's souls.
4. Read the following proverbs. Find their Russian equivalents and explain what they mean
• Poverty breeds strife.
• Poverty is no disgrace, but it is a great inconvenience.
• Beggars cannot be choosers.
• He that is warm thinks all so.
• Necessity knows no law.
• A hungry man is an angry man.
• Hunger finds no fault in cookery.
5. Answer the questions
1) What are developing countries usually deprived of?
2) What are the factors that cause poverty?
3) What are the consequences of poverty and inequality?
4) What do you think of child labor?
5) Do you know any people who are fighting or fought for the rights of the poor? Say a few words about them.
6) Why is it so important to reduce poverty?
7) Is it possible 'to cure' poverty? How?
6. Read the quotations below. Choose any statement and comment on it
• Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult.' (Samuel Johnson)
• Poverty is everyone's problem. It cuts across any line you can name: age, race, social, geographic or religious. Whether you are black or white; rich, middle-class or poor, we are ALL touched by poverty.' (Kathleen Blanco)
• 'We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.' (Mother Teresa)
• 'Poverty must be reduced not only for reasons of moral and justice, but also of security.' (Anna Lindh)
• 'You can't get rid of poverty by giving people money.' (P. J. O'Rourke)
• 'Poverty is the mother of crime.' (Marcus Aurelius)
A. There are many different factors that cause poverty such as 3. unemployment, overpopulation, some historical factors, war, discrimination, erosion, deforestation, drought, water crisis and many others.
B. Historically, geography has prevented or slowed 6. the spread of new technology to areas such as the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa.
C. Those living in poverty suffer 7. lower life expectancy.
D. Poverty increases 1. the risk of homelessness.
E. Low income levels and poor employment opportunities for adults in turn create the conditions where 8. households can depend on the income of child members.
F. Many governments have institutions or departments dedicated to 2. tackling poverty.
G. Most developed nations give 4. development aid to developing countries.
H. Sometimes celebrities organize 5. benefit concerts to fight hunger in developing countries.
2. Definitions of the following words:
• developing country - a country that is still in the process of improving its economic and social conditions.
• developed country - a country that has a high standard of living and well-established infrastructure.
• injustice - lack of fairness or violation of rights.
• life expectancy - the average number of years that a person is expected to live.
• poverty - a state of being extremely poor and lacking basic necessities.
• starvation - suffering or death caused by lack of food.
• discrimination - unfair treatment based on factors such as race, gender, or age.
• famine - an extreme scarcity of food leading to widespread hunger and starvation.
• malaria - a mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
• drought - a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, resulting in a shortage of water.
3. Agree or disagree with the following statements:
1) There is a lot of injustice in the world.
- Agree. There are many instances of unfair treatment and violations of rights globally.
2) Poverty begets violence.
- Disagree. While poverty can contribute to crime rates, it is not the sole cause of violence.
3) Poverty statistics measure inequality rather than material deprivation or hardship.
- Disagree. Poverty statistics focus on measuring material deprivation and hardship.
4) All people are born equal.
- Agree. All individuals have the same inherent rights and dignity.
5) Developed nations must give development aid to developing countries.
- Agree. Developed nations have a responsibility to assist countries in need and promote global development.
6) Poverty and richness corrupt people's souls.
- Disagree. It is not wealth or poverty itself that corrupts, but the choices and actions of individuals.
4. Russian equivalents and meanings of proverbs:
• Poverty breeds strife. - Бедность рождает раздоры. (When people are poor, conflicts and arguments often arise due to the lack of resources.)
• Poverty is no disgrace, but it is a great inconvenience. - Бедность - не позор, но она приносит неудобства. (Being poor is not shameful, but it brings many difficulties and challenges.)
• Beggars cannot be choosers. - Просителю не выбирать. (When someone is in need, they cannot be too picky or selective about what assistance they receive.)
• He that is warm thinks all so. -В утешении ноет и согретый. (When someone is content and comfortable, they tend to perceive everything positively.)
• Necessity knows no law. - Не узнает нужда законов. (When people are in desperate situations, they may resort to actions that would normally be considered illegal or immoral.)
• A hungry man is an angry man. - Голодного не поймешь. (When someone is hungry, they can become irritable and easily agitated.)
• Hunger finds no fault in cookery. - Голод не избирает еды. (When someone is hungry, they do not have a preference for the quality or taste of their food.)
5. Answer the questions:
1) Developing countries are usually deprived of resources, infrastructure, access to education and healthcare, economic stability, and basic amenities.
2) Factors that cause poverty include unemployment, overpopulation, historical factors (such as colonization or conflicts), discrimination, environmental issues (such as erosion or deforestation), natural disasters (such as drought), and lack of educational opportunities.
3) Consequences of poverty and inequality include lower life expectancy, limited access to healthcare and education, increased risk of homelessness and hunger, social unrest and crime rates, and limited economic opportunities.
4) Child labor is generally considered exploitative and harmful to children's well-being. It deprives them of education and healthy development.
5) Yes, there are many people who have fought or are fighting for the rights of the poor, such as activists, philanthropists, and social workers. They strive to address systemic issues and create positive change.
6) It is important to reduce poverty because it improves the well-being and quality of life for individuals and societies as a whole. Poverty reduction leads to better healthcare, education, and opportunities for economic growth.
7) While it may not be possible to completely eliminate poverty, it can be reduced through various measures such as improving access to education and healthcare, creating job opportunities, providing social safety nets, and promoting equitable economic policies.
6. Quotation chosen: "Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult." - Samuel Johnson
Comment: This quote highlights the detrimental effects of poverty on human well-being and quality of life. Poverty limits people's freedom and opportunities, making it challenging to develop and practice essential virtues. Poverty restricts individuals from fully enjoying their rights and pursuing happiness, emphasizing the importance of addressing poverty as a crucial societal issue.