Planning

Unit: "Society in Focus: Understanding Social Issues"

Objective: To explore various social issues affecting communities and individuals. Students will practice vocabulary related to social problems, discuss their impact, and consider potential solutions, all while reflecting on how these issues are addressed in different contexts.

Language Targets:

1. Describing Social Issues: Vocabulary and structures to talk about different social problems, such as inequality, discrimination, and environmental concerns.

   • Example: "One major social issue is income inequality, which affects people's access to resources and opportunities."

2. Discussing Causes and Effects: Language to analyze the root causes of social issues and their impact on individuals and society.

   • Example: "The rise in unemployment can lead to increased poverty rates and strain social services."

3. Exploring Solutions and Interventions: Vocabulary for discussing possible solutions, policies, and interventions aimed at addressing social issues.

   • Example: "Government programs like unemployment benefits can help mitigate the effects of job loss."

4. Comparing Social Issues Across Countries: Using comparatives and superlatives to discuss how different countries or regions deal with social problems.

   • Example: "Compared to my country, where social welfare programs are limited, Scandinavian countries offer extensive support for those in need."

5. Future Perspectives on Social Issues: Using future tenses and conditionals to speculate about how social issues might evolve and what changes could occur.

   • Example: "If current trends continue, climate change may lead to more frequent natural disasters in the coming decades."

6. Cultural and Societal Differences: Discussing how social issues vary across cultures and how different societies address these problems.

   • Example: "In some cultures, gender inequality is more pronounced, whereas others have made significant progress towards gender equality."

Speaking/Writing Focus:

• Discussion: Talk about which social issues students find most pressing and why. How do these issues affect their communities?

• Debate: Should governments or private organizations be primarily responsible for solving social problems? What role do individuals play?

• Role-play: Simulate scenarios where students act as policymakers, activists, or community leaders discussing solutions for a specific social issue.

• Writing: Have students write about a social issue they are passionate about, describing its causes, effects, and potential solutions.

Potential Topics for the Blended Unit:

• Inequality and Discrimination: Explore issues of race, gender, and socioeconomic inequality. How do these problems manifest and what can be done to address them?

• Environmental Concerns: Discuss issues like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. What are the global and local impacts?

• Healthcare and Education: Examine access to healthcare and education, focusing on disparities and solutions to improve these systems.

• Social Justice Movements: Investigate various movements aimed at addressing social issues, such as civil rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Title Ideas:

1. "Society in Focus: Understanding Social Issues" – Highlights the examination and understanding of societal problems.

2. "Social Challenges: Issues and Solutions" – Focuses on identifying problems and exploring solutions.

3. "Facing the Facts: Social Issues and Their Impact" – Emphasizes understanding and confronting social challenges.

4. "Communities at a Crossroads: Social Issues in Perspective" – Reflects on how social issues impact and shape communities.

This unit will help students engage deeply with important social issues, understand their broader implications, and think critically about potential solutions.