There’s a problem with the way we define inequality

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The expressions in italics are additional and cannot be found in the article. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson. 

To figure out

To bother someone (meaning to annoy)

Tricky

An outcome

Throughout

To highlight something

To put up with something/ someone

To bring (something) up

To soar

Regardless

To put in  (meaning give time/ effort)

To get by

While (meaning although)

To work on something

To grasp something (meaning understand)

Bitter (meaning angry)

To be on the same page

Rife

To be at odds (with)

To strive to do something

A slacker

To bring on

On merit

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1. Is there a problem with the way we define inequality?

2. If everyone had equal opportunities, would inequality be a bad thing?

3. Are there any advantages of inequality?

4. Are some countries more unequal than others?

5. In the country that you live in, are immigrants treated differently to ‘natives’?

6. Is it possible and desirable for humans to live in an equal society?

7. Do men and women have equal opportunities in your country?

8. Do all people have the same educational opportunities in your country?

9. Should university be free for everyone?

10. What can be done to tackle inequality?

11. Do you think that rich people are happier than poor people in your country?

12. Does your government care about your country’s poor people?

13. Are there any ethnic groups that are treated unfairly in your country?

14. Would you rather live in an equal society where everyone had very little money, or a very unequal society where even the poorest people had quite a lot of money?

15. Why has slavery been so common throughout human history?