Social Issues (e.g., Pollution, Poverty): Practice Questions

Which of the following is a social issue primarily characterized by the lack of sufficient financial resources to meet basic living standards?

Based on the concept of environmental impact, how does the excessive use of paper products typically affect our forests?

In the Discussion section of a more complex academic text about Social Issues (Figure 2), which rhetorical function is primarily emphasized, and what language items are used to support it?

When discussing the social issue of pollution, which language item is most appropriate for making a prediction about the outcome of a scientific experiment or environmental trend?

Based on the following Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) data table for four different districts, which district currently faces the highest health risk from air pollution?

District A: \( 3 \)
District B: \( 10+ \)
District C: \( 5 \)
District D: \( 7 \)

What is one major source of air pollution in modern cities, and how does it specifically affect the health of residents?

Using a cause-and-effect structure, explain how rapid urbanization might lead to the social issue of "urban heat islands" in densely populated cities.

A sociologist studying Social Issues like Poverty observes: "Suppose a family's monthly income falls below the cost of living; they then face the unaffordability of basic healthcare."

(a) Using rhetorical functions (Syllabus p.85), identify the function performed by the word 'Suppose'.
(b) Using affixation strategies (Syllabus p.82), identify the prefix in the word 'unaffordability' and explain how it changes the root's meaning in the context of social inequality.

Social Issues (e.g., Pollution, Poverty)
Read the following text about environmental waste:
'Cities are producing more plastic waste than ever. Many people use single-use bags, which end up in the ocean, harming marine life and polluting the water.'

(a) Identify two causes of plastic waste mentioned in the text.
(b) Suggest two ways students can reduce their plastic footprint at school.

Social Issues (e.g., Pollution, Poverty)
Poverty is a significant social issue that affects access to education. Imagine you are writing a short article for a school magazine.

(a) Explain one way poverty limits a student's ability to learn effectively.
(b) Suggest three practical items that a 'Community Help Center' could provide to assist these students.
(c) Use a formal tone to conclude your article with a call to action for your classmates.