South Korea is dealing with a big problem: not enough babies are being born. The country has the lowest birth rate in the world, and it keeps getting lower every year. In 2023, the birth rate dropped by 8% to 0.72, which is way below the number needed to keep the population stable. If this keeps going on, the population could be cut in half by 2100. This is such a serious issue that politicians are calling it a “national emergency” and trying different things to encourage people to have more kids.

Even though the government has tried giving people money, helping with housing, and providing free rides, these things haven’t worked to increase the birth rate. So now, policymakers are thinking of more unusual ideas, like hiring nannies from South East Asia and letting men skip military service if they have three kids before they turn 30. But some people say these ideas don’t really address the concerns of young people, especially women.

One of the main reasons why South Korean women aren’t having children is because it’s hard to find a partner who will help take care of the kids and do household chores. The long hours and tough work culture in Korea make it difficult for women to balance their careers and family life. Women are also worried that if they take time off to have a baby, they might lose their jobs or be treated badly at work.

The cost of housing and private education is also a big reason why people aren’t having kids. Many couples can’t afford the expenses that come with raising a child, especially in big cities like Seoul. Private education is seen as really important for a child’s success, so parents have to spend a lot of money. That’s why Korea is the most expensive country in the world to raise a child.

The pressure on women to focus on their careers instead of starting a family is another reason why the birth rate is so low. Many educated women in Korea feel like they have to choose between having a good job or having a family. The difference in pay between men and women and the limited opportunities for women at work make this choice even harder.

Even though there are a lot of challenges and worries, some women still want to have kids. But there are some laws and rules that make it hard for them. For example, same-sex marriage is illegal in Korea, and there are restrictions on using sperm donors. The government is starting to understand that this is a complicated problem and is thinking about treating the low birth rate as a big issue that needs to be fixed.

In conclusion, South Korea’s low birth rate is a complicated problem caused by many things like the difficulty of finding a good partner, the tough work culture, the high cost of living, and the pressure on women. The government has tried to fix the problem, but it hasn’t worked yet. They need to come up with a better plan that takes into account the needs and worries of young people, especially women.

Original news source: Why South Korean women aren’t having babies (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Provide each group with a copy of the article. Instruct them to read the article and write a concise summary of the main points. After a designated time, have each group share their summaries with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Instruct each pair to discuss their opinions on the reasons for South Korea’s low birth rate. After a few minutes of discussion, have each pair share their opinions with the class. As a class, create a list of the most commonly mentioned reasons.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Provide each group with a list of vocabulary words from the article. Instruct them to take turns choosing a word and drawing a picture to represent it. The rest of the group must guess the word based on the drawing. Encourage the use of English for describing and guessing the words.

– Keyword Taboo
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Provide each group with a list of keywords from the article. Instruct one student from each group to choose a keyword and describe it to their group without using the keyword itself. The rest of the group must guess the keyword based on the description. Encourage the use of English for describing and guessing the words.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Instruct the class to imagine they are policymakers in South Korea trying to address the low birth rate issue. Ask each student to write down three ideas or strategies they would implement to encourage people to have more children. After a few minutes, have students share their ideas with a partner. Then, have a few students share their ideas with the whole class. Encourage discussion and debate about the effectiveness of the different strategies.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the current birth rate in South Korea and why is it a problem?
2. Why have the government’s previous attempts to increase the birth rate not been successful?
3. What are some of the unusual ideas that policymakers are considering to encourage people to have more children?
4. What are some of the reasons why South Korean women are not having children?
5. How does the cost of housing and private education contribute to the low birth rate in South Korea?
6. Why do some women in South Korea feel pressured to focus on their careers instead of starting a family?
7. What are some of the laws and rules that make it difficult for women in South Korea to have children?
8. What is the main challenge the government faces in addressing the low birth rate in South Korea?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

South Korea is dealing with a big problem: not enough babies are being born. The country has the lowest birth rate in the world, and it keeps getting lower every year. In 2023, the birth rate dropped by 8% to 0.72, which is way below the number (1)______ to keep the population stable. If this keeps going on, the population could be cut in half by 2100. This is such a serious issue that (2)______ are (3)______ it a “national emergency” and trying different (4)______ to encourage people to have more kids.

Even though the government has tried giving people money, helping with housing, and providing free rides, these things haven’t worked to increase the birth rate. So now, policymakers are thinking of more unusual ideas, like hiring nannies from (5)______ East Asia and letting men skip military service if they have three kids before they turn 30. But some people say these ideas don’t really address the concerns of young people, especially women.

One of the main reasons why South Korean women aren’t having (6)______ is because it’s hard to find a partner who will help take care of the kids and do (7)______ chores. The long hours and tough work culture in Korea make it difficult for women to balance their careers and (8)______ life. Women are also worried that if they take time off to have a baby, they might lose their jobs or be treated badly at work.

The cost of housing and private education is also a big reason why people aren’t having kids. Many couples can’t afford the expenses that come with raising a child, especially in big (9)______ like Seoul. Private education is seen as really important for a child’s success, so (10)______ have to spend a lot of money. That’s why Korea is the most expensive country in the world to raise a child.

The pressure on women to focus on their careers instead of starting a family is another reason why the birth rate is so low. Many educated women in Korea feel like they have to (11)______ between having a good job or having a family. The difference in pay between men and women and the limited (12)______ for women at work make this choice even harder.

Even though there are a lot of challenges and worries, some women still want to have kids. But there are some laws and rules that make it hard for them. For example, same-sex marriage is illegal in Korea, and there are restrictions on using sperm donors. The government is (13)______ to understand that this is a complicated problem and is thinking about treating the low (14)______ rate as a big issue that (15)______ to be fixed.

In conclusion, South Korea’s low birth rate is a complicated problem caused by many things like the difficulty of finding a good partner, the tough work culture, the high cost of living, and the pressure on women. The government has tried to fix the problem, but it hasn’t worked yet. They need to come up with a better plan that takes into (16)______ the needs and worries of young people, especially women.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the birth rate and why is it a problem in South Korea?
2. How would you feel if you were a young person in South Korea and the government was trying to encourage you to have more kids?
3. Do you think hiring nannies from South East Asia is a good solution to the low birth rate? Why or why not?
4. What do you think are some of the challenges that South Korean women face when it comes to having children?
5. Do you like the idea of men being able to skip military service if they have three kids before they turn 30? Why or why not?
6. How do you think the high cost of housing and private education affects people’s decision to have children?
7. Why do you think many educated women in Korea feel like they have to choose between having a good job or having a family?
8. Do you think the government should change the laws and rules that make it hard for women to have children? Why or why not?
9. What are some other possible solutions that the government could try to increase the birth rate?
10. How do you think the low birth rate will affect South Korea’s population in the future?
11. Why do you think the government’s previous attempts to increase the birth rate haven’t worked?
12. How do you think the tough work culture in Korea affects people’s decision to have children?
13. What are some possible ways that the government could make it easier for people to balance their careers and family life?
14. How do you think the pressure on women to focus on their careers affects the birth rate?
15. Do you think the government will be able to come up with a better plan to increase the birth rate? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. plummeted
2. policymakers
3. nannies
4. chores
5. balance
6. expenses
7. crucial
8. disparities
9. challenges
10. restrictions
11. illegal
12. sperm donors
13. addressing
14. complicated
15. implemented

Meanings:
(A) Extremely important or necessary
(B) Keeping different aspects of life in proportion or harmony
(C) Difficult situations that need to be overcome
(D) People who make rules or laws for a country
(E) Having many parts or aspects that make something hard to understand or deal with
(F) Differences, often referring to unfair treatment or inequality
(G) Put into action or started using something
(H) Dropped quickly and sharply
(I) Not allowed by law
(J) Dealing with or trying to solve a problem
(K) People who give their sperm to help others have a baby
(L) Costs or money needed for certain things
(M) Rules or laws that limit what you can do
(N) People hired to take care of children
(O) Everyday tasks around the house like cleaning and cooking
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the current birth rate in South Korea?
(a) 0.72
(b) 1.5
(c) 2.5
(d) 3.5

2. What could happen to the population of South Korea by 2100 if the birth rate continues to decline?
(a) It could be cut in half
(b) It could double
(c) It could triple
(d) It could stay the same

3. What have policymakers suggested to increase the birth rate in South Korea?
(a) Providing free rides
(b) Giving people money
(c) Hiring nannies from South East Asia
(d) All of the above

4. What is one of the main reasons why South Korean women aren’t having children?
(a) They don’t want to have children
(b) They can’t afford the expenses that come with raising a child
(c) They are focused on their careers
(d) It’s hard to find a partner who will help take care of the kids and do household chores

5. Why is private education seen as important in South Korea?
(a) It is required by law
(b) It helps children succeed
(c) It is free for all children
(d) It is not important

6. What is one reason why the birth rate is low in South Korea?
(a) The high cost of housing and private education
(b) The pressure on women to focus on their careers instead of starting a family
(c) The difficulty of finding a good partner
(d) All of the above

7. What is one law or rule that makes it hard for women to have children in South Korea?
(a) There are restrictions on using sperm donors
(b) Women are not allowed to work
(c) Same-sex marriage is illegal
(d) There are no laws or rules that make it hard for women to have children

8. What does the government need to do to fix the low birth rate problem in South Korea?
(a) Give people more money
(b) Provide free housing
(c) None of the above
(d) Come up with a better plan that takes into account the needs and worries of young people, especially women

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The cost of housing and private education is also a big reason why people aren’t having kids, making Korea the most expensive country in the world to raise a child.
2. The long hours and tough work culture in Korea make it difficult for women to balance their careers and family life.
3. One of the main reasons why South Korean women aren’t having children is because it’s easy to find a partner who will help take care of the kids and do household chores.
4. The government has tried giving people money, helping with housing, and providing free rides to encourage more births, but these efforts have not been successful.
5. South Korea has the highest birth rate in the world and it keeps increasing every year.
6. Policymakers are not considering hiring nannies from South East Asia and allowing men to skip military service if they have three kids before turning 30, as more unusual ideas to increase the birth rate.
7. If the low birth rate continues, the population of South Korea could be cut in half by 2100.
8. The birth rate increased by 8% in 2023, which is way above the number needed to keep the population stable.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why is South Korea’s low birth rate considered a “national emergency”?
2. What are some of the ideas that policymakers have come up with to increase the birth rate?
3. What are some of the challenges that South Korean women face when it comes to starting a family?
4. Why is the cost of housing and private education a barrier to having children in South Korea?
5. What are some of the laws and rules in South Korea that make it difficult for women to have children?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the current birth rate in South Korea and why is it a problem?
The current birth rate in South Korea is 0.72, which is the lowest in the world. This is a problem because it is way below the number needed to keep the population stable. If the birth rate continues to be low, the population could be cut in half by 2100.

2. Why have the government’s previous attempts to increase the birth rate not been successful?
The government has tried giving people money, helping with housing, and providing free rides, but these things haven’t worked to increase the birth rate. This is because they haven’t addressed the concerns of young people, especially women.

3. What are some of the unusual ideas that policymakers are considering to encourage people to have more children?
Some of the unusual ideas that policymakers are considering include hiring nannies from South East Asia and letting men skip military service if they have three kids before they turn 30.

4. What are some of the reasons why South Korean women are not having children?
South Korean women are not having children because it’s hard to find a partner who will help take care of the kids and do household chores. The long hours and tough work culture in Korea make it difficult for women to balance their careers and family life. They are also worried about losing their jobs or being treated badly at work if they take time off to have a baby.

5. How does the cost of housing and private education contribute to the low birth rate in South Korea?
The cost of housing and private education is a big reason why people aren’t having kids in South Korea. Many couples can’t afford the expenses that come with raising a child, especially in big cities like Seoul. Private education is seen as really important for a child’s success, so parents have to spend a lot of money. This makes Korea the most expensive country in the world to raise a child.

6. Why do some women in South Korea feel pressured to focus on their careers instead of starting a family?
Some women in South Korea feel pressured to focus on their careers instead of starting a family because of the difference in pay between men and women and the limited opportunities for women at work. They feel like they have to choose between having a good job or having a family.

7. What are some of the laws and rules that make it difficult for women in South Korea to have children?
Some of the laws and rules that make it difficult for women in South Korea to have children include the illegality of same-sex marriage and restrictions on using sperm donors.

8. What is the main challenge the government faces in addressing the low birth rate in South Korea?
The main challenge the government faces in addressing the low birth rate in South Korea is coming up with a better plan that takes into account the needs and worries of young people, especially women. The previous attempts have not been successful because they haven’t addressed these concerns.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) needed
(2) politicians
(3) calling
(4) things
(5) South
(6) children
(7) household
(8) family
(9) cities
(10) parents
(11) choose
(12) opportunities
(13) starting
(14) birth
(15) needs
(16) account
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. plummeted
Answer: (H) Dropped quickly and sharply

2. policymakers
Answer: (D) People who make rules or laws for a country

3. nannies
Answer: (N) People hired to take care of children

4. chores
Answer: (O) Everyday tasks around the house like cleaning and cooking

5. balance
Answer: (B) Keeping different aspects of life in proportion or harmony

6. expenses
Answer: (L) Costs or money needed for certain things

7. crucial
Answer: (A) Extremely important or necessary

8. disparities
Answer: (F) Differences, often referring to unfair treatment or inequality

9. challenges
Answer: (C) Difficult situations that need to be overcome

10. restrictions
Answer: (M) Rules or laws that limit what you can do

11. illegal
Answer: (I) Not allowed by law

12. sperm donors
Answer: (K) People who give their sperm to help others have a baby

13. addressing
Answer: (J) Dealing with or trying to solve a problem

14. complicated
Answer: (E) Having many parts or aspects that make something hard to understand or deal with

15. implemented
Answer: (G) Put into action or started using something
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the current birth rate in South Korea?
Answer: (a) 0.72

2. What could happen to the population of South Korea by 2100 if the birth rate continues to decline?
Answer: (a) It could be cut in half

3. What have policymakers suggested to increase the birth rate in South Korea?
Answer: (c) Hiring nannies from South East Asia

4. What is one of the main reasons why South Korean women aren’t having children?
Answer: (d) It’s hard to find a partner who will help take care of the kids and do household chores

5. Why is private education seen as important in South Korea?
Answer: (b) It helps children succeed

6. What is one reason why the birth rate is low in South Korea?
Answer: (b) The pressure on women to focus on their careers instead of starting a family

7. What is one law or rule that makes it hard for women to have children in South Korea?
Answer: (c) Same-sex marriage is illegal

8. What does the government need to do to fix the low birth rate problem in South Korea?
Answer: (d) Come up with a better plan that takes into account the needs and worries of young people, especially women
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The cost of housing and private education is also a big reason why people aren’t having kids, making Korea the most expensive country in the world to raise a child. (Answer: True)
2. The long hours and tough work culture in Korea make it difficult for women to balance their careers and family life. (Answer: True)
3. One of the main reasons why South Korean women aren’t having children is because it’s easy to find a partner who will help take care of the kids and do household chores. (Answer: False)
4. The government has tried giving people money, helping with housing, and providing free rides to encourage more births, but these efforts have not been successful. (Answer: True)
5. South Korea has the highest birth rate in the world and it keeps increasing every year. (Answer: False)
6. Policymakers are not considering hiring nannies from South East Asia and allowing men to skip military service if they have three kids before turning 30, as more unusual ideas to increase the birth rate. (Answer: False)
7. If the low birth rate continues, the population of South Korea could be cut in half by 2100. (Answer: True)
8. The birth rate increased by 8% in 2023, which is way above the number needed to keep the population stable. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧