Positive Discrimination

POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION

LEVEL B2/C1

by STEFANIA MANEA

OBJECTIVE

By the end of the lesson, students will understand the concept of positive discrimination (affirmative action) in the UK, explore its impact, and engage in discussions on its pros and cons.

www.stephensons.co.uk/

Index

DEBATE ACTIVITY

WARM-UP

WRAP-UP &HOMEWORK

VOCABULARY 1

VOCABULARY 2

KEY

VIDEO VIEWING 1

VIDEO VIEWING 2

1. WARM-UP

TASK 1. Answer the following questions:

1. What does "discrimination" mean to you?
2. Can you think of any examples where people might be treated unfairly because of their background or identity? (e.g. gender, race, disability)
3. Do you think it’s ever fair to give someone an advantage just because they belong to a particular group (e.g. women, ethnic minorities)? Why or why not?

2. Pre-watching- Vocabulary 1

Task 2.1. Match the terms on the left with their correct definitions on the right.

a) A legal system that aims to protect certain groups from unfair treatment. b) A practice where employers must hire a certain percentage of minority workers. c) Giving preference to certain groups to create fairness in the workplace. d) When a group is fewer in number in a specific area or sector. e) A legal framework in the UK aimed at ensuring fairness in the workplace and other areas.

1. Positive Discrimination 2. Quota System 3. Underrepresented 4. Affirmative Action 5. Equality Act 2010

KEY

2. Pre-watching- Vocabulary 2

Task 2.2. Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the list above:underrepresentation/ affirmative action/ quota system/ Equality Act 2010/ reverse discrimination/ positive discrimination 1. The UK’s _______ allows for positive action when there is _______ of women in certain professions. 2. In countries like the United States and Canada, _______ programs encourage employers to hire people from disadvantaged groups. 3. The _______ in India targets caste groups, but it doesn't extend to women. 4. Some people argue that _______ leads to unfair treatment of those not from minority groups, often referred to as _______.

KEY

3. Video Viewing: "What is Positive Discrimination?"

TASK 3.1. Watch the video to learn about positive discrimination in the UK:

3. Video Viewing: "What is Positive Discrimination?"

TASK 3.2. Watch the video again to answer the questions:

4. DEBATE ACTIVITY

TASK 4. Divide the class into two groups: Group A (supports positive discrimination) and Group B (opposes positive discrimination). Each group will take turns presenting arguments for or against positive discrimination, using the facts from the video and lesson. Group A can argue that positive discrimination helps correct historical injustices and creates a more inclusive society. Group B can argue that positive discrimination is unfair and leads to reverse discrimination (=the practice or policy of favouring individuals belonging to groups known to have been discriminated against previously). After the debate, ask students to share their personal opinions and whether they think positive discrimination should continue in the UK.

5. WRAP-UP

TASK 5. Answer the questions:

• What are your thoughts on positive discrimination after today’s lesson?
• Should employers be allowed to hire based on a person’s background (gender, ethnicity, etc.), or should it be purely based on merit?

TASK 6. Write a short essay (150-200 words) on whether you think positive discrimination should continue in the UK. Use examples from the video and class discussion to support your opinion.

2. KEY

Tasdk 2.1. 1-C, 2B, 3-D, 4-A, 5-ETask 2.2. 1. The UK’s Equality Act 2010 allows for positive action when there is underrepresentation of women in certain professions. 2. In countries like the United States and Canada, affirmative action programs encourage employers to hire people from disadvantaged groups. 3. The quota system in India targets caste groups, but it doesn't extend to women. 4. Some people argue that positive discrimination leads to unfair treatment of those not from minority groups, often referred to as reverse discrimination.

THANK YOU!