T: We can see two pictures on the warm-up page. Who would like to tell us what you see from the pictures?

S1: In the first picture, we can see many people get together. From their dress, I think they are English men and women. And they are wealthy. Men all wear business suits and top hats. Women wear elegant dress and jewelries.

S2: In the second picture, we can see shabby buildings and people who wear ordinary clothes. Some people are doing business on goods shelf.

T: Good. Why are the two pictures put together? What can they illustrate?

S3: There is a remarkable contrast between the two pictures. I think they can illustrate some social problems - the differences between the wealthy and the poor.

S4: We all know most countries in the world have a type of social class system. England probably has the most obvious and clearly distinguished social class system of all. I think they can also reflect differences among social classes.

T: You've both done very well. We'll further study the English social class system in the later class. And today let's see some social problems in Western countries first.

Activity two: Read new words

Show the key words on the PowerPoint

T: Do you know all of them? If you know, please translate them; if not, you can look them up in the vocabulary list. ... Now, please read after me, and pay attention to word stress.

Activity three: Discuss

After reading, let the Ss discuss the question in Exercise 1 and then speak out their opinions.

Possible statement:

S1: I think inequality is the biggest problem. Because not everybody can benefit from the nation's policy, the rich become much richer while the poor become much poorer. Consequently, problems like begging and homelessness are on the increase.

T: OK, you've done very well. Are there anyone who'd like to tell us different opinions?

S2: I think poverty is the biggest problem. Because of poverty, many people commit crimes.

T: Well, what both of you said sounds reasonable. So much for the discussion. You can continue after class.