Discussing a social issue B2
Naming a problem and weighing what's really driving it.
Naming the problem
living conditions — quality of daily livingA: How were the living conditions in your old apartment?
B: Honestly, they were pretty bad—there was no heating and the building was really noisy.
a divisive issue — polarising topicA: Did you hear about the new school policy on uniforms?
B: Yeah, it's such a divisive issue—parents can't seem to agree at all.
a growing trend — increasing tendency (discursive/analytical)A: Have you noticed how many people are cycling to work these days?
B: Yeah, it's definitely a growing trend, especially since the city improved the bike lanes.
Weighing it up
a grey area — an unclear or undefined situationA: Can I work from home if my child is sick?
B: That’s a bit of a grey area—you’ll need to check with HR because there’s no clear policy.
a delicate balance — fragile equilibrium (between competing factors or needs)A: How do you manage your job and your studies at the same time?
B: Honestly, it's a delicate balance. If I focus too much on one, the other suffers.
have an impact — affectA: Do you think moving to a new city will have an impact on your kids?
B: Definitely. It’s a big change for them.
What's behind it
Lena: Why do you think so many people are moving out of the area?
Raj: Mostly the living conditions — rents went up and the jobs didn't follow.
Lena: Right, and there's a growing trend of younger families leaving altogether.
Raj: Which only makes the whole thing harder to turn around.
Trying to weigh it up
Ana: So would stricter rules actually fix it, do you think?
Ben: It's a grey area, honestly — too tough and you push people away.
Ana: Yeah, it's a delicate balance between helping and overreaching.
Ben: Exactly. There's no clean answer here.