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Want to Emigrate?
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/ 17- Details
- Parent Category: Upper-Intermediate News Lessons
- Category: Culture Lessons
- Written by Chris Cotter
Are you tired of your home country? Do you dream of better opportunities abroad? Do you sincerely believe that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you and 700 million other people in the world want to emigrate. This figure may sound like a lot, and it is. However, let's make this large number even easier to understand. 700 million people exceed the entire adult populations of North and South America combined.
The largest numbers of people who want to emigrate come from sub-Saharan Africa. Roughly 38% of adults from this region would prefer to settle elsewhere. However, in Asia, only 10% of the population wants to move. Although reasons weren't given, Asia's huge potential for growth likely limited the number seeking lives elsewhere. Sub-Saharan Africa remains a desolate and desperate place for its inhabitants, and experts forecast an even darker future.
The top destination is overwhelmingly the US, despite an economy that continues to struggle. Britain, Canada, and France were all tied for second most desirable country for immigration, with roughly 45 million stating they desired to relocate here. Spain came in third with 35 million votes, and Saudi Arabia was fourth with 30 million. About 25 million desired to emigrate to either Australia or Germany.
There remains the generally idea of prosperity for people in the US, Britain, and other countries. This might serve as the main reason that people in economically depressed regions wish to emigrate. The global economy continues to struggle, with a similar outlook for the near future. But once these countries get back on their feet, citizens there have many more opportunities than the inhabitants in developing countries.
Preview some of the lesson material:
Warm Up: Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- I would want to live in a foreign country for a year or two.
- I would want to live in a foreign country forever.
- People shouldn't emigrate these days. It's better to stay home.
- Most people around the world would prefer to live in the US.
- There will likely be more immigration around the world in the future.
Fragments: Remember how the fragments were used, and complete the sentence from today's article.
- If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you and...
- However, in Asia, only 10%...
- Although reasons weren't given, Asia's huge potential for growth...
- Spain came in third with 35 million votes, and Saudi...
- The global economy continues to struggle, with a similar...
post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!
- What do you think about immigration? Please explain.
- How is immigration a good thing? Please explain.
- How is immigration a bad thing? Please explain.
- What are some other reasons than the ones in the article that make people want to live elsewhere?
- Do you think completely open borders will ever be a reality? Why/not?
Google Search: Type "emigration" into Google. Look at the websites, and/or read additional articles on this topic. Discuss or write an essay about your findings.
