AULAFYCurso abierto de inglés C1
HomeCourseSocial Class, Privilege & MobilityUse of English
Social Class, Privilege & MobilityL07
use_of_english

Use of English

Transformation, word formation and precision work in Cambridge C1 style.

50 minC1c1use_of_englishsocial-class-privilege-mobilitysocial classprivilegemobilityinequality

Lesson objectives

  • Improve grammatical precision and collocational control.
  • Practise exam-style transformations and word formation systematically.
  • Connect structure and lexis back to the unit theme of social class, privilege & mobility.

Part 1 — Word formation

Instructions: Read the text below. Use the word in CAPITALS at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line.

The concept of social mobility has become a central theme in modern political discourse. While many believe that success is purely a result of individual _ (1), others argue that systemic advantages play a much larger role. For those born into privilege, access to elite education is often seen as an _ (2) right rather than a hard-earned achievement. This can lead to a sense of ___ (3) among those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who feel the playing field is not level.

Furthermore, the _ (4) of class boundaries in many societies has led to increased social tension. In some cultures, an obsession with social _ (5) can prevent people from pursuing genuine connections. On the other hand, the _ (6) of social mobility can lead to a sense of hopelessness in communities where upward movement seems impossible. Ultimately, addressing these inequalities requires a _ (7) approach to policy-making to ensure that talent, rather than background, determines one's future. It is an ___ (8) challenge for any modern democracy.

  1. much
  2. INHERENT
  3. FRUSTRATE
  4. DISAPPEAR
  5. STATUS
  6. LACK
  7. RADICAL
  8. SOLVE

Part 2 — Key word transformations

Instructions: Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words, including the word given. 1. If he had been born into a wealthy family, he would have had better opportunities. | HAD → _____ better opportunities if he had been born into a wealthy family. 2. I would be much more successful if I didn't have to worry about money all the time. | WERE → If I ____, I would be much more successful. 3. If you need any further assistance regarding your application, please contact us. | SHOULD → _____ any further assistance regarding your application, please contact us. 4. He didn't study harder, so he didn't get into the elite university. | WOULD → If he had studied harder, he ____ into the elite university. 5. If the government had implemented these changes earlier, the social gap wouldn't be so wide now. | NOT → If the government had implemented these changes earlier, the social gap _____ so wide. 6. I didn't take that internship, so I don't have those influential connections now. | HAD → If I _____ that internship, I would have those influential connections now.

Answer key

  1. determination
  2. inherent
  3. frustration
  4. disappearance
  5. status
  6. lack
  7. radical
  8. unsolvable
  9. Had he been born
  10. were not constantly worrying
  11. Should you require
  12. would have got
  13. would not be
  14. had taken