Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Ageing Populations & Retirement

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de participar en debates complejos sobre demografía, políticas de jubilación y el impacto socioeconómico del envejecimiento poblacional. Habrás adquirido el léxico avanzado necesario para discutir temas de salud, economía y cambios generacionales con precisión y matices.

Asimismo, habrás consolidado el uso de marcadores de discurso avanzados para estructurar argumentos lógicos, contrastar opiniones y reformular ideas de manera elegante. Este nivel de cohesión es fundamental para alcanzar las bandas más altas en los exámenes de Cambridge C1 Advanced.

Grammar consolidation

Complete the following tasks using the discourse markers: admittedly, in contrast, to put it differently, or hence.

Part 1: Sentence Transformation Rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets so that the meaning remains the same.

1. Although the pension scheme is generous, it might not be sustainable in the long term. (ADMITTEDLY)

2. The government increased taxes on the elderly; as a result, many people are retiring earlier than planned. (HENCE)

3. Some people believe retirement is a period of rest; others see it as a time for new ventures. (IN CONTRAST)

Part 2: Error Correction Identify and correct the mistake in each sentence.

4. The population is ageing rapidly; in contrast, we must implement new healthcare policies.
5. He decided to retire early; to put it differently, he wanted to pursue his passion for painting. (Wait—is this correct or incorrect?)
6. The cost of living has risen; admittedly, the government has introduced subsidies to help.

Part 3: Controlled Rewriting Combine or rewrite the sentences using the provided marker to create a more sophisticated C1-level sentence.

7. The healthcare system is under pressure. We need to reform the way we treat chronic illnesses. (HENCE)
8. We could say that the workforce is shrinking. There are fewer young people entering the job market. (TO PUT IT DIFFERENTLY)
9. The new law is quite controversial. It might actually help bridge the wealth gap. (ADMITTEDLY)
10. Older generations often hold traditional values. Younger generations tend to be more progressive. (IN CONTRAST)

Vocabulary activation

Part 1: C1 Collocations Complete the sentences with the correct word to form a high-level collocation.

1. The government is struggling to deal with the _____ implications of an ageing population. (economic / economy)
2. Many retirees find themselves in _____ poverty due to insufficient pensions. (relative / absolute)
3. We must ensure that the elderly can live with _____ and dignity. (independence / independent)
4. The _____ gap between generations is widening due to rapid technological changes. (generation / generational)

Part 2: Word Formation Use the word in capitals to form a word that fits the gap.

5. The _____ of the workforce is a major concern for economists. (AGE)
6. Many people seek _____ in their retirement years through volunteer work. (FULFIL)
7. The _____ of the healthcare system is being tested by the silver tsunami. (ROBUST)
8. There is a growing _____ towards longer working lives in many developed nations. (TREND)

Part 3: Register Choice Choose the most appropriate formal term for a C1 academic/professional context.

9. The government needs to _____ (fix / address) the issue of pension deficits.
10. It is vital to _____ (look after / provide for) the needs of the elderly.
11. The _____ (rise / surge) in life expectancy has changed social structures.
12. We must _____ (make sure / ensure) that social security remains solvent.

Integrated skills task

Source Text: The Silver Economy

The global demographic shift towards an ageing population presents both unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities. On one hand, the shrinking working-age population threatens to strain national economies and pension funds, potentially leading to increased tax burdens on the younger generation. This imbalance could result in social tension if not managed with foresight.

On the other hand, the "silver economy" represents a significant market opportunity. Older adults, often possessing greater accumulated wealth, drive demand in sectors such as healthcare, leisure, and specialised services. Furthermore, an ageing population can lead to a more experienced and stable workforce if retirement ages are adjusted. The key lies in finding a balance: implementing policies that support the elderly while ensuring economic vitality for the youth. Success will depend on how effectively governments can integrate these two demographic realities.

Instrucciones para el alumno: Basándote en el texto anterior, escribe un ensayo de entre 180 y 220 palabras. Debes evaluar si los beneficios de la "economía plateada" compensan los desafíos económicos de una población envejecida. Utiliza vocabulario avanzado y marcadores de discurso adecuados para un nivel C1.

Speaking checkpoint

1. Compare: Compare the lifestyle of a typical retiree in your country with that of a retiree in a much wealthier nation.
2. Speculate: How might the structure of cities change in fifty years if the population continues to age at the current rate?
3. Evaluate: "Retirement is a reward for a lifetime of work, not a period of inactivity." To what extent do you agree with this statement?
4. Justify: Should the legal retirement age be tied strictly to life expectancy? Justify your position.
5. Compare & Contrast: Contrast the challenges faced by the "sandwich generation" (those caring for both children and ageing parents) with the challenges faced by young adults starting their careers.
6. Speculate: If automation and AI replace many jobs, how might this affect the concept of retirement and the role of older workers?

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. Admittedly, the pension scheme is generous, but it might not be sustainable in the long term. 2. The government increased taxes on the elderly; hence, many people are retiring earlier than planned. 3. Some people believe retirement is a period of rest; in contrast, others see it as a time for new ventures. 4. The population is ageing rapidly; hence, we must implement new healthcare policies. 5. Correct (It uses "to put it differently" to clarify/rephrase). 6. The cost of living has risen; admittedly, the government has introduced subsidies to help. (Note: This is a valid use of 'admittedly' to acknowledge a counter-point). 7. The workforce is shrinking; hence, we must implement new policies. / The workforce is shrinking; to put it differently, there are fewer young people entering the job market. 8. The workforce is shrinking; to put it differently, there are fewer young people entering the job market. 9. Admittedly, the new law is quite controversial, but it might actually help bridge the wealth gap. 10. Older generations often hold traditional values. In contrast, younger generations tend to be more progressive.

Vocabulary activation 1. economic 2. relative 3. independence 4. generational 5. ageing 6. fulfilment 7. robustness 8. trend 9. address 10. provide for 11. rise 12. ensure