Speaking EOI C1& C2: Current Problems

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🎙️ Extended Monologue – Global & Social Problems

🧾 Instructions (EOI Oral Exam Style)

You are going to talk about Global and Social Problems including the following subtopics:

• Illegal immigration

• Politicians and governance

• Access to housing

• Global warming

You have 1–2 minutes to prepare and then 4–6 minutes to speak.Use advanced vocabulary, idioms, and phrasal verbs naturally.

🗣️ Monologue

When we discuss global and social problems, it becomes immediately clear how interconnected and multifaceted these issues are. Take illegal immigration as an example. Many people risk their lives crossing dangerous borders, fleeing conflict or poverty, yet they are often met with hostility or neglect. Governments struggle to cope with the influx, which can strain resources and create social tension. On the other hand, ignoring these issues only fuels resentment and social unrest. It’s a delicate balance between humanitarian responsibility and practical governance, and unfortunately, some countries tend to turn a blind eye until the situation escalates into a crisis.

Politicians are central to addressing these problems, yet too often they are more concerned with optics than action. Corruption, empty promises, and short-term thinking undermine public trust, leaving citizens disillusioned. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when leaders fail to tackle pressing issues like affordable housing or climate change, focusing instead on trivial political battles or re-election campaigns. This lack of foresight can have far-reaching consequences, not only for citizens today but for future generations.

Access to housing is another glaring issue in many urban centers. Skyrocketing property prices leave younger generations and low-income families locked out of the market, which erodes social cohesion and fuels inequality. Governments could step in with policies such as rent controls or subsidies, but bureaucratic inertia and political gridlock often hold back progress. Without decisive action, we risk creating cities divided between the wealthy and the marginalized, with social tensions boiling over.

Of course, the overarching crisis that threatens everyone is global warming. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation threaten communities worldwide. Yet, despite the urgency, action is often slow. Governments drag their feet, while some corporations cut corners to protect short-term profits. Meanwhile, citizens may feel powerless, unsure of how they can make a difference. However, if we want to turn the tide, immediate and sustained measures are essential — investing in renewable energy, enforcing stricter environmental regulations, and shaping public behavior through awareness campaigns. Ignoring the problem is no longer an option.

These problems don’t exist in isolation. Illegal immigration, political corruption, housing inequality, and climate change feed into one another, creating cycles of social instability and economic strain. For instance, a lack of affordable housing can push people into informal settlements, making them more vulnerable to social exclusion and crime. Similarly, ineffective political leadership can exacerbate both environmental degradation and inequality.

In conclusion, addressing global and social problems requires a holistic approach. We need governments to act decisively, citizens to take responsibility, and societies to go the extra mile in fostering fairness, sustainability, and ethical governance. At the end of the day, countries that face these challenges head-on, prioritize cooperation and foresight, and combine policy with social awareness are the ones most likely to thrive in the long run. Global problems demand global solutions — and everyone, from politicians to ordinary citizens, has a role to play.

📚 Resources Used

🔹 Advanced Vocabulary

• Strain resources – put pressure on limited resources.

• Humanitarian responsibility – ethical duty to help others.

• Accountability / transparency – being responsible and open.

• Social cohesion – the bond that holds society together.

• Bureaucratic inertia – slow or resistant government processes.

• Cut corners – act in a cheap or dishonest way to save time or money.

• Turn the tide – reverse a negative trend.

• Holistic approach – considering the whole system, not isolated parts.

• Foresight – ability to anticipate future problems.

🔹 Idioms

• Turn a blind eye – deliberately ignore something.

• A bitter pill to swallow – something unpleasant that must be accepted.

• Go the extra mile – make additional effort.

• Face head-on – confront a problem directly.

• Drag their feet – act slowly to delay something.

• Locked out of the market – unable to participate due to obstacles.

• Boiling over – reaching a point of crisis or unrest.

• At the end of the day – when everything is considered.

• Feed into one another – influence or exacerbate each other.

🔹 Phrasal Verbs

• Cope with – deal with difficulties.

• Fail to tackle – not address an issue.

• Step in – intervene.

• Hold back – prevent progress.

• Cut corners – take shortcuts.

• Make a difference – have a positive impact.

• Shape behavior – influence habits or actions.

💡 EOI Exam Tips

✅ Start with a general statement: “Global problems affect every aspect of modern society…”✅ Include real-world examples: “Many European countries face housing crises…”✅ Use contrastive language: “On the one hand… On the other hand…”✅ End with a reflective, forward-looking statement: “Global challenges require action from all levels of society.”

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tion and 🎭 EOI C1–C2 Dialogue – Global & Social Problems

🧾 Context:

Two participants are debating how society should respond to major social issues.Role A: Supports strict measures, enforcement, and urgent action.Role B: Supports cooperative, educational, and socially-driven solutions.

💬 Dialogue

Role A:When it comes to illegal immigration, I firmly believe that countries need to act decisively. Borders exist for a reason, and uncontrolled flows can strain resources and create social tension. Governments should step in with strict enforcement and make sure people don’t get away with circumventing the law. If we turn a blind eye, the situation feeds into other social problems, like unemployment and housing shortages.

Role B:I understand your concern, but enforcement alone rarely solves the problem. Many people are fleeing war, poverty, or persecution. We need to look at the root causes and provide humanitarian support. Proper integration programs, education, and job training can go a long way toward helping migrants contribute positively instead of being marginalized.

Role A:Sure, but unchecked immigration can erode social cohesion. Citizens feel frustrated when they see resources stretched thin, and politicians who drag their feet in addressing the problem only undermine public trust. Sometimes harsher penalties are necessary to ensure fairness.

Role B:I think education and community engagement are more effective than harsh penalties. We need policies that equip people with the skills to succeed and foster integrity. Punishment without support doesn’t turn lives around; it just creates resentment.

Role A:And what about access to housing? Property prices in cities are skyrocketing. Families are locked out of the market, and inequality is increasing. Governments can’t just rely on hope and education; they need to step in with legislation and strict regulations to hold back speculation and make housing affordable.

Role B:I agree that housing is a serious problem, but it’s not just about laws or penalties. We need a holistic approach: urban planning, rent controls, social housing, and education about financial literacy. Without addressing the broader social and economic issues, strict enforcement alone doesn’t get to the heart of the problem.

Role A:And then there’s global warming. We can’t drag our feet any longer. Rising temperatures, floods, and droughts are threatening communities worldwide. Countries and corporations need to act decisively — impose fines, enforce regulations, and incentivize green energy. If we don’t, the consequences will be catastrophic.

Role B:Absolutely, but we also need to bring about behavioral change. Public awareness campaigns, education, and community initiatives can go a long way in encouraging sustainable habits. If we focus solely on penalties, people may cut corners or comply only superficially. Global problems require global cooperation, not just punitive measures.

Role A:Still, action without enforcement is ineffective. People will take advantage of leniency. Laws exist to ensure fairness and keep society functioning. We must balance education with strict consequences to face these challenges head-on.

Role B:I agree with balancing, but long-term success comes from fostering civic responsibility and encouraging collaboration. Individuals, governments, and organizations need to go the extra mile together. By educating the public and addressing root causes, we can create sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Role A:So maybe the solution is a combination: enforcement and regulation where necessary, but also education, awareness, and cooperation. That way, society is protected, and people understand the consequences of their actions.

Role B:Exactly! We shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Social problems are complex and feed into one another. Only a comprehensive strategy combining strict measures, education, and cooperation will truly turn the tide.

Role A:Agreed. At the end of the day, the goal is the same: a society where global challenges are faced head-on, resources are used wisely, and citizens take responsibility for their actions.

Role B:And hopefully, one that is fair, sustainable, and resilient — where governments and citizens go the extra mile to secure a better future for everyone.

🎓 Useful Language & Resources

🔹 Advanced Vocabulary

• Strain resources – put pressure on limited resources.

• Humanitarian responsibility – ethical duty to help others.

• Social cohesion – the bond that holds society together.

• Accountability / transparency – being responsible and open.

• Holistic approach – considering all aspects of a problem.

• Erode social cohesion – weaken trust and cooperation in society.

• Feed into one another – influence or exacerbate each other.

🔹 Idioms

• Turn a blind eye – ignore something deliberately.

• A bitter pill to swallow – something unpleasant that must be accepted.

• Go the extra mile – make additional effort.

• Face head-on – confront a problem directly.

• Drag their feet – act slowly to delay something.

• Locked out of the market – unable to participate due to obstacles.

• Throw the baby out with the bathwater – discard something valuable along with the bad.

• At the end of the day – when everything is considered.

🔹 Phrasal Verbs

• Cope with – deal with difficulties.

• Step in – intervene.

• Hold back – prevent progress.

• Cut corners – take shortcuts.

• Make a difference – have a positive impact.

• Turn the tide – reverse a negative trend.

• Bring about – cause something to happen.

• Take advantage of – exploit a situation.

💡 EOI Exam Tips

✅ Use contrastive language: “On the one hand… On the other hand…”✅ Include real-world examples: “Many cities struggle with housing affordability…”✅ Express personal opinion: “Personally, I believe…”✅ End with a reflective conclusion: “Global challenges require both enforcement and cooperation.”punishment together create a fairer society.”