Unit 6.

GENDER EQUALITY

LANGUAGE FOCUS
Phonetics
Stress in two-syllable words: 'gender, 'equal, 'female, de'gree, en'roll, ...
Grammar
The Passive voice with modals
Gender discrimination must be eliminated so that everyone has equal opportunities in education.
I think you should be given some information about the job you apply for.
Vocabulary
Words and phrases related to gender equality:
treatment, eliminate discrimination ...
I. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the word whose underlined part differs from the other three in
pronunciation in each of the following questions.
1. A. equal B. female C. enroll D. being
2. A. report B. perform C. according D. word
3. A. women B. college C. opportunity D. job
4. A. girls B. works C. degrees D. opportunities
5. A. eliminated B. forced C. worked D. missed
II. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the word that differs from the other three in the position of
primary stress in each of the following questions.
1. A. project (n) B. system C. gender D. agree
2. A. target B. housework C. promote D. study
3. A. income B. workforce C. pursuit D. passive
4. A. produce B. office C. labour D. childcare
5. A. mature B. affect C. challenge D. employ
III. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the underlined part that needs correction in each of the
following sentences.
1. "Gender equality and women's empowerment are fundamental to the global mission of the United Nations to
A B
achieving equal rights and dignity for all." - Ban Ki-moon
C D
2. Organizations will to have a duty to promote gender equality.
A B C D
3. The gender gaps was visible in the way men and women voted during the presidential elections.
A B C D
4. About one third of developing country have not achieved gender parity in primary education.
A B C D
5. Not only men and women do have many differences, but they also have many similarities.
A B C D
IV. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the following sentences.
1. Gender ____ is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous
and sustainable world.
A. equity B. unity C. equality D. identity
2. Women and girls represent half of the world's population and therefore also half of ____ potential.
A. its B. their C. his D. her
3. Today gender inequality still persists everywhere and stagnates social ____.
 A. progress B. progressive C. progression D. progresses
4. As of 2014, 143 countries have guaranteed equality between men and women in their Constitutions but 52
have yet to ____ this step.
A. do B. go C. make D. take
5. In some countries, girls are deprived ____ access to health care or proper nutrition, leading to a higher
mortality rate.
A. of B. off C. from D. away
6. Child marriage affects girls ____ more than boys.
A. too B. so C. such D. far
7. Unfair treatment based on gender, age or race must ____ in our modern life.
A. to be eliminate B. be eliminated C. to be eliminated D. to be eliminating
8. In sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania and Western Asia, girls still face barriers to ____ both primary and secondary
school.
A. enter B. entering C. be entered D. be entering
9. Women's and girls' empowerment ____ essential to expand economic growth and promote social
development.
A. is B. was C. are D. were
10. The Law on Gender Equality also stipulates that men and women ____ be treated equally in workplaces.
A. should B. would C. ought D. could
11. While the laws and policies provide a sound legal framework to protect women and men from gender-based
discrimination, much ____ in practice.
A. remains to do B. remain to do C. remains to be done D. remain to be done
12. While Job advertisements should avoid any mention of gender as this represents a direct form of gender-
based discrimination, the relevant data ____ that such a practice is still common in Viet Nam.
A. to indicate B. indicated C. has indicated D. have indicated
13. Among the job postings that included a gender preference, 70 per cent specifically requested that the
positions be filled by men ____ only 30 per cent wanted female applicants.
A. and B. whereas C. or D. so
14. Among the gender-preferred postings, men were most often targeted for more technical and ____ skilled
jobs or jobs that require more outdoor activities, such as architects.
A. high B. higher C. highly D. highest
15. The fact that in many cases women's access to certain jobs was restricted ____ their reproductive role and/or
main responsibility for childcare and the care of other dependents.
A. on the basis of B. in terms of C. on occasions of D. on condition that
16. Maternity leave and the reproductive role may also result ____ discrimination against women in the
prospects for promotion.
A. from B. in C. to D. as
17. The introduction of policies which enables workers with family responsibilities to engage and advance in
employment without discrimination should ____.
A. to be encouraged B. to be encouraging C. be encouraging D. be encouraged
18. Promoting gender-based diversity in different occupations and job functions is key ____ increasing
companies' productivity and competitiveness.
A. to B. for C. in D. of
19. Supporting women and men to build and advance their career ____ is an issue of gender equality ____
makes good business sense.
A. both .... and B. either.... or C. not only ... but also D. so ... that
20. In Vietnam, UNESCO data indicates that among those with tertiary education, women always ____ men in
the period between 2007 and 2011.
 A. outnumbers B. outnumbered C. has outnumbered D. is outnumbered
21. For both physiological and social reasons, women are more vulnerable than men to ____ health problems.
A. reproduce B. reproducing C. reproductive D. reproduction
22. Combating gender-based violence and protecting and supporting victims will be ____ continued priority.
A. a B. the C. every D. each
23. The ability of women ____ their own fertility is fundamental to women's empowerment and equality.
A. that control B. to control C. for controlling D. of controlling
24. A: "Are you attending the conference on gender equality this week?"
B: “____”
A. I don't think I will be able to come. B. Did you say that?
C. Well, things are different now. D. That's the way life is.
25. A: "Women should have the same opportunities as men."
B: “____”
A. Gender equality needs men to get involved too. B. Women are working too much.
C. Women should not receive higher education. D. None of that will do, I'm afraid.
26. Gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors
of society, ____ economic participation and decision-making.
A. include B. includes C. including D. included
27. UNDP believes that the gender inequalities and ____ attitudes and practices that hold women back, must be
confronted and eliminated, if we are to leave no one behind.
A. discriminate B. discriminating C. discriminatory D. discriminated
28. From new laws to legal aid and justice services, UNDP is supporting survivors and changing attitudes and
practices to end and prevent violence ____ women and girls.
A. of B. to C. over D. against
29. Half a billion women around the world can't read, 62 million girls are denied ____, and 155 countries still
have laws that discriminate against women.
A. the right of educating B. the right of education
C. the right to educate D. the right to education
30. ____ many international agreements affirming their human rights, women are still much more likely than
men to be poor and illiterate.
A. Although B. Despite C. Because D. Since
V. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s)
in each of the following sentences.
1. Vast inequalities threaten economies, communities and nations, trapping people in a cycle of poverty and
marginalization.
A. catching someone in a net B. making someone prisoner
C. driving someone into dangerous situation D. putting someone into a desperate situation
2. Pressed into motherhood early, or repeatedly, many girls and women are more prone to maternal injuries,
disabilities or even death.
A. likely B. vulnerable C. close D. open
3. More than lip service should be paid to ensuring that women were invited to participate in national dialogues.
A. empty promise B. solemn promise C. broken promise D. early promise
4. Gender equality will be achieved only when women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights and
obligations in all spheres of life.
A. areas B. sides C. ranges D. ways
5. Gender equality demands the empowerment of women, with a focus on identifying and redressing power
imbalances and giving women more autonomy to manage their own lives.
A. freedom of action B. determination C. dependence on others D. decision
VI. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the sentence that is closest in meaning to each of the
following sentences.
1. The roles that men and women play in society are not biologically determined.
A. It's not biology that determines the roles of men and women play in society.
B. Society does not determine the roles that men and women play biologically.
C. Biologically, men and women do not play their determined roles in society.
D. It is not in society where men and women play the roles biologically determined.
2. About two thirds of the world's illiterate adults are women.
A. Women occupy about two thirds of the world's illiterate adults.
B. Of the world's illiterate adults are about two thirds of women.
C. Women are about two thirds of the world's illiterate adults.
D. The world's illiterate adults are about two thirds of women.
3. Gender equality cannot be achieved without the backing and enforcement of institutions.
A. Without the backing and enforcement of institutions can gender equality be achieved.
B. But for the backing and enforcement of institutions, gender equality cannot be achieved.
C. To achieve gender equality, institutions should provide their backing and enforcement.
D. Because of the backing and enforcement of institutions, gender equality can be achieved.
4. Six out of ten of the world's poorest people are women.
A. Out of every ten poorest people are six women of the world.
B. Women make up sixty percent of the poorest world population.
C. Sixty percent of the world's poorest people are women.
D. Six out of ten women are of the world's poorest people.
5. Urbanization and technology create unexpected opportunities for women.
A. Unexpected opportunities for women are created by urbanization and technology.
B. Women do not expect opportunities created by urbanization and technology.
C. Unexpectedly, urbanization and technology have created opportunities for women.
D. Opportunities for women have been unexpectedly created by urbanization and technology.
VII. Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the sentence that best combines each pair of sentences given.
1. Technology allows for remote working. This expands women's options.
A. Technology allows for remote working, which expands women's options.
B. That technology allows for remote working will expand women's options.
C. Because technology allows for remote working, it expands women's options.
D. Allowing for remote working, technology expands women's options.
2. The report will examine unequal pay. It will also examine other types of gender discrimination at workplace.
A. The report will examine not only the unequal pay but also other types of gender discrimination at
workplace.
B. The report will examine the unequal pay that examines other types of gender discrimination at
workplace.
C. After examining the unequal pay, the report will examine other types of gender discrimination at
workplace.
D. The report will examine the unequal pay, and then it will examine other types of gender
discrimination at workplace.
3. We need to ensure equality of opportunity in all areas of work. However, women do not yet have true
equality in the company.
A. Although we need to ensure equality of opportunity in all areas of work, women do not yet have true
equality in the company.
B. Because women do not yet have true equality in the company, we need to ensure equality of
opportunity in all areas of work.
 C. If we ensure equality of opportunity in all areas of work, women have had true equality in the
company.
D. We need to ensure equality of opportunity in all areas of work so that women have true equality in the
company.
4. Businesses seem to pay more attention to gender issues in senior positions. Most of the senior positions are
occupied by male officers.
A. Businesses seem to pay more attention to gender issues in senior positions which are mostly occupied
by male officers.
B. As businesses seem to pay more attention to gender issues in senior positions, most of the positions
are occupied by male officers.
C. As most of senior positions are occupied by male officers, then businesses pay more attention to
gender issues in these positions.
D. Businesses seem to pay more attention to gender issues in senior positions, making most of the
positions occupied by male officers.
5. Until 1986 most companies would not even allow women to take exams. Such blatant discrimination is now
disappearing.
A. After 1986 when most companies would not even allow women to take exams, the blatant
discrimination is now disappearing.
B. It was not until 1986 when most companies would not even allow women to take exams that the
blatant discrimination is disappearing.
C. Until 1986 most companies would not even allow women to take exams, but such blatant
discrimination is now disappearing.
D. The blatant discrimination, that most companies would not even allow women to take exams, has
disappeared.
VIII. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct word or phrase
that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
In the 1980s feminism became less popular in the US and there was less (1) ____ in solving the
remaining problems, such as the fact that most women still earn (2) ____ less than men. But American women
have more opportunities than anyone thought possible 40 years (3) ____. One of the biggest discrimination is in
(4) ____ people think. Although there is still discrimination, the principle that should not exist is (5) ____
accepted.
Feminism has brought (6) ____ many changes in the English language. Many words for job (7) ____ that
included 'man' have been replaced, for example 'police officer' is used (8) ____ of policeman' and 'chair' or
'chairperson' for 'chairman'. 'He' is now rarely used to (9) ____ to a person when the person could be either a
man or woman. Instead, he/she, or sometimes (s)he, is preferred. The title Ms is used for women instead of
'Miss' or 'Mrs', since, like 'Mr, it does not show (10) ____ a person is married or not.
1. A. concern B. interest C. worry D. care
2. A. much B. so C. too D. as
3. A. earlier B. before C. ago D. then
4. A. what B. which C. that D. how
5. A. wide B. widen C. wider D. widely
6. A. about B. in C. up D. to
7. A. names B. titles C. places D. posts
8. A. in terms B. instead C. on behalf D. in position
9. A. refer B. point C. show D. indicate
10. A. either B. neither C. whether D. rather
IX. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of
the questions.
 The issue of equality for women in British society first attracted national attention in the early 20th
century, when the suffragettes won for women the right to vote. In the 1960s, feminism - the belief that women
and men are equal in abilities and should have equal rights and opportunities - became the subject of intense
debate when the women's lib movement encouraged women to reject their traditional supporting role and to
demand equal status and equal rights with men in areas such as employment and pay.
Since then, the gender gap between the sexes has been reduced. The Equal Pay Act of 1970, for instance,
made it illegal for women to be paid less than men for doing the same work, and in 1975 the Sex Discrimination
Act aimed to prevent either sex having an unfair advantage when applying for jobs. In the same year the Equal
Opportunities Commission was set up to help people claim their rights to equal treatment and to publish
research and statistics to show where improvements in opportunities for women need to be made. Women now
have much better employment opportunities than formerly, though they still tend to get less well-paid jobs than
men, and very few are appointed to top jobs in industry.
Many people believe that there is still a long way to go before women are treated as equals in
employment. In education, however, girl's and women's opportunities have improved rapidly and in public
employment there are policies to increase the proportion of women employed, which is still very low at senior
levels.
1. According to the passage, what happened when British women won the right to vote for the first time?
A. The whole society change their viewpoint on the matter of feminism.
B. The matter of equality for women attracted national attention.
C. Men and women in British society gained equal rights and opportunities.
D. Women and men in British society were equal in abilities.
2. The word 'intense' in the passage is closest in meaning to ____.
A. heated B. firm C. light D. lively
3. When was the Equal Opportunities Commission established in the UK?
A. 1960 B. 1970 C. 1975 D. 1920
4. According to the passage, which of the following supports research for the sake of women?
A. The Equal Pay Act B. The Equal Opportunities Commission
C. The Sex Discrimination Act D. The Equal Rights Amendment
5. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Women no longer have to play their traditional role.
B. Women are now paid the same as men for the same work.
C. Women are still unable to approach top jobs in industry.
D. Women can never reach high rank in public employment.
X. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of
the questions.
Promoting decent work and income for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and
human dignity, is one of the key priorities of the ILO's Decent Work Agenda. Integrating gender concerns into
employment promotion and creation contributes to more effective boosting of productivity and economic
growth; human resources development; sustainable development; and reduce poverty. Worldwide progress has
been made over the last few decades in increasing women's labour force participation and narrowing gender
income gaps, but more efforts are needed to make gender equality in the world of work a reality.
In Vietnam, just like in the developing world in general, women continue to form a large majority of the
working poor, earn less income, and are more often affected by under and unemployment and precarious
working conditions than men. Women in Vietnam are principally found in lower paid occupational sectors or in
vulnerable employment. The majority of women work as unpaid family workers, and in largely "invisible" areas
of informal employment as migrant domestic workers, homeworkers, street vendors and in the entertainment
industry.
 Women's position in the labour market is largely affected by socio-economic disadvantages caused by
gender-based discrimination. Vietnamese women often have less access to productive resources, education, and
skills development and labour market opportunities than men. In great part, this is because society assigns both
a lower status and most of the unpaid care work to Vietnamese women, and expects them to engage in
productive work in subsistence agriculture and the market economy.
The ILO and Vietnamese constituents have long cooperated on promoting gender equality among male
and female workers in the country. Current joint efforts are geared at increasing women's opportunities to
enterprise development; preventing labour exploitation of (migrant) children and women; and strengthening the
equality dimension in labour legislation such as prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, and promoting
equal pay for work of equal value, action against sexual harassment and equalizing the retirement ages for
women and men.
1. It can be inferred from the passage that ILO stands for ____.
A. International Law Office B. International Labor Organization
C. Intended Learning Outcomes D. Integrated Learning Online
2. Which of the following is not mentioned in paragraph 1 as a result of integrating gender into employment
promotion and creation?
A. poverty reduction B. human resources development
C. sustainable development D. better employment opportunities
3. It can be inferred from paragraph 1 that ____.
A. women's labour force participation has increased
B. gender income gaps have been narrowed
C. gender equality in the world of work has not been realized
D. promoting income for women is considered one of the key priorities
4. The word "precarious" may mostly mean ____.
A. ideal B. dangerous C. favorable D. special
5. The word "principally" is closest in meaning to ____.
A. generally B. particularly C. only D. occasionally
6. The author probably uses the phrase 'unpaid family workers' in paragraph 2 to refer to ____.
A. housewives B. women in the family
C. the daughter of the family D. the mother in the family
7. The author probably uses the word "invisible" in the phrase in largely "invisible" areas of informal
employment to refer to the fact that ____.
A. many jobs done by Vietnamese women have not been officially recognized
B. the jobs done by Vietnamese women are mostly of the illegal job market
C. none of the jobs done by Vietnamese women are of high security and promotion
D. most of the jobs done by Vietnamese women are underpaid or not paid at all
8. Which of the following is NOT true in Vietnam according to the passage?
A. A large majority of the working poor in Vietnam are women.
B. Most of women work in lower paid occupational sectors than men.
C. Women have less access to labour market opportunities than men.
D. Men do not have to face with gender-based discrimination at all.
9. According to the passage, which is the main reason why, in Vietnam, women hold lower social status than
men?
A. Gender-based discrimination
B. Precarious working conditions
C. Women's engagement in productive work
D. Increasing women's labour force participation
10. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT aimed at by The ILO and Vietnamese
constituents?
A. Increasing women's opportunities to enterprise development
B. Prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination
C. Equalizing the retirement ages for women and men
D. Supporting women and their childbearing decisions