Good Member of Society

Warm Up

1. Do you vote?

2. Do you like living in your city? why or why not?

3. Where would you like to live? why?
   

Reading

What Makes You a Good Member of Society?

The Pew Research Center asked people what makes someone a good member of society. More than 24,500 people were asked about seven different things they could do to be good members of society. For each, they had to say whether they thought it was very important, somewhat important, not too important or not important at all.

In most of the 19 countries where Pew did the survey, voting in elections and making choices that reduce the effects of climate change were seen as very important. On average, 73% of people said voting was very important, and 63% said the same about helping the environment. In 14 countries, including the US, South Korea and France, voting was seen as the most important thing. While in Spain, Italy and Belgium, climate change was most important.

In Singapore people surveyed thought getting a coronavirus vaccine was very important. It was the top answer in Singapore with 72%. On average, 57% of people surveyed thought getting a coronavirus vaccine was very important. However, figure was only 33% in Poland, 40% in Hungary and 41% in South Korea. In Japan, the top answer, with 74%, was following what is happening in politics in their own country.

The survey also asked about the importance of following events in other countries, taking part in demonstrations and regularly going to religious services.

Most people around the world did not think they were very important. And on average, only 16% of people, including just 4% in Japan, said going to religious services was very important in making someone a good member of society

Reading Comprehension

1. What percentage of participants said voting was very important?

2. Was voting seen as the most important thing to be a good member of society in Italy?

3. What was seen as most important in Japan?
   

Discussion Questions

1. What are your thoughts on Pew's findings?

2. What do you think makes someone a good member of society?

3. Do you regularly vote in elections?

4. Do you try to make choices that reduce your effect on climate change?

5. How closely do you follow politics in your country? Do you follow global events?

6. Which of your friends or family is the most interested in politics?

7. Who are the most environmentally-conscious people you know?

8. Have there been any major demonstrations in your country recently?

9. Is it common for people to regularly attend religious services where you live?

10. Have you ever done any volunteer or community work?