Focus Vocabulary
- customary roles
- BrE: /ˈkʌs.tə.mər.i rəʊlz/
- AmE: /ˈkʌs.təˌmɛr.i roʊlz/
Definition: Traditional jobs or duties that men or women usually do.
Easy Explanation: The normal things men or women do in a family or society.
Example: “In many cultures, it is customary for women to take care of the home.”
2. outdated assumptions
- BrE: /ˌaʊtˈdeɪ.tɪd əˈsʌmp.ʃənz/
- AmE: /ˌaʊtˈdeɪ.tɪd əˈsʌmp.ʃənz/
Definition: Old ideas that are not true or useful today.
Easy Explanation: Beliefs that people used to have but are now wrong or unfair.
Example: “The idea that men must be the only breadwinners is an outdated assumption.”
3. evolving expectations
- BrE: /ɪˈvɒlv.ɪŋ ˌeks.pekˈteɪ.ʃənz/
- AmE: /ɪˈvɑːlvɪŋ ˌɛk.spɛkˈteɪ.ʃənz/
Definition: Changing ideas about what men and women should do.
Easy Explanation: New ways people think about roles in families and work.
Example: “Evolving expectations mean both men and women can share housework.”
4. ingrained beliefs
- BrE: /ɪnˈɡreɪnd bɪˈliːfs/
- AmE: /ɪnˈɡreɪnd bɪˈliːfs/
Definition: Ideas or habits that are fixed and hard to change.
Easy Explanation: Beliefs people have had for a long time and still keep.
Example: “In many places, ingrained beliefs make it hard for women to get leadership jobs.”
5. gender norms
- BrE: /ˈdʒen.dər nɔːmz/
- AmE: /ˈdʒɛn.dɚ nɔːrmz/
Definition: The rules or expectations about how men and women should behave.
Easy Explanation: What society says is “normal” for men and women to do.
Example: “Younger generations often challenge old gender norms.”
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Warm-Up Questions:
- How have gender roles changed in your country?
- Do people in your culture expect men and women to do different jobs?
- How do you feel about men and women sharing housework?
Cue Card
Describe a change in gender roles in your country.
You should say:
- What the role was before
- How it has changed
- Why it changed
- How people feel about it
Sample Answer:
“In the past, women stayed at home and cared for children. But now, because of education and jobs, many women work outside. Some people like the old ways, but many think the change is good.”
Speaking Frame:
“In the past, ________. But because of _______, now ________ is normal.”
Sample Questions
| Question | Simple Answer | Better Answer | Useful Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do men and women have equal chances to be leaders? | “No. Men are leaders. Women get fewer chances.” | “Though laws support equality, some problems stop women from leading.” | “Although laws promote equality, ______ limits real chances for ______.” |
| Are gender roles still important in your culture? | “Yes, women cook and men work.” | “Traditional roles stay in some places but young people want balance.” | “While ______ is common in some areas, changing ideas lead to ______.” |
| Should boys and girls be taught differently at school? | “Maybe girls like reading and boys like sports.” | “Teaching should be based on how children learn, not their gender.” | “Instead of assuming _______, schools should focus on ______.” |
IELTS Writing Challenge
Question:
Some people think gender roles should not change. Others think they should change. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Paragraph:
“In the past, men worked and women stayed home. This was normal. But now, many women have jobs and share housework. This change helps families and society grow.”
Writing Frame:
“Although ______ was common before, today ______ shows a big change.”
Grammar Focus: “Used to” + “Now”
Use these to talk about past and present.
- “Women used to stay at home.” (past)
- “Now, many women work outside.” (present)
- “Families used to divide work by gender.”
- “Now, many families share work equally.”
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
Should boys and girls be taught the same way at school?
Your Task: Write a 4-sentence paragraph using:
gender roles, education, stereotypes, equality
Example:
“Gender roles often affect education choices. Some people believe girls and boys should learn differently. But stereotypes limit what students can do. Schools should teach equality and support all students.”
Final Reflection
You’ve just:
✔️ Learned useful words about gender roles
✔️ Practiced speaking about social change clearly
✔️ Used grammar to show past and present
✔️ Tried speaking and writing frames for IELTS
Think about:
- What is one new word you learned today?
- How would you explain gender roles changing in your country?
- What will you say if someone asks about men and women’s roles?
“By learning about gender topics, you’re not only improving your English skills for IELTS but also helping create a fairer and more understanding world.”
TotallyFreeIELTS 