Unit 9: English for Social Services

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Aims and Objectives

In this unit you will learn and practise vocabulary related to social services.

You will practise the following skills and functions:

  • distinguishing between past actions and the result of past actions in the present

The grammar focus of this unit is:

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Practice

Exercise not available in this language version.

Listening Comprehension

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:

:Patrick Reilly has come to the local Social Welfare office to get some information. :Clerk: Hello. How can I help you? :Reilly: I'd like some information about unemployment benefit. :Clerk: Right. Have you been employed in the last year? :Reilly: Yes. I've had 3 or 4 jobs in the last 2 years but the last company I worked for closed down a couple of weeks ago and now I'm out of work. :Clerk: Did you pay social insurance contributions? :Reilly: Only for the last two months, in my last job. :Clerk: Well, I'm afraid that if you haven't paid contributions for 39 weeks I can't help you.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. At the moment Patrick is:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. What has Patrick done for the past two years?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. How long did he work in his last job?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. Did he pay social insurance contributions in the last job?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. Did he pay social insurance contributions in the previous jobs?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  6. What has Patrick come to find out about?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:

:Jacky has had a baby but she isn't married, and the baby's father has been sent to prison for two years. :Clerk: Nice looking baby. What's her name? :Jacky: It's a boy, and his name's Lee, and I want to know if I am entitled to child support. :Clerk: Oh, OK. Let's see. Are you married? :Jacky: No I'm not, thank God. And anyway the father's gone away. :Clerk: What do you mean, 'he's gone away'? :Jacky: He's been sent to prison and I want to know if I can claim a prison allowance too. :Clerk: Oh, right, well I'm going to have to ask you some questions and fill in an application form so that we can assess your situation.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. What is Jacky's present situation?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. Why has the baby's father gone away?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Which is correct?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. What does Jacky want to claim?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. What is the clerk going to do?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:

The Blind Person's Pension is a means tested payment paid to blind and visually impaired people. To qualify for this pension you will be required to have an eye test given by an ophthalmic surgeon to verify your visual impairment. Certain people with low vision may also qualify.

The payment you receive is made up of a personal rate for you and extra amounts for a qualified adult dependant and any child dependants. You will automatically get a Travel Pass which allows you to travel on State public transport for free. If you are awarded a Blind Person's Pension, you may also qualify for the Blind Welfare Allowance which is a supplementary income maintenance payment.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. The Blind Person's Pension is paid to:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. To qualify for the Pension you must have:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. The payment you receive:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. You will also receive:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. The Blind Welfare Allowance is:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Exercise 4: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:

Blind Pension Rates

For people under the age of 66 the personal rate is 134.80 euros per week and the rate for a qualified dependant is 89.40 euros per week. The increase for dependent children is 16.80 euros per child. Between the ages of 66 and 79 the weekly personal rate is 154 euros and for a qualified dependant it is 101.80 euros. The personal rate for people over 80 is 160.40 euros and for a qualified dependant it is 101.80 euros.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. How much is the Blind Pension rate for people under 66?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. The increase per week for a dependent child is:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Over the age of 66 the rate:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. Do you still get an increase for a dependent child if you are over 80?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Exercise 5: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:

Annie is 73 and in excellent health. Since Annie's husband died, her daughter Carol has been living with her, but Carol has accepted a new job in a different part of the country and will no longer be able to care for her mother. Annie wanted to stay in her own house and perhaps receive visits from a professional carer, but Carol will be happier if her mother is in a residential home providing care, comfort, counselling and an active social life. They haven't chosen a home yet and have been trying to find somewhere which will be covered by her widow's pension and the money they can get from selling Annie's house.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. Since her husband died Annie has been:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. Carol will no longer be able to care for her mother because :
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Payment for the home will be covered by:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

General Comprehension

Exercise 1: True/False Statements

For each of the statements below, choose True or False.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. There are different kinds of benefits and allowances.


    ?
  2. Unemployment benefit and unemployment allowance are not the same thing.


    ?
  3. Unemployment benefit is for people who have paid insurance contributions.


    ?
  4. A prison allowance is paid to people in prison.


    ?
  5. You can get child support even if you aren't married.


    ?
  6. The visually impaired need an eye test to get a Blind Person's Pension.


    ?
  7. A woman whose husband has died is usually entitled to a widow's pension.


    ?
  8. The cost of living in a residential home is always covered by the State.


    ?
  9. Some old people need more care and nursing than others.


    ?

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Speaking Practice. Complete the sentences you hear, using the example as a model.

Press ‘Play’ to listen to the instructions:

Grammar Practice

Exercise 1: Transformation

In this exercise, respond to a statement in the Present Perfect with a question beginning with `When ..' in the Simple Past.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
Example:

I've applied for a pension.
When did you apply?

  1. A.
    B. ?
  2. A.
    B. ?
  3. A.
    B. ?
  4. A.
    B. ?
  5. A.
    B. ?
  6. A.
    B. ?

Exercise 2: Transformation

In this exercise, respond to a question in the Present Perfect with an answer in the Simple Past, using `last week'.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
Example:

I've found my travel pass.
Where did you find it?

  1. A.
    B. ?
  2. A.
    B. ?
  3. A.
    B. ?
  4. A.
    B. ?
  5. A.
    B. ?
  6. A.
    B. ?

Exercise 3: Transformation

In this exercise, respond to a question in the Present Perfect with an answer in the Simple Past, using `last week'.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
Example:

Have you applied for benefit yet?
Yes, I applied last week.

  1. A.
    B. ?
  2. A.
    B. ?
  3. A.
    B. ?
  4. A.
    B. ?
  5. A.
    B. ?
  6. A.
    B. ?

Exercise 4: Transformation

In this exercise, you will hear a question in the Present Perfect. Answer in the affirmative using the Present Perfect and `already'. Be careful with the position of `already'!

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
Example:

Have you received the money yet?
Yes, I've already received it.

  1. A.
    B. ?
  2. A.
    B. ?
  3. A.
    B. ?
  4. A.
    B. ?
  5. A.
    B. ?
  6. A.
    B. ?

Exercise 5: Transformation

In this exercise, you will hear a question in the Present Perfect. Answer in the negative using the Present Perfect and `yet'.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
Example:

Have you received the money yet?
No, I haven't received it yet.

  1. A.
    B. ?
  2. A.
    B. ?
  3. A.
    B. ?
  4. A.
    B. ?
  5. A.
    B. ?
  6. A.
    B. ?

Exercise 6: Selections

Chose the correct answer.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  2. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  3. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  4. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  5. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  6. a. 
    b. 
    ?

Consolidation

Exercise 1: True/False Statements

For each of the statements below, choose True or False.

Recording:
Transcript:

The Social Welfare Department is responsible for a number of social insurance and social assistance schemes, including unemployment, illness, maternity, caring, widowhood, retirement and old age. Payments are generally divided into three groups: Firstly, contributory payments are made on the basis of Social Insurance contributions related to the wages or salary a worker receives. Secondly, Social Assistance (or non-contributory) payments are made on the basis of a means test. Thirdly, payments such as Child Benefit or Free Travel do not depend on a means test or on Social Insurance contributions related to wages or salary.

Payments made under the social insurance system are funded by contributions from employers and employees. Any deficit is met by State subsidy. Entitlement to social insurance benefits depends on the person claiming (the claimant) having paid a certain number of contributions in a specific period of time. On the other hand, social assistance payments do not depend on contributions made by the claimant, and are paid for by State funding.

Social Insurance schemes include for example Old Age Contributory Pension, Retirement Pension, Disability Benefit, and Unemployment Benefit, among others. Social Assistance schemes are financed entirely by the State. One of the basic requirements to qualify for payment under the social assistance schemes is that the claimant must satisfy a means test. Social Assistance schemes include Orphan's Pensions, Lone Parent's Allowance, Unemployment Assistance, and Family Income Supplement among others. Child Benefit is payable in respect of all children regardless of family means.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. The Social Welfare Department is responsible for a number of schemes.


    ?
  2. Child Benefit depends on Social Insurance contributions.


    ?
  3. Social assistance payments are paid for by State funding.


    ?
  4. Social Insurance contributions are related to wages or salary.


    ?
  5. If you pay Social Insurance you are entitled to Unemployment Benefit.


    ?
  6. A claimant must satisfy a means test to qualify for Social Assistance.


    ?
  7. Lone Parents receive a Social Assistance Allowance.


    ?
  8. Child Benefit is paid only to families with a low income.


    ?
  9. A means test decides how much Social Assistance you can receive.


    ?
  10. Social Assistance schemes are financed entirely by the State.


    ?

Exercise 2: Dictation

Listen to the complete recording first. Then go to the textbox and use the ‘>’ key to listen to the text section by section. Type what you hear into the textbox. For detailed instructions, read the Exercise Help.

Recording:
Transcript:

Payments made under the social insurance system are funded by contributions from employers and employees. Any deficit is met by State subsidy. Entitlement to social insurance benefits depends on the person claiming (the claimant) having paid a certain number of contributions in a specific period of time. On the other hand, social assistance payments do not depend on contributions made by the claimant, and are paid for by State funding.

?

Exercise 3: Cloze

Listen to the recording carefully and then fill in the gaps in the text below using the same words.

Recording:
Transcript:

The Social Welfare Department is responsible for a number of social insurance and social assistance schemes, including unemployment, illness, maternity, caring, widowhood, retirement and old age. Payments are generally divided into three groups: Firstly, contributory payments are made on the basis of Social Insurance contributions related to the wages or salary a worker receives. Secondly, Social Assistance (or non-contributory) payments are made on the basis of a means test. Thirdly, payments such as Child Benefit or Free Travel do not depend on a means test or on Social Insurance contributions related to wages or salary.

Payments made under the social insurance system are funded by contributions from employers and employees. Any deficit is met by State subsidy. Entitlement to social insurance benefits depends on the person claiming (the claimant) having paid a certain number of contributions in a specific period of time. On the other hand, social assistance payments do not depend on contributions made by the claimant, and are paid for by State funding.

? Social Welfare Department is responsible ? a number of social insurance and social assistance schemes, including unemployment, illness, maternity, caring, widowhood, retirement and old age. Payments are generally divided ? three groups: Firstly, contributory payments ? made on the basis ? Social Insurance contributions related to the wages or salary a worker receives. Secondly, Social Assistance (or non-contributory) payments are made on the basis of a means test. Thirdly, payments ? as Child Benefit or Free Travel do not depend on a ? test or on Social Insurance contributions related to wages or salary.

Payments made ? the social insurance system are funded by contributions from employers and employees. ? deficit is met by State subsidy. Entitlement to social insurance benefits depends on the person claiming (the claimant) having paid a certain number of contributions in a specific period of time. On the ? hand, social assistance payments do not depend on contributions made by the claimant, and are paid for by State funding.

Exercise 4: Gap Filling

Choose the correct option to fill the gaps in the following sentences.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. If you are unemployed , you can ____ unemployment benefit.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. To apply for an allowance you must ____ an application form.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Carol will no longer be able to ____ her mother.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. They haven't chosen a home ____ .
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. The payment you receive is ____ of a personal rate for you and a payment for your dependants.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  6. The child's father has been sent to prison ____ two years.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  7. Social Assistance is paid only to families with a ____ income.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  8. The social insurance system is funded by ____from employers and employees.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  9. Any deficit is met by State ____ .
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  10. With a Travel Pass you can travel on State public transport for ____ .
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  11. Workers receive ____ for their work.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  12. ____ parents receive a Social Assistance Allowance.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  13. Carol has accepted a new ____ .
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  14. Fill in an application form so that we can ____ your situation..
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  15. Have you been employed in the____ year?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  16. What do you ____ , 'he's gone away'?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  17. Nice ____ guy!
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  18. Payments are generally ____ into three groups.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  19. The last company I worked for has closed ____ .
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  20. Certain people with ____ vision may also qualify
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Checklist

Use the following list to check whether you have obtained full benefit from this unit. You should be able to:

  • distinguish between past actions and the result of past actions in the present
Version 2.0 (2011-12-07 01:36 CET)
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