Vocabulary Test #14 – Social Issues

Explanation
The word "hurl" means to throw or propel with great force. In the given context, when the father is heavily intoxicated, he will likely subject his young child to abuse by throwing or forcefully inflicting harm upon them.

Explanation
Gamblers who are compulsive have an uncontrollable desire to engage in gambling activities. This means that they are unable to resist the urge to gamble, even when it leads to negative consequences in their lives. They may continue to gamble despite financial problems, relationship issues, or other negative effects. This lack of control is a key characteristic of compulsive gambling.

Explanation
Ms Lee is described as a social worker who is able to put herself in the shoes of others. This suggests that she possesses empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Being empathetic is an important quality for a social worker as it allows them to connect with and support individuals who may be experiencing difficult situations. It enables Ms Lee to provide the necessary emotional support and understanding to those she works with.

Explanation
When Samuel came to Singapore to study, a guardian is responsible for his welfare. A guardian is someone who has the legal authority and responsibility to care for and make decisions on behalf of a minor. In this case, since Samuel is underage and studying in a foreign country, a guardian would be appointed to ensure his well-being and oversee his affairs while he is away from his parents or legal guardians.

Explanation
The correct answer is "traumatised" because it indicates that the child was deeply affected by the terrible incident to the point where she was unable to speak. This suggests that the incident had a significant and lasting impact on her emotional state.

Explanation
The correct answer is discrimination because it refers to the unfair treatment or prejudice against a certain race or group of people. The sentence suggests that in some parts of America, there is still racial discrimination where public places only serve Caucasians and do not welcome African Americans.

Explanation
The correct answer is "worldwide" because the sentence states that pollution is happening in all parts of the world, indicating that it is a problem that spans across the entire globe.

Explanation
Children who have experienced trauma or negative experiences often suppress their emotions, meaning they hide or repress their feelings instead of openly expressing them. This can be a coping mechanism to protect themselves from further harm or to avoid judgment or criticism from others. Suppressing emotions can have long-term effects on a child's mental and emotional well-being if they are not given the opportunity to process and heal from their experiences.

Explanation
The correct answer is "domestic" because the question is asking about a social issue related to violence. "Domestic violence" refers to violence that occurs within the home or between family members or intimate partners, which is a significant social issue that needs to be addressed.

Explanation
The word "decline" is the correct answer because it means a reduction or decrease in the number of births. This fits with the context of the sentence, which mentions that couples are delaying having babies for various reasons. The other options - decay, deterioration, and degeneration - do not accurately convey the idea of a decrease in births.