Vocabulary

Study the following words and examples, try to remember their meanings.

1. equal (adj) – the same in size, number, value, rank, etc.

Women demand equal pay for equal work.

2. equality (n) – the state of being equal

They are fighting for the equality of women.

3. contender (n) – a person who takes part in a competition

There has never been a woman president; not even a serious contender.

4. to impose (v) – to force the acceptance of smth

Jobs which women did not choose for themselves but which had been imposed on them by a male-dominated society

5. to seek (sought, sought) (v) – to try to make an attempt

In recent years many thoughtful women have sought to expand the role of wife and mother.

6. contemporary (adj) – modern, belonging to the present time

All are concerned with changing the role of women in contemporary society.

7. precedence (n) – the right to be put or dealt with before others, esp. because of greater importance

The family must not take precedence over other things women might do.

8. identity (n) – who or what a particular person or thing is

Women may keep their maiden names after marriage, to maintain personal identity.

9. presumption (n) – disrespectful behavior that shows too high an opinion of oneself

Jobs must be available to both sexes without the presumption that one sex is more capable than the other.

10. obstinate (adj) – refusing to change one’s opinion or behavior; difficult to deal with

He is so obstinate – he will not let anyone help him.

11. to evolve (v) – to develop gradually by a long continuous process

For years women hoped that a new social order would gradually evolve.

12. to concern (v) – to worry or interest

WLM is also concerned with attitudes and beliefs

13. to raise (v) – to produce, cause to grow or develop and look after

A woman is able to decide to stay at home and raise a family, or to stay at home and not raise a family, or to go out and work.

Vocabulary practice

Ex. 1. Fill in the word-form chart making the necessary changes. The first line is done for you.

Verb	Noun	Adjective
to appoint	appointment	appointed
		successful
	cooperation
		considerable
to obstruct
	distribution

Ex. 2. Fill in the blanks with the words from the chart.

1. The movement has already had … impact in many areas of male-female relations.

2. One of the most objectionable is the unequal … of power throughout the system.

3. In work, they want women and men to have the same jobs and the same chance …

4. It should not be … a full-time job for either one.

5. But change has been painfully slow, … by men who are unwilling to share their power.

6. They feel that women ought to be … equal to men in every way.

7. Not until President Reagan … Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court did a woman serve on the nation’s highest judicial body.

8. To advance their programme, women welcome the … and understanding of men.

Ex. 3. Match the synonymous pairs.

contemporary reject contender to expand opportunity to achieve issue goal to consider 10) to oppose

refuse rival broaden possibility modern problem, question aim to regard attain to stand in opposition

Ex. 4. Replace the word or phrase in italics with the synonym from the list of Ex. 3.

1. All are concerned with changing the role of women in modern society.

2. Although there have been a few women in Congress, there has never been a woman president; not even a serious rival.

3. Shouldn’t women receive the same pay as men for the same work, have the same educational possibilities?

4. The Women’s Liberation movement has not yet attained all goals, some of which are controversial even among women.

5. Many people agree with the ideals and aims of women’s Liberation.

6. Other people stand in opposition to women’s Liberation.

7. Many women refuse the straitjacket role of child bearing and homemaking.

8. It is important to remember that the Women’s Liberation Movement is not concerned only with concrete problems.

9. The work of raising children should not be regarded a full-time job for either the mother or the father.

10. In many years many women have sought to broaden the role of wife and mother.

Ex. 5. Translate the following phrases into Russian. Find and read out the sentences with them in the text.

1. the Women’s Liberation Movement;

2. to be concerned about one’s identity;

3. to hold a view of women;

4. full equality with men;

5. to shake all the work and responsibilities;

6. a chance to succeed;

7. to hold the same job as to share in the cleaning, cooking and other

   1. household jobs;

8. to be concerned with attitudes and beliefs;

9. the issue of women’s identity;

10. to improve one’s view of oneself;

11. to take a job outside the home;

12. the ideals and goals of women’s liberation;

13. to be considered equal to men;

14. to be opposed to women’s liberation;

15. to have the same educational opportunities.