Task 2

Question 1

Human beings have long struggled with the difficulty of ensuring both freedom and fairness in society. Some people argue that a good society is necessarily one that ensures equality for all. However, in my view, this is neither feasible nor desirable in practice.

Answer 1

In short, while equality of opportunity is an attractive concept, attempting to put this ideal into practice can do more harm than good. People are different in terms of their values, talents and initiatives. It is not possible to ensure equality without distorting what makes people unique.

Question 2

a simple but altruistic life

Answer 2

unselfish

Question 3

some people can make the most of scanty resources

Answer 3

scanty (small or insufficient in quantity or amount)

Question 4

others do very little with inherited wealth or educational opportunities

Answer 4

inherited spelling I N H E R I T E D

Question 5

it is not easy to ensure a level playing field without damaging the incentive to do well

Answer 5

incentive (a thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.)

Question 6

in order to confer advantages on their children: private schooling, for example.

Answer 6

to confer … on …: grant (a title, degree, benefit, or right).

Question 7

without capping the aspiration of those who work hard

Answer 7

cap (limit)

aspiration (a hope or ambition of achieving something.)