Women in Britain are better off today than they used to be. At the beginning of the 19th century, women seem to have almost no rights at all
Women in Britain are better off today than they used to be. At the beginning of the 19th century, women seem to have almost no rights at all. They could not vote , or even sign a contract. Their marriages were arranged by their parents. They were once kept at home and if they were allowed to work, they were never given responsible jobs. It is strange to think that, as far as we know, most women were happy with that situation.
Today the position is quite different. Women now can vote and choose their own husbands. In 1970, a law was passed to give them an equal share of property in the case of divorce, and in the same year the Equal Pay Act gave them the right to get equal payment with them for work of equal value.
Despite these changes, there is no doubt that there are still great differences in status between men and women. Many employers seem to ignore the Equal Pay Act. It is also more difficult for a woman to get a promotion than a man does.
Gender inequality has not been so serious as it was in the past. More and more women go out to work, earn more money, get high positions in the society, and live independently. However, there are two great problems to solve. The first problem is men’s attitude. They always think that women are lower in rank and are the weaker gender. We do not know exactly how long it will take them to change their mind. And the other problem which is much more difficult is women’s attitude. They should be ready to struggle to change their life.
1. What is best title for this passage?
a. Changes in British women's rights
b. Changes in British men's rights
c. British women's pressure at work
d. British Women's responsibilities
2. At the beginning of the 19th century, ______________
a. British women were better off than today
b. British women didn't have the same right as men
c. British women could choose their husbands
d. British women could sign a contract