English Reading Practice

Human Right Number 22:
Social Security

Social means, "relating society or its people."

Security means, "protection against something bad that can happen in the future."

1. Watch the video at the top of the page.

2. Read the story "Social Security" just below it.

3. Do the exercise at the bottom of the page.

Here is the Social Security video. You can watch it in your own language at www.youthforhumanrights.org. (Simply click the word "language" at the top of their homepage.)



The Universal Declaration of Human Rights describes 30 basic rights that each person has, simply because he or she is human.

This is human right number 22 (the simplified version):

"22. Social Security. We all have the right to affordable housing, medicine, education, and childcare, enough money to live on and medical help if we are ill or old."

Now read the short story about this important human right.

Social Security  

Jimmy works for a big construction company. He helps to build roads and parking lots.

One day, Jimmy falls off his tractor and gets hurt. He breaks his leg.
After a few weeks, Jimmy's leg heals, but it still does not work the way he needs it to. He is still very weak.

Because of this, Jimmy cannot return to work. This makes it difficult for him to make money and to provide for his family. Without his work, he cannot pay rent or buy food.

Thanks to social security, Jimmy can do something about his situation. His social security provides Jimmy with a therapist. Jimmy visits this therapist five days each week. The therapist teaches Jimmy how to do his job with his leg. They do special exercises that help Jimmy’s leg.

Jimmy is so grateful for this opportunity. He works hard to rebuild his skills and his muscles. Within a few months, he is back to work and is able to provide for his family again.

And now, practice:

Exercise 01

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