'The World is Scary' Says Gen Z Americans
LIFESTYLE
12/20/2025
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Have you heard people say the world feels scary today?
Do you think young people worry more now than before?
Does the news affect how you feel about the future?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
scary – frightening
Example: The news can be scary for many people.worry – to feel nervous about something
Example: I worry about my future.problem – something difficult
Example: Climate change is a big problem.news – information about events
Example: I read the news every morning.safe – not dangerous
Example: I feel safe at home.
Developed (B2–C2)
pessimistic – generally negative about the future
Example: Many young people feel pessimistic about the world today.cynicism – doubt that change is possible
Example: Cynicism makes people stop trusting politics.division – disagreement between groups
Example: Political division creates stress in society.discrimination – unfair treatment of a group
Example: Discrimination affects people’s mental health.violence – behavior meant to hurt or damage
Example: Violence in schools makes students feel unsafe.
READING
Introduction
“Some young people think the world is scary. This text shows what makes them worried and what keeps them safe. Read and try to understand the main ideas.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Many young people in the US think the world is scary. They worry about the future. Problems like violence, COVID-19, and climate change make them anxious.
Some people feel that protests and politics cannot change problems. They think one person cannot make a big difference.
Because of these worries, young people sometimes feel stressed and unhappy. They see problems everywhere and do not always feel safe.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Many young people feel pessimistic about the future because of the COVID-19 pandemic, school violence, climate change, and social media.
There is growing cynicism about politics and protests, with many believing individual action is ineffective. Discrimination, political division, and mental health challenges add to these feelings.
As a result, young people often see risk everywhere and feel anxious, uncertain, or discouraged instead of safe.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
Do young people think the world is safe or scary?
What problems make young people worry?
Can one person change problems, according to the text?
B1–B2
Why do many young people feel pessimistic about the future?
How does cynicism affect their view of politics and protests?
Name two problems that add to young people’s worries.
C1–C2
How do violence, climate change, and social division shape Gen Z’s worldview?
In what ways does cynicism affect political engagement?
How do events like COVID-19 and climate change affect emotional wellbeing and feelings of being safe?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ is scary because ___.”
“One problem today is ___.”
“I worry about ___ because ___.”
“This makes people feel less safe.”
Personal Questions:
Do you feel worried about the future? Why?
Do you think the world is safe today?
Have you ever felt scared by the news?
Do you worry about problems like climate change?
What makes you feel safe?
Do you feel happy in your daily life? Why?
Is school or work stressful for you?
Do you talk to someone when you worry?
Do you think young people have more problems now?
What helps you feel calm when things feel scary?
Do you like watching or reading the news? Why?
Do you feel safe in your city or town?
Have you ever experienced violence or danger?
Does social media increase your worry?
What do you do when you feel worried?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One challenge is ___, which affects ___ and ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___.”
“This situation makes people feel ___, especially when ___ and ___.”
Personal Questions:
Why do young people feel pessimistic about the future today?
How does the news affect your sense of being safe?
Have global problems changed your daily life? How?
What problems make people anxious in your country?
How do you cope with stress and worry?
How do protests or politics increase cynicism?
Do you think one person can solve problems? Why?
How does climate change increase worry about the future?
How do friends or family help you feel safe?
Do you feel more pessimistic than older generations? Why?
How do schools or workplaces deal with violence or stress?
Have you ever supported a cause related to discrimination?
How does seeing violence in the news affect you?
What helps you feel more in control when life feels scary?
How does your community handle problems like safety or health?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One significant problem is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___ or ___.”
“Seeing ___ makes me feel ___; for example, ___, ___, and ___; yet, it motivates me to ___.”
“I think the world is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___.”
Personal Questions:
How do global problems like pandemics or wars affect your outlook?
Is cynicism a realistic or harmful response to modern problems?
How does political division affect young people’s sense of being safe?
To what extent can individuals reduce problems today?
What advice would you give someone feeling pessimistic about the future?
How does social media increase worry or fear?
How does climate change affect your long-term plans and sense of safety?
How do discrimination and inequality affect mental health?
Does seeing violence in the news motivate action or increase cynicism?
How do economic problems affect young people’s hopes?
Can education reduce fear in a scary world? How?
How do you personally manage constant worry about global issues?
Which global problems need urgent action, and why?
How does balancing being safe and taking risks affect your choices?
How do today’s problems shape your values and lifestyle?
