Is this a win for women’s rights? Japan’s "Iron Lady" smashed through the glass ceiling when she became her country’s first ever female premier. But some say her policies will hold other women back.
Japan elects its first female leader
Looking back: Takaichi, above, often wears blue suits to pay tribute to her political role model, Britain's Margaret Thatcher. Comprehension quiz
-
What is the correct definition of the term “patriarchal” as used in this article?
A: A society or system controlled by men, where they hold the primary power.
B: A government that provides extensive welfare for its citizens.
C: A system where leadership is passed down through the mother’s side.
D: A cultural belief in the equality of all genders.
-
In the line “Thatcher earned the moniker because of her deep conviction,” which word is the best synonym for moniker?
A: Reward
B: Reputation
C: Nickname
D: Criticism
-
Which of the following words from the article is spelled incorrectly?
A: historic
B: subsequently
C: acomplishment
D: persistent
-
What do the author and Takaichi’s critics suggest about her appointment, rather than what is directly stated?
A: They believe she will immediately appoint an all-female cabinet to prove her commitment to feminism.
B: They imply that her personal success as a woman may not lead to broader progress for women in Japan due to her conservative policies.
C: They think her “Iron Lady” persona is just an act to gain support from male politicians.
D: They suggest Japan’s gender equality problems are already solved by her election.
-
Combine the two following simple sentences from the text into one complex or compound sentence: “Women still do several times as much housework as men. They face staunch cultural preconceptions that they should abandon their careers after having children.”
A: Women still do several times as much housework as men, and they face staunch cultural preconceptions that they should abandon their careers after having children.
B: Women still do several times as much housework as men, they face staunch cultural preconceptions that they should abandon their careers after having children.
C: Women still do several times as much housework as men, meanwhile facing staunch cultural preconceptions that they should abandon their careers after having children.
D: Women doing several times as much housework as men and facing staunch cultural preconceptions that they should abandon their careers after having children.
-
Write the main idea of the third paragraph in a single, complete sentence.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. A 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. Sanae Takaichi's political accomplishment was the result of a long and difficult effort spanning decades, including an early electoral loss.
1. A 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. Sanae Takaichi's political accomplishment was the result of a long and difficult effort spanning decades, including an early electoral loss.
Glossary
Margaret Thatcher - Britain’s first female prime minister (from 1979 to 1990) and the longest-serving prime minister of the modern era. She was a Conservative.
Glass ceiling - An invisible systemic barrier that stops women from reaching the top of many professions.
Conservative - Holding traditional values, and in a political context, favouring policies such as private ownership.
Legislation - Legislation consists of a law or laws passed by a government.
Maiden names - A woman's surname before she gets married.
Imperial family - The reigning dynasty of Japan — the family of the current emperor.
Feminist - Someone who calls for women's rights and equality of the sexes.
Patriarchal - A society in which adult men have a monopoly on power. In these societies, men tend to hold all political positions, and women and children are also expected to obey the men in their families.