New
New
Why is poverty still a global problem?
I can explain why poverty remains a global issue and describe the factors that contribute to it.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 8
Why is poverty still a global problem?
I can explain why poverty remains a global issue and describe the factors that contribute to it.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Poverty is when people don't have enough money or resources to meet their basic needs, like food and shelter.
- How poverty is measured can be different depending on where you live.
- Global poverty still exists because of factors like inequality, lack of education and limited access to resources.
- Poverty can be exacerbated by other factors such as conflict, government instability and climate change.
- The UN and NGOs work hard to tackle global poverty through programmes and initiatives.
Keywords
Absolute poverty - when someone doesn’t have enough money or resources to meet their most basic needs, such as food, shelter and clean water
Relative poverty - when someone’s income is much lower than the average in their society (typically 50-60% less), meaning they struggle to afford the same standard of living as most people around them
Common misconception
There’s no way an individual or national organisation can make a difference to tackling global poverty.
There are many NGOs, global organisations and communities that are working hard to make a difference to global poverty.
Encourage pupils to consider absolute & relative poverty in their discussions, highlighting how poverty can look different depending on context. Use real-world examples to make the concepts relatable, and emphasise the importance of understanding the root causes and global efforts to reduce poverty.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is this describing? A method of drilling into the Earth to extract oil and natural gas by injecting high-pressure fluids to crack rocks and release the resources trapped inside.
What is this describing? A method of drilling into the Earth to extract oil and natural gas by injecting high-pressure fluids to crack rocks and release the resources trapped inside.
Q2.Match the sentence starter to its end.
Match the sentence starter to its end.
Q3.Fracking has been in some countries due to its potential risks, including pollution and harm to wildlife.
Fracking has been in some countries due to its potential risks, including pollution and harm to wildlife.
Q4.Which of the following is a consequence of human rights abuses in some countries?
Which of the following is a consequence of human rights abuses in some countries?
stronger global peace and cooperation
increased access to education
improved international relations
Q5.Which of the following documents sets out basic human rights for all people in the UK?
Which of the following documents sets out basic human rights for all people in the UK?
United Nations (UN) Charter
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Q6.Which of the following best describes the role of public authorities in relation to human rights in the UK?
Which of the following best describes the role of public authorities in relation to human rights in the UK?
They must ignore individual rights for national security.
They can violate human rights without any legal consequences.
They can ignore human rights in times of crisis.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the causes of poverty to their correct descriptions.
Match the causes of poverty to their correct descriptions.
Q2.Complete the sentence: {} poverty occurs when people don’t have enough money to meet their basic needs, such as food, water and shelter.
Complete the sentence: {} poverty occurs when people don’t have enough money to meet their basic needs, such as food, water and shelter.
Q3.Which of the following are key factors that can make poverty worse?
Which of the following are key factors that can make poverty worse?
economic growth
access to education
access to technology
government instability
Q4.Which organisation is actively involved in addressing global poverty through international programmes?
Which organisation is actively involved in addressing global poverty through international programmes?
World Health Organisation (WHO)
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Q5.Complete the sentence: poverty is measured when someone's income is much lower than the average in their society, making it difficult to live the same lifestyle as most people around them.
Complete the sentence: poverty is measured when someone's income is much lower than the average in their society, making it difficult to live the same lifestyle as most people around them.
Q6.What is one reason why poverty can be measured differently depending on where you live?
What is one reason why poverty can be measured differently depending on where you live?
Wealth is shared equally among all countries.
Some countries have no access to education.
Poverty doesn't exist in developed countries.
