Essential Vocabulary Words Related to Adoption in English for ESL Learners

Are you looking to expand your English vocabulary in the context of adoption? Here are some vocabulary words related to the ESL topic of adoption along with their meanings:

Adopt 

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /əˈdɒpt/
  • US: /əˈdɑːpt/

Definition: To legally take another's child and raise it as one's own.

Example sentence: They decided to adopt a child from a different country to expand their family.

Biological Parent

  • Pronunciation:

    • UK: /ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈpeərənt/
    • US: /ˌbaɪəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl ˈperənt/

    Definition: The natural parent of a child.

Example sentence: She finally met her biological parents after years of searching.

Legal Guardian

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /ˈliːɡəl ˈɡɑːdiən/
  • US: /ˈliːɡəl ˈɡɑːrdiən/

Definition: An individual designated by a court to deal with the issues of a minor or incompetent person.

Example Sentence: The court appointed her as the legal guardian of her younger brother.

Foster Care

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /ˈfɒstə keə/
  • US: /ˈfɑːstər ker/

Definition: Temporary care of children by individuals other than their biological parents.

Example sentence: The siblings were placed in foster care while their parents underwent rehabilitation.

Orphanage

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /ˈɔːfənɪdʒ/
  • US: /ˈɔːrfənɪdʒ/

Definition: A residential establishment for the care and education of orphans.Example sentence: The local community rallied together to raise funds for the new orphanage.

Closed Adoption

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /kləʊzd əˈdɒpʃən/
  • US: /kloʊzd əˈdɑːpʃən/

Definition: An adoption where identifying information about birth parents and adoptive families is sealed.


Example sentence: In a closed adoption, the birth guardians don't have contact with the receptive family.

Open Adoption

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /ˈəʊpən əˈdɒpʃən/
  • US: /ˈoʊpən əˈdɑːpʃən/

Definition: An adoption wherein birth guardians and adoptive families have contact and share information.

Legal Parent

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /ˈliːɡəl ˈpeərənt/
  • US: /ˈliːɡəl ˈperənt/

Definition: An individual who has the legal rights and responsibilities of parenthood, either through biological relationship or adoption.

Example Sentence: As the legal parent, she had the authority to make important decisions about her child's education and health.

Birth Certificate

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /bɜːθ səˈtɪfɪkət/
  • US: /bɜːrθ sərˈtɪfɪkət/

Definition: A legal document that identifies a person's date and place of birth, as well as their parents.

Example Sentence: She needed her birth certificate to apply for a passport.

These words are essential for understanding discussions and texts related to adoption, providing clarity on legal, social, and emotional aspects of the topic.

Adoptee

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /əˌdɒpˈtiː/
  • US: /əˌdɑpˈtiː/

Definition: The individual who has been adopted into a family.

Example Sentence: The adoptee grew up knowing they were loved and cherished by their adoptive parents.

Custody

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /ˈkʌstədi/
  • US: /ˈkʌstədi/

Definition: The legal right to make decisions about a child's upbringing and welfare.

Example Sentence: The court granted sole custody of the children to their mother after the divorce.

Termination of Parental Rights

Pronunciation:

  • UK: /ˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən əv ˈpɛərəntəl raɪts/
  • US: /ˌtɜrməˈneɪʃən əv ˈpɛrəntəl raɪts/

Definition: The legal process by which a parent's rights to their child are permanently revoked.

Example Sentence: The court ordered the termination of parental rights due to severe neglect and abuse of the child.


By familiarizing yourself with these vocabulary words related to adoption, you can better understand and communicate about the complex and emotional topic of providing a loving and stable home for children in need.

Conclusion

Expanding your English vocabulary in the realm of adoption is not only beneficial for ESL learners, but also for anyone looking to engage in meaningful conversations about family, child welfare, and societal issues. By learning these key terms, you can navigate discussions about adoption with confidence and sensitivity.


Here are some topics related to adoption that could be explored in an ESL context:

Adoption- ESL Topic  

ESL Topic Conversation: "How Do You Think Adoption Can Change a Person's Life?"

ESL Topic Conversation: "Do You Know Anyone Who is Adopted or Who Has Adopted a Child?"

 ESL Topic Conversation: "What Do You Know About Adoption?"

Adoption: Vocabulary Words

These topics can provide a comprehensive look at adoption from various angles, making them suitable for ESL learners interested in social issues and cultural studies.