B2 – Upper Intermediate
As the new year starts, questions on how some of the world’s Powerhouse economies will fare arise.
While, the US saw strong growth, China and Germany’s economies did not see much boost in the previous year. They struggled to deal with fundamental challenges.
How will President Donald Trump’s return to office and America’s tariff-centred policies affect the global economy?
Watch the video on some insights on how the global economy will fare in 2025.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is does “economic laggard” mean? “Traditionally, the German economy is seen as the Powerhouse of Europe. It is after all, the largest economy in Europe, but increasingly, it’s the economic laggard.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “a lump of coal in one’s stocking” mean? “If Donald Trump comes into office in January and imposes huge tariffs on imports to the US, then economies everywhere will face a big disruption and Wall Street might find a lump of coal in its stocking.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
- What does the phrase “in the doldrums” mean? “We think the impact of rate easing on the economy will be marginal because most of the credit-intense sectors are still in [the] doldrums.” Use this expression in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- According to the video, how will the US, German, and Chinese economy fare this year? Talk about some challenges and possible workarounds for each country.
- What might be the effects of US tariff-centered policies in the global economy? How about in your country?
- How do you think the economy of your country will fare this year?
- What are your thoughts on supporting the crypto industry? Could it boost a country’s economy? Explain.