Spain’s 100% Tax for Homes for Non-EU Residents

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Spain is to impose a tax that is up to 100% of the value of the property on non-EU residents, UK citizens included. This measure is believed to be one of the ways to address the country’s increasing housing crisis.

Read the article about Spain’s plans to impose 100% property tax on foreigners from outside of EU.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr7enzjrymxo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to lose sight of something” mean? “Here in the UK, we also have problems with landlords buying multiple properties and driving up the rest, but this policy is losing sight of those of us who want to spend money in the country.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “a drop in the ocean” mean? “But this will be a drop in the ocean in my opinion and there will be other alternatives that will have a higher impact on the housing market.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What is “retrospective tax”? “I definitely wouldn’t consider trying to get in before this tax, because who knows what else they could do, a retrospective tax.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Put your two cents in on this plan by the Spanish government. Are pro or against it? Do you think it could help solve the country’s housing problem? Explain.
  2. How might this impact Spain?
  3. How else can the purchase of homes by non-EU foreigners be limited?
  4. Do you think foreigners buying homes in another country actually adds to the local economy? Share your opinion.
  5. Do you agree with Spain’s “golden visa” scheme being abolished? Elaborate.
  6. If you were a non-EU resident, would you still consider buying a property in Spain now? Why or why not?

Electronic Cigarette Dispute

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tobacco is a leading cause of life-threatening diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory illness, and more. Despite efforts to regulate tobacco products, the industry continues to evolve, introducing new products such as electronic cigarettes. While some argue these alternatives reduce harm, concerns remain about their long-term effects and appeal to young people. Governments and health organizations worldwide face challenges in balancing regulation and public health while considering industry influence and consumer choices.

Watch the video using the link below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “non-communicable” mean? “While these non-communicable diseases, or NCDs for short, cannot be spread from person to person, they have still become the single leading cause of death worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “geared around” mean? “By and large, U.S. trade policy is geared around making sure that markets are open so that U.S. goods, U.S. farm products, U.S. services can all be traded outside of the United States.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “intervene” mean? “It really only has one exception, which is that if those restrictions are only applied on foreign products, it allows those executive branch agencies to intervene in that case.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do tobacco regulations impact public health?
  2. Should governments impose stricter laws on electronic cigarettes? Why or why not?
  3. What are some challenges in balancing industry interests and public health?
  4. How do young people get influenced by tobacco marketing?
  5. What measures can individuals take to reduce tobacco consumption in their communities?

Trump’s Antics Anger Canadians

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Canada, as a young and multicultural nation, often grapples with defining its identity. However, one common sentiment among Canadians is that being ‘Canadian’ means distinctly ‘not American.’ So, when US President Donald Trump suggested Canada should become the 51st US state and referred to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Canada’s ‘governor’, a title typically reserved for US state leaders, it sparked widespread anger among Canadians.

Let’s read the article to learn more about the tensions between the USA and the Canadian people.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/15/trump-canada-tariffs-trade-war-vacations/82411737007

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “getting the cold shoulder” mean? “Americans are getting the cold shoulder from our neighbors to the north.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the verb “jeer“. “Canadians are learning to “Buy Beaver” instead of U.S.-made products. They’re jeering our national anthem at hockey games.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the idiom “in good conscience“? “They’re writing in, saying ‘I can no longer in good conscience do business with American businesses,'” said Lorenzo McGregor, 45, the co-owner of Tex’s Riverways boat shuttle service here.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States?
  2. Do you think the relationship between the US and Canada will get better in the near future? Why or why not?
  3. Has your country ever experienced trade disputes with other nations? If so, what were the circumstances?
  4. Are there significant taxes placed on foreign goods or services in your country?
  5. How would you describe your country’s current relationship with the US?
  6. What is “Buy Beaver”? Would you use such an app if your country got into a dispute with another country?

How Will the Global Economy Fare in 2025?

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. What might be the effects of US tariff-centered policies in the global economy? How about in your country?
  3. How do you think the economy of your country will fare this year?
  4. What are your thoughts on supporting the crypto industry? Could it boost a country’s economy? Explain.

Global Growth Is Expected to Remain Stable Yet Underwhelming

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The IMF’s recent World Economic Outlook indicates that while global growth remains steady, it is underperforming compared to pre-pandemic levels. Key risks include geopolitical tensions, volatility in financial markets, and potential challenges in China’s property sector. These issues are prompting economists to push for structural reforms and a “policy pivot”.

Listen to the audio and/or read the transcript to know how this policy pivot can sustain economic recovery through targeted fiscal and monetary adjustments.

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/10/22/world-economic-outlook-october-2024

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “sectoral dynamics”. “As global disinflation continues, services price inflation remains elevated in many regions, pointing to the importance of understanding sectoral dynamics and of calibrating monetary policy accordingly.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define “cyclical imbalance“. “With cyclical imbalances in the global economy waning, near-term policy priorities should be carefully calibrated to ensure a smooth landing.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “bolster” mean? “These have been compensated for by upgrades to the forecast for emerging Asia, where surging demand for semiconductors and electronics, driven by significant investments in artificial intelligence, has bolstered growth, a trend supported by substantial public investment in China and India.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘bolster’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some potential impacts on consumers if financial market volatility increases?
  2. Why do you think a policy pivot is important for maintaining economic stability right now?
  3. How might challenges in China’s property market influence other economies around the world?
  4. How do you think rising geopolitical tensions affect the global economy and international trade?
  5. Do you agree or disagree with this, “Support for the most vulnerable should be maintained.” Share your thoughts.

Is Capitalism Actually Broken?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or companies own and control the production of goods. In modern capitalist economies, the prices of goods and people’s income are mostly determined by the market, based on how businesses and individuals interact, rather than by government control. Capitalism is based on private ownership, the aim of making a profit, and competition in the market.

Watch this video trying to explain whether capitalism is, in fact, broken.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “to take hold”? “In England, the country for which we have the best data before capitalism, the share of income going to the top 5% of income earners, peaked at around 40% in 1801, and then, as capitalism took hold, it fell steadily to a low of about 17% in 1977.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “on the other end of the spectrum” mean? On the other end of the spectrum, at 100%, private citizens own all the capital.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. Explain “laissez-faire capitalism”. “At the height of the Industrial Revolution, the dials were set pretty close to what we now call “laissez-faire capitalism“.” Use this term in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the difference between the “three dials”.
  2. Share your thoughts on capitalism.
  3. Who do you think gains from capitalism, and who faces challenges because of it?
  4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of capitalism?
  5. Are there better alternatives to capitalism? Cite some of them and give examples, too.

24-Hour Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

New York is dubbed as “The City that Never Sleeps”. But apparently, The Big Apple isn’t the only one and there are many more that are striving to become one as well.

About 100 cities in the world are called 24-hour cities. This means bustling nightlife where there are more places open all throughout the night.

It is believed that having a 24-hour city can help with a city’s economic growth. However, despite some benefits, it is still faces a deal of skepticism from people. 

Read the article to know more about the pros and cons of 24-hour cities.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckdgqpy0lyeo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to home in on something” mean? “Yet a growing number of cities around the world are increasingly homing in on ways to strengthen their night-time economy.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What is a “reveller”? “But not everyone is supportive of the change: “We don’t have enough security for it,” says one concerned reveller.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “up all night” mean? “But most of those cities, including London, Sydney, and Sinatra’s beloved New York, are not up all night.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on 24-hour cities. Talk about its benefits and the problems you see with it.
  2. Is your city one? Do you feel about that? If it isn’t yet, how would you feel about it becoming one?
  3. What do you think about a city’s 24-hour drinking zone?
  4. What are ways for cities to strengthen their night-time economy?
  5. What are your thoughts on night mayor or night czar’s job?

World’s Strangest Levies

B2 – Upper Intermediate

From blueberries to piercings, junk food to baby name approval taxes, the world is full of unusual levies that go beyond the standard income, property, and sales taxes we’re all familiar with. Imagine being taxed on the junk food you eat or the number of times you flush the toilet. These peculiar taxes not only reflect the diverse strategies of local governments but also ignite debates on their fairness and effectiveness.

Read this article to know the most unconventional taxes implemented across the globe.

https://www.euronews.com/business/2024/06/21/what-a-taxing-thought-where-in-the-world-you-find-the-strangest-levies

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to draw the purse strings tight” mean? “These and several more odd taxes might make you pause and draw the purse strings tight again.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “eating away at something”. “It cites rising interest rates, labour costs and inflation which are all eating away at blueberry profit margins. Make a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to face the brunt of something”? “I fear that in the not-so-distant future, lesser skilled employees will face the brunt of redundancies as their jobs are taken by robots.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the levies in the article do you think are the most and least reasonable?
  2. How do you personally feel about governments using taxes to influence people’s behavior, such as with junk food taxes or carbon emission taxes?
  3. In your opinion, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing a robot tax in industries that rely heavily on automation?
  4. If you could propose a new tax to address a pressing issue in your country or community, what would it target and why?
  5. Should taxes be used as a tool to address environmental issues, such as reducing carbon emissions or promoting sustainable practices? Why or why not?

Why Can’t Prices Just Stay the Same?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Seeing the prices of goods rise in our preferred supermarket is probably no longer shocking, as it is just the way things are these days. Even if we are aware that it is inflation, we nevertheless find ourselves wondering why because the majority of us are looking for solutions, particularly, relief from the strain that inflation has placed on our finances.

To understand why prices can’t stay the same, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “virtuous cycle” in economics. “When supply chain interruptions created product shortages and some companies artificially drove up prices to increase their profits, which along with some other causes, effectively turn this virtuous cycle into a vicious one.” Construct your own sentence.
  2. What does “deflationary spiral” mean? “Falling prices sound pretty good, but they can also introduce another kind of cycle: a deflationary spiral.” Make your own sentence using this term.
  3. What is the meaning of “in no small part“? “Japan is finally emerging from decades of chronic deflation, but that’s thanks, in no small part, to the high inflation that most of the world battled over the last few years.. Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘in no small part’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the factors mentioned in the video as to why prices can’t stay the same? 
  2. Share your thoughts on this, “A little inflation is a good thing.“.
  3. How is inflation affecting the people in your country? Across the globe?
  4. Do you agree with this assertion, “It’s okay if prices rise so long as wages rise too. You’ll still be able to afford the same goods if your wages keep pace with inflation.“? Explain your stance.
  5. What strategies can you recommend to counteract the strain that inflation has placed on our finances?

How Singapore Got So Crazy Rich

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Singapore, a small island city-state in Southeast Asia, has grown to become one of the world’s most powerful economies. Despite its lack of natural resources, the country has managed to transform itself from a sleepy fishing village to a global financial hub in just a few decades.

Through its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and strong emphasis on education and innovation, the country has managed to become a global economic powerhouse. While challenges remain, Singapore is well-positioned to continue its economic success in the years to come.

Watch the video and learn how a small country grew into a prosperous one.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knowledge-based economy” mean, “Singapore shifted emphasis to a knowledge-based economy that relies more on creativity and growing Singapore’s entrepreneurs.”? Make a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “land reclamation” mean, “It had embarked on an ambitious land reclamation project in the 1970’s.”? Make a sentence using this phrase.
  3. What does “politicking” mean, “There will be that politicking that will happen in much more intensely in the years to come than there was ever before.”? Make a sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was Singapore’s formula for success?
  2. What are the respective economic policies of Singapore’s prime ministers? What are your thoughts on them?
  3. Tell the story on how your country’s economy grew to what it is now.
  4. What are your government’s current economic policies?
  5. What do you think your government should do and focus on economy-wise?