Tag: economy

Oil Rises on Revived Middle East Worries, Hurricane Isaias Supply Disruption

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Oil prices increased amid concerns about geopolitical tensions and possible supply disruptions. Higher oil prices can raise transportation and production costs, potentially contributing to inflation and affecting stock markets.

Read the article to know more about the effects of rising oil prices.

https://wealthinsights.metrobank.com.ph/news/update-6-oil-rises-4percent-on-revived-middle-east-worries-hurricane-isaias-supply-disruption

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to grapple with” mean? “On Wednesday, oil prices settled lower after the International Energy Agency agreed to accelerate the release of oil stocks and prioritize diesel supplies as governments grapple with record fuel prices and war-related supply disruptions.” Use it in a sentence.
    Give a synonym or a similar expression.
  2. What does “to curtail” mean? “On Wednesday, Shell and Chevron said they were curtailing Gulf offshore operations, while BP BP.L said it has removed all personnel and shut production at its Na Kika and Thunder Horse platforms.” Use it in a sentence.
    Give a synonym or a similar expression.
  3. What does “to shut in” mean? “US Gulf of Mexico oil and gas producers have shut in about 1.3 million barrels per day, or 62.9%, of current oil production as of Thursday, according to the US Marine Minerals Administration.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. . What are the main factors that can cause oil prices to increase in the global market?
  2. How do rising oil prices affect the cost of transportation, food, and other basic goods?
  3. Why can geopolitical conflicts and tensions cause uncertainty in global financial markets?
  4. What measures can governments and individuals take to reduce the negative effects of rising oil prices?
  5. Do you think the world can eventually reduce its dependence on oil? What challenges might prevent this transition?

Wall Street Finishes Its Record-Setting Week with Gains

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The US stock market rose slightly as the trading week ended. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq each gained 0.3%. However, investors remained cautious because of fluctuating oil prices, inflation, and rising interest rates.

Read the article to know more about US markets closing out the week with strong gains.

https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-ai-bonds-5d0f953dbf96febb0690c1aef23fa8a9

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to yo-yo” mean here: “The strength came as oil prices continued to yo-yo because of uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow the global energy industry to return to normal.”? Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or a similar expression.
    Give a synonym or a similar expression.
  2. What does “to eke out” mean? “Delta Air Lines erased an early loss and eked out a tiny gain of less than 0.1% after reporting profit and revenue for the summer that was slightly weaker than analysts expected.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or a similar expression.
  3. What does “swing” mean here: “On Wall Street, Humana rallied 11.6% and helped lift the U.S. stock market despite the swings in the oil and bond markets.”? Use it in a sentence in this context. Give a synonym or a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Does a record-setting stock market mean that ordinary citizens are becoming wealthier? Why or why not?
  2. Why do you think the U.S. stock market can continue to rise even when other financial markets remain uncertain?
  3. 3How can changes in the U.S. stock market affect your country’s economy and the daily lives of the citizens?
  4. Do you think investing in stocks during a market rally is a smart decision or a risky one? Why?
  5. How important is it for ordinary people to understand financial news and stock market trends?

The Affordability Crisis

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A few decades ago, you could buy a house in your 20s and start a family with a simple job. But in today’s world, doing something like that seems like a dream. Everyday things like food, housing, or electricity have skyrocketed in price, leaving the middle class in constant struggle.

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “exorbitantly” mean? “But exorbitantly priced consumer goods are no longer reserved for wealthy neighborhoods.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “bottleneck” mean? “Additionally, tariffs imposed by the current administration have caused major logistics bottlenecks and stalled cross border trades.”  Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “jack up” mean? “They jack up the baseline price of everything to cover the overhead. And when an insurance claim gets denied, they pass the massive bill straight to you.”  Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think wages in your country are keeping up with the rising cost of living? Why or why not?
  2. How does expensive housing affect people’s quality of life, mental health, and future plans?
  3. How can governments help people without creating other economic problems?
  4. Is it possible for an economy to grow while many people still struggle to afford basic necessities? Explain.
  5. Could technology and automation help reduce the cost of living, or could they make inequality worse? Share your insights.

The Rise of Long-Term Unemployment

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Google is facing challenges as more people use AI tools and social media instead of traditional search. As search habits change and users rely on direct answers, concerns are growing about the future of web traffic, online content, and Google’s search dominance.

Watch the video and find out about how AI search is changing the web, why fewer users are visiting websites, how Reddit has benefited from the shift, and what it could mean for the future of online information.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cold lead” mean? “I think I banged on every person’s door in my LinkedIn connections. I had found every single connection I had and there was just cold lead and a no.”Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “low hire, low fire” mean? ”The rising amount of long-term unemployed people is the sign of the low hire, low fire environment, with companies reluctant to increase head counts amid higher interest rates and the rise of artificial intelligence.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “non-farm payroll” mean? ”That’s exemplified by the hiring rate for US non-farm payrolls, which stood at 3.5% in March.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think long-term unemployment is primarily an individual issue or a societal one? Why?
  2. What are the benefits of long-term unemployment? How about its hidden tolls?
  3. What’s the labor market conditions like in your own country at present?
  4. What are some of the biggest structural challenges facing your country’s labor market today?
  5. What are your thoughts on this, “Economists are interested in this group of (long-term unemployed) people because their experience can help determine the health of the American labor market.“?
  6. What role should the government play in reducing unemployment and improving job security?

Americans Find New Ways to Survive Higher Prices

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

As tensions in Iran persist and inflation drives up expenses, ordinary Americans are trying to find strategies to help them cope with the growing cost of living. They are looking for creative ways to stretch their budgets. 

Some are cutting back on nonessential spending, shopping for discounts, using coupons, and seeking lower-cost alternatives for everyday needs. Others are taking on additional work or adjusting their lifestyles to better manage increasing expenses and maintain financial stability.

Watch the video and find out about how Americans are finding ways to manage higher costs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to feel the hit” mean? “Luckily, I have a co-teacher where we split everything, but I know she’s feeling a hit herself and we’ve already had conversations that we’re going to have to take it easy.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to turn up the heat” mean? ”We’ve told you how rising food prices are turning up the heat on restaurants. In Texas, beef is so expensive, now barbecue joints are losing money on brisket, a staple menu item.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to hold the line on something” mean? ”For now, he’s holding the line on prices, ordering only what he needs” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the biggest financial challenges people face when the cost of living increases?
  2. How might continued increases in living costs affect people’s quality of life?
  3. What strategies can individuals use to manage higher expenses effectively?
  4. Do you think taking on extra work is a sustainable solution to rising living costs? Why or why not? 
  5. What role should governments play in helping citizens cope with inflation and rising prices?
  6. Have you or someone you know changed spending habits because of higher prices? How?

UN Lowers Forecast for Global Economic Growth 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent global finance story reports that the United Nations has lowered its 2026 global economic growth forecast from 2.7% to 2.5% because of rising oil prices and instability in the Middle East. Economists warn that higher energy costs could increase inflation worldwide and slow down consumer spending and investment.

Read the article to learn why countries that are heavily dependent on imported fuel may be affected the most.

https://apnews.com/article/un-global-economic-forecast-growth-inflation-oil-e79c64aeb599030c308e6c93eaf9b350

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “plunge” mean? “Economic growth in the region is projected to plunge from 3.6% in 2025 to 1.4% in 2026, “driven not only by the energy shock but also by direct infrastructure damage and severe disruptions to oil production, trade and tourism.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “strategic reserve” mean? “In Asia, the U.N. said China’s diversified energy mix, sizable strategic reserves and government actions are providing a buffer, so its economic growth is only expected to slow from 5% in 2025 to 4.6% this year.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “resilient” mean? “In the United States, the economy is expected to remain “comparatively resilient” with 2% growth forecast this year, broadly similar to 2025, it said.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think rising oil prices affect everyday people around the world?
  2. Why do you think global economic growth is slowing down this year?
  3. In your opinion, which countries are most vulnerable to higher fuel costs? Why?
  4. Have you personally noticed any increase in prices related to fuel or transportation recently?
  5. What do you think governments can do to help people during economic slowdowns and inflation?

How is Denmark So Rich?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A country that is small, cold, not oil-rich, with very high taxes, no industrial base, and where citizens work the least number of hours could not possibly be rich.

Oh, but Denmark really is. 

Despite its sky-high taxes, it didn’t stunt the economy’s growth. The country boasts a well-educated and healthy citizens.

Watch the video explaining how Denmark is so rich.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “the crack in the foundation”? “But before we crown Denmark the “perfect economy, it’s worth noting the cracks in the foundation.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “fluke” mean? “How is Denmark pulling this off? Is it a fluke or is there a formula behind its success?” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to punch above one’s weight” mean? “Despite its small size, Denmark punches way above its weight. It is home to Novo Nordisk, Europe’s most valuable company, Maersk, one of the biggest shipping giants in the world, and Vestas, a global leader in wind energy.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Denmark continuously getting richer and richer?
  2. What are some of the “cracks in the Danish economy’s foundation”?
  3. What is your opinion? “Is this equitable dreamland really sustainable in the long run?”
  4. After the WWII, Denmark had to make a major choice: stay a low-productivity agrarian economy or modernize and integrate into the rapidly developing global trade. It chose the latter. Share your insights on this.
  5. Share your thoughts on the Nordic model: combining capitalism and strong welfare state.
  6. What do you think about Denmark’s principle that universal healthcare is a prudent economic strategy? 
  7. What are your thoughts on investing in better cycling infrastructure? 

Economic Warning Signs Despite Record Holiday Shopping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Despite record-breaking holiday shopping sales, new warning signs are emerging in the economy. Strong consumer spending may suggest confidence on the surface, but underlying issues such as rising debt, persistent inflation, and slowing job growth point to potential financial strain ahead. This contrast highlights growing concerns that robust retail activity may be masking deeper economic challenges.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “K-shaped economy.” “Experts say they’re seeing consumers going in two directions; what they’re calling a K-shaped economy.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “take a hit” mean? “People are struggling with the economy so everyone has taken a hit.” Make one sentence using this idiom.
  3. What does the phrase “dig for deals” mean? “This holiday season, while some shoppers splurge, others are digging for deals.” Use the expression in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think strong holiday shopping is a reliable sign of economic strength, or can it be misleading? Why?
  2. In your opinion, should governments be concerned about warning signs even when consumer spending remains high?
  3. How can record holiday shopping coexist with economic warning signs such as rising debt or slowing job growth?
  4. What economic indicators should be examined beyond consumer spending to better understand the true health of the economy?

The End of Globalization

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Globalization has allowed countries to be more connected, with their economies and societies becoming very much dependent on each other.

While globalization is not dead yet, PWC Global Chairman Robert Moritz believes it will go through a very important shift into regionalization.

Will this be the end of globalization as we know it? 

Watch the video where Bloomberg’s New Economy Forum’s delegates give their two cents about the future of every nation’s interconnectivity.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to rewire” mean?  “Globalization is not dead, it’s going to be rewired.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. Explain the meaning of “fragmentation” in trade. “That doesn’t mean you will have fragmentation in the sense of totally competitive blocs because they’re also trying very hard to increase their trade exposure and exports to each other in order to grow their economies.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “disaggregation” mean in economics? “The possible outcome is that we’re going to have economic growth not stemming from global integration, but from disaggregation.” Use the word in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on nations shifting to doing trade more on the regional, bilateral, or just among smaller number of countries.
  2. What might be the impacts when countries shift to regionalization instead of globalization?
  3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of globalization, regionalization, and fragmentation.
  4. Do you agree or disagree that what we have now is regionalization and not fragmentation? Discuss.
  5. Do you think that the breakdown of the global economy into distinct economic and trade blocs in North America, Europe, and Asia will not result to fragmentation? Explain.

BRICS: The Rise of a New Global Order

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

According to Wikipedia, the New World Order is a term often used in conspiracy theories which hypothesize a secretly emerging totalitarian world government.

The BRICS, originally a group of countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has been growing economically and politically. Since its foundation, the intergovernmental organization has gained more members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

The question in everyone’s mind is: Is the BRICS going to topple the Western-led institutions like The Group of Seven or G7? Until such time that they figure out their shared values and identity, can they really be considered a powerful global force?

Watch the video about the BRICS and the new world order.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of “trading block”. “BRICS is not a trading block or group. It wasn’t meant to be one.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “united front” mean?  “A variety of tensions between different BRICS members have kept the group from forming a united front, but they have managed it with the New Development Bank, which finances projects across the Global South and provides loans with fewer economic and political conditions compared to the World Bank.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 
  3. Explain the meaning of “multipolar world”. “They want a multipolar world in which there are multiple centuries of geopolitical influence.” Use the phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your insights on the formation of BRICS?
  2. Do you think they are a worthy rival of the Western-led G7? Do you believe they can actually stand up to Trump’s trade war? Share your thoughts.
  3. What are the pros and cons of trading blocs?
  4. Share your opinion on this, “The trade war has increased the solidarity between BRICS nations.”
  5. Share your insights regarding this, “BRICS has talked about a shared currency. BRICS countries support reduced trade in US dollar as a tool, as a method to reduce overall Western economic dominance in the global economy.”
  6. Russia was removed from G8. Thus, it is now known as G7. What are your thoughts on BRICS keeping Russia within the intergovernmental organization?