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B2 – Upper Intermediate

The implementation of reciprocal tariffs by Donald Trump in 2025 marked a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, aimed at addressing perceived inequities in international trade relationships. In response to persistent goods trade deficits, Trump’s administration declared a national emergency, citing the lack of reciprocity and unfair economic practices by trading partners as primary concerns. The administration’s approach involved conducting extensive investigations to identify these disparities and proposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%, contingent upon bilateral trade deficits.

Critics argue that the methodology underpinning these tariffs is fundamentally flawed. The Tax Foundation contends that Trump’s calculations fail to account for actual tariff rates or non-tariff barriers imposed by other nations, leading to economically detrimental outcomes. Furthermore, FactCheck.org highlights discrepancies between the tariffs proposed by Trump and the World Trade Organization’s average rates, suggesting that this misrepresentation could exacerbate tensions with trading partners. Consequently, while intended as a corrective measure for trade imbalances, Trump’s reciprocal tariffs may have far-reaching negative implications for both domestic consumers and international relations.

Read this article to know more on how Trump defended sweeping tariffs on imports.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2093qgx14po

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to play something down” mean? “Trump’s top officials stressed that the tariffs – announced last week – would be implemented as planned, playing down recession fears.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
2. What does “S&P 500” stand for and what is it? “On Friday, all three major stock indexes in the US fell more than 5%, while the S&P 500 dropped almost 6% in the worst week for the US stock market since 2020.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “reciprocal tariff” mean? “Lutnick went on say the steeper reciprocal tariffs were still on track.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on Donald Trump’s approach to tariffs during his presidency? Do you think they helped or hurt the US economy?
2. Trump’s tariff policies were often criticized for starting trade wars. Do you think this strategy was sustainable in the long run?
3. Share your insights on this, “There was ‘no reason’ to expect a recession as a result. This is an adjustment process.”
4. What do you think about Trump’s statement, “I think your question is so stupid,” he told the reporter. “I don’t want anything to go down. But sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.“?
5. What is your country’s official opinion on this situation?

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?

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 “to get 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 “cannot in good conscience do something“? “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?