Why do some countries get richer than others?

Answer each question with 2–3 sentences.

1. Which countries do you think are the richest, and why?
2. Do you think wealth is mainly a matter of luck?
3. Has your country's economy changed in your lifetime?
4. What does a country need to become prosperous?
5. Is geography destiny?
6. Would you move to another country for better pay?

Read each word and the example. Then say a sentence about an economy.

Choose the word that fits.

1. A country's wealth and success are called its .
2. The gap between rich and poor is known as .
3. Roads, ports and power networks make up a nation's .
4. Bribery among public officials is a form of .
5. Investors prefer political to constant crisis.
6. Foreign firms rarely large sums in countries where contracts are not respected.
7. Without good schools, an economy tends to and fall behind.
8. The government introduced a major economic to attract investment.

Choose the right answer, then press Check answers.

1. prosperity is a state of being
   poor and tiredold and quietwealthy and successful
2. inequality = an unfair
   differenceagreementdelay
   between groups
3. corruption is dishonest behaviour by people in
   powertrainspairs
4. to stagnate = to stop
   developingstartingspeaking
5. accountable = required to
   avoid your actionsforget your actionsexplain your actions
6. property rights = the legal right to
   move house onlyown and use propertyrent a car only

Use these phrases to argue in a formal, careful way.

• It is widely acknowledged that...Широко визнано, що...It is widely acknowledged that institutions matter.
• One might argue that...Можна стверджувати, що...One might argue that geography is decisive.
• Nevertheless,...Проте,...Nevertheless, some poor countries have prospered.
• Furthermore,...Крім того,...Furthermore, stability encourages investment.
• The evidence demonstrates that...Докази демонструють, що...The evidence demonstrates that reform can work.
• This is attributable to...Це пояснюється...This is attributable to weak institutions.
• A significant proportion of...Значна частка...A significant proportion of the population lives in poverty.
• It would be an oversimplification to say...Було б надто спрощено казати,...It would be an oversimplification to say that culture decides everything.

Read the text. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. The text says that the question has a simple answer.
   TrueFalse
2. Acemoglu and Robinson emphasise the importance of institutions.
   TrueFalse
3. Nogales is used as an example of a divided town.
   TrueFalse
4. South Korea and North Korea are said to have diverged dramatically.
   TrueFalse
5. The text concludes that geography is the only factor.
   TrueFalse

1. Which matters more, institutions or geography?
2. Can a poor country become rich quickly?
3. What role should rich countries play?
4. Is economic growth always desirable?

Common mistakes: use it is widely acknowledged that and one might argue that in formal speech, put a comma after linking words such as nevertheless and furthermore, and use adverbs, not adjectives, to modify verbs. ✗ It is widely acknowledged what institutions matter → that. ✗ Nevertheless but some countries prospered → Nevertheless, some countries prospered. ✗ It is common argued → It is commonly argued. ✗ Numerous country → Numerous countries.

1. It is widely acknowledged
   whatthat
   institutions matter.
2. The study
   demonstrates todemonstrates
   that growth requires stability.
3. One might argue
   tothat
   geography is decisive.
4. Nevertheless butNevertheless,
   some countries have prospered.
5. These measures
   requirerequires
   careful study.
6. It is
   commoncommonly
   argued that trade creates wealth.
7. The committee
   commencedcommence
   its inquiry in May.
8. Numerous
   countrycountries
   have attempted similar reforms.

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. It is widely acknowledged what institutions matter. →
2. The report demonstrates to that growth requires stability. →
3. Nevertheless but some countries have prospered. →
4. It is common argued that trade creates wealth. →
5. Numerous country have tried similar reforms. →
6. These measures requires careful study. →

Answer in detail. Use a formal register.

1. Which explanation of national wealth do you find most convincing?
2. It is widely acknowledged that institutions matter. Do you agree?
3. Nevertheless, some countries prosper without resources. How is that possible?
4. Furthermore, what role does education play?
5. One might argue that luck matters. What is your view?
6. What would you recommend to a poor country?

Three people discuss why countries differ. Compare them. Who stresses institutions? Who stresses geography? Whose view is closest to yours?

Your teacher will time you.

1. Plan for one minute, then speak for one or two minutes.
2. Part 1: describe a country that has grown rich or stayed poor and offer an explanation.
3. Part 2: use a formal register (at least two linking adverbs and one impersonal structure).
4. Part 3: say what you would recommend to a poorer country.

1. Which country would you most like to visit for its economy?
2. Do you think your country is prosperous?
3. What makes a place good to live in?
4. Would you invest in a new business abroad?
5. Do you follow economic news?
6. Does inequality worry you?
7. Have you ever seen the effects of corruption?
8. What would you change about your country's economy?

1. Who in your family works in business or finance?
2. Who in your life lives abroad?
3. Who do you trust to explain the economy?
4. Who has the most influence on your country's economy?
5. Who should help poorer countries?
6. Who in history built a strong economy?

1. Is geography more important than institutions?
2. Should rich countries give more aid?
3. Is economic growth good for everyone?
4. Can corruption ever be fully removed?
5. Is inequality a price worth paying for growth?