Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- persistent /per-SIS-tuhnt/
- dispute /dihs-PYOOT/
- assert /uh-SURT/
- resilient /ri-ZIL-yuhnt/
- negotiation /ni-GOH-shee-ey-shuhn/
[adjective] – continuing to exist or happen, especially for longer than usual or desirable
The persistent rain caused flooding in several areas of the city.
[noun] – a disagreement or argument between two or more people or groups
The labor dispute between workers and the company lasted for several weeks.
[verb] – to state something in a strong and definite way
She asserted her opinion confidently during the class discussion.
[adjective] – able to quickly recover from difficulties or adapt to change
The city’s resilient economy recovered rapidly after the crisis.
[noun] – the process of discussing something to reach an agreement
The negotiation between the two countries helped prevent a trade conflict.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Japan revised its economic growth estimate for the last quarter of the year, adjusting it from 2.8% to 2.2% due to weakened consumer spending and elevated private inventories. The Cabinet Office released the updated data on March 11, 2025, confirming that Japan’s real gross domestic product (GDP) continued its expansion for the third consecutive quarter. However, private demand contracted by 0.3%, a sharper decline than the initial estimate of 0.1%. Export growth was also revised downward to 1.0% from 1.1%. Economic policymakers face mounting complexities as the Bank of Japan evaluates a potential interest rate increase. The government reaffirmed that Japan’s economy grew at an annual rate of only 0.1%, extending its moderate recovery into a fourth consecutive year. The persistent challenge of deflation, which has hindered economic dynamism, has been partially offset by wage increases that have helped stabilize price levels.
The revised GDP figures highlight ongoing uncertainties regarding Japan’s economic trajectory, particularly concerning global trade policies. Tariff disputes and geopolitical instability, especially in the United States, remain pivotal in shaping economic conditions. Trade Minister Yoji Muto engaged in discussions in Washington on Monday to address potential tariff hikes on Japanese exports, particularly steel and aluminum. The Japanese government warned that these trade barriers could undermine business investments, employment, and supply chains in both nations. Analysts assert that sustaining steady growth will require adaptive policymaking, resilient domestic consumption, and diplomatic negotiations to protect international trade relations. The latest economic data underscores the necessity of balancing fiscal policies with external economic fluctuations to ensure long-term financial stability.
The revised GDP figures highlight ongoing uncertainties regarding Japan’s economic trajectory, particularly concerning global trade policies. Tariff disputes and geopolitical instability, especially in the United States, remain pivotal in shaping economic conditions. Trade Minister Yoji Muto engaged in discussions in Washington on Monday to address potential tariff hikes on Japanese exports, particularly steel and aluminum. The Japanese government warned that these trade barriers could undermine business investments, employment, and supply chains in both nations. Analysts assert that sustaining steady growth will require adaptive policymaking, resilient domestic consumption, and diplomatic negotiations to protect international trade relations. The latest economic data underscores the necessity of balancing fiscal policies with external economic fluctuations to ensure long-term financial stability.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a price increase in something you buy regularly? If so, how did it affect your spending habits? If not, what would you do if prices suddenly increased?
- Have you ever learned about international trade in school or online? If so, what did you find most interesting about it? If not, would you like to learn more about how trade affects daily life?
- Do you agree that increasing wages can help solve economic problems?
- Why do you think consumer spending is important for a country’s economic growth?
- How can international cooperation help countries deal with economic challenges?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- domestic
- consecutive
- steady
- stabilize
- investment