Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How do changes in the economy affect daily life, such as shopping or job opportunities?
- How do you think rising wages can help improve an economy?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- estimate /ES-tuh-mit/
- consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/
- export /EK-sport/
- expand /ik-SPAND/
- flexible /FLEK-suh-buhl/
[noun] – an approximate judgment or calculation, as of the value, amount, time, size, or weight of something
The cost estimate for the new building was higher than expected.
[noun] – a person who buys goods and services
Consumers prefer affordable products with good quality.
[noun] – something that is exported
The company increased its exports of electronic devices to Europe.
[verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance
The company plans to expand its business in Asia.
[adjective] – able to change easily according to the situation
A flexible schedule helps employees balance work and personal life.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Japan adjusted its economic growth estimate for the last quarter, lowering it from 2.8% to 2.2% due to reduced consumer spending and increased private inventories. The Cabinet Office released the revised data on March 11, 2025, confirming that Japan’s real gross domestic product (GDP) maintained growth for a third consecutive quarter. Private demand declined by 0.3%, which was steeper than the initial estimate of 0.1%. Export growth was also revised downward to 1.0% from 1.1%. Policymakers face difficulties as the Bank of Japan considers an interest rate adjustment. The government confirmed that Japan’s economy expanded at an annual rate of only 0.1%. The issue of deflation, which has affected economic activity, has been partially reduced by rising wages that have helped stabilize prices.
The updated GDP figures reveal concerns about Japan’s economic direction, particularly regarding global trade policies. Disputes over tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties, especially in the United States, influence economic developments. Trade Minister Yoji Muto attended discussions in Washington on Monday to address potential tariff increases on Japanese exports, particularly steel and aluminum. The Japanese government warned that these trade restrictions might negatively impact investments, employment, and supply chains in both countries. Experts believe that stable growth will require flexible policies, strong domestic demand, and diplomatic efforts to support global trade. The latest economic report highlights the importance of balancing financial strategies with external economic shifts for long-term stability.
The updated GDP figures reveal concerns about Japan’s economic direction, particularly regarding global trade policies. Disputes over tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties, especially in the United States, influence economic developments. Trade Minister Yoji Muto attended discussions in Washington on Monday to address potential tariff increases on Japanese exports, particularly steel and aluminum. The Japanese government warned that these trade restrictions might negatively impact investments, employment, and supply chains in both countries. Experts believe that stable growth will require flexible policies, strong domestic demand, and diplomatic efforts to support global trade. The latest economic report highlights the importance of balancing financial strategies with external economic shifts for long-term stability.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why did Japan lower its economic growth estimate for the last quarter?
- What was the revised export growth rate?
- What economic challenge has affected Japan, and how has it been reduced?
- What concerns do the updated GDP figures raise about Japan’s economy?
- What did Trade Minister Yoji Muto discuss in Washington?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever noticed prices increasing or decreasing when shopping? If so, what changed? If not, why do you think prices stay the same?
- Have you ever thought about how wages affect the way people spend money? If so, what changes have you noticed? If not, what do you think would happen if wages increased?
- Do you agree that raising wages can help a country’s economy?
- Why do you think governments change economic policies when people spend less money?
- Why do trade restrictions between countries make it harder for people to find jobs?