©AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- salutary /SAL-yuh-ter-ee/
[adjective] – causing improvement of behavior or character
The new rules had a salutary effect on public safety. - resilient /ri-ZIL-yuhnt/
[adjective] – able to quickly return to a previous good condition after problems
The city was resilient after the flood and rebuilt quickly. - expedient /ik-SPEE-dee-uhnt/
[adjective] – helpful or useful in a particular situation, but sometimes not morally right
Taking the train was the most expedient choice for the short trip. - precarious /pri-KAIR-ee-uhs/
[adjective] – in a dangerous state because of not being safe or steady
The climber was in a precarious spot on the cliff. - tenuous /TEN-yoo-uhs/
[adjective] – weak or uncertain
The connection between the two ideas was tenuous at best.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The German economy declined by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025, according to official figures released on Friday. This performance was worse than the earlier estimate of a 0.1% fall and highlights continuing difficulties for Europe’s largest economy. The contraction followed growth of 0.3% in the first quarter, but output in both the manufacturing and construction sectors was weaker than expected. Household spending was also revised downward, creating more pressure on the economy. Experts explained that the decline reflected the impact of new U.S. tariffs and the end of temporary gains from higher German exports earlier in the year. The government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who entered office on May 6, 2025, has identified economic revitalization as a central priority.
The administration has announced a €500 billion ($582 billion) investment program over the next 12 years to modernize infrastructure, accelerate digitization, and reduce bureaucratic delays. A coalition of companies has pledged €631 billion ($731.7 billion) in investments over the next three years, which was intended to demonstrate confidence in Germany’s long-term stability. Economists described this strategy as salutary, though they warned recovery might be gradual. One economist observed that the economy was experiencing the first strong impact of tariffs in the second quarter and suggested that a resilient recovery could take shape only in 2026. The government’s program was seen as an expedient step to counter problems, but analysts warned that the economy remains in a precarious position. A recent European Union–United States trade deal has provided some optimism, though its full terms remain tenuous and under negotiation.
The administration has announced a €500 billion ($582 billion) investment program over the next 12 years to modernize infrastructure, accelerate digitization, and reduce bureaucratic delays. A coalition of companies has pledged €631 billion ($731.7 billion) in investments over the next three years, which was intended to demonstrate confidence in Germany’s long-term stability. Economists described this strategy as salutary, though they warned recovery might be gradual. One economist observed that the economy was experiencing the first strong impact of tariffs in the second quarter and suggested that a resilient recovery could take shape only in 2026. The government’s program was seen as an expedient step to counter problems, but analysts warned that the economy remains in a precarious position. A recent European Union–United States trade deal has provided some optimism, though its full terms remain tenuous and under negotiation.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a country or city face economic problems? If so, what happened? If not, what do you imagine?
- Have you heard about investments that helped improve a place? If so, what was the result? If not, what could be improved?
- Do you agree that large investments can make an economy resilient?
- Why might an expedient solution not always be the best in the long run?
- Why is resilience important for countries facing global competition?
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.
- decline
- economy
- program
- impact
- negotiation