Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about an economic crisis?
- What happens to businesses during an economic crisis?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- crisis /KRAHY-sis/
- economy /ih-KON-uh-mee/
- government /GUHV-ern-muhnt/
- unemployment /uhn-em-PLOI-muhnt/
- business /BIZ-nis/
[noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering
Many people struggled during the crisis when jobs were lost.
[noun] – the system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought in a country or region
A strong economy leads to more jobs and better wages.
[noun] – the group of people who control and make decisions for a country, state, or community
The government introduced new rules to help small businesses.
[noun] – the state of not having a job or being without work
Unemployment increased when many factories closed down.
[noun] – an organization or activity that involves buying and selling goods or services
The business expanded and opened new locations in other cities.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Venezuela has been facing an economic crisis for over ten years. The country’s economy has suffered greatly due to falling oil revenues, political instability, and international sanctions. In 2025, the situation worsened when the government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, declared an “economic emergency” because of high inflation and a growing recession. This crisis has caused a significant decline in people’s ability to buy everyday goods. Many businesses, especially in Maracaibo, have closed, leading to high unemployment.
Despite these challenges, there have been some improvements in certain areas, such as Caracas, where government measures helped stabilize the economy. The use of the U.S. dollar, which was once restricted, has helped reduce hyperinflation. However, the benefits have not been equally shared. While businesses in Caracas have prospered, others across the country are still struggling. The inflation rate is expected to rise to 180-200%, which could lead to more job losses and reduced spending. In response, President Maduro has introduced emergency measures, such as tax cuts and supporting local production. However, experts warn that these measures may not be enough to resolve the crisis, and Venezuela’s economic recovery is still uncertain.
Despite these challenges, there have been some improvements in certain areas, such as Caracas, where government measures helped stabilize the economy. The use of the U.S. dollar, which was once restricted, has helped reduce hyperinflation. However, the benefits have not been equally shared. While businesses in Caracas have prospered, others across the country are still struggling. The inflation rate is expected to rise to 180-200%, which could lead to more job losses and reduced spending. In response, President Maduro has introduced emergency measures, such as tax cuts and supporting local production. However, experts warn that these measures may not be enough to resolve the crisis, and Venezuela’s economic recovery is still uncertain.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What caused Venezuela’s economic crisis?
- Who is the president of Venezuela during the crisis?
- How long has Venezuela been facing the economic crisis?
- What measures did the Venezuelan government take to try to stabilize the economy?
- What happened to the value of the U.S. dollar in Venezuela?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced an increase in prices in your country? If so, how did it affect your daily life? If not, how do you think you would feel if prices increased?
- Have you heard about any businesses closing in your community? If so, what do you think caused their closure? If not, what do you think might make a business close?
- Do you agree that the government should provide financial help to people during a crisis?
- Why do you think businesses in Caracas did better than those in other cities?
- What other actions could the government take to help reduce unemployment during a crisis?