15 March 2010

Discussion & Research – Politics & Germany

Article: “Slow-Motion Merkel” (p.25)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is hailed as one of the most respected leaders in Europe. The EU is in need of a strong leader like her to steer them through this difficult period plagued by debt and instability. This article examines Germany’s lacklustre involvement and suggests reasons why their “leave-us-out attitude” may no longer be feasible or practical in this new “global reality”.

What reasons account for Germany’s reluctance “to lead” and its desire to preserve the “status quo”? (p. 25)According to the author, why is Germany “much too entangled not to step in”? (p. 26)

Explore the issues raised in the articles:

http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/eu_members/germany/index_en.htmhttp://www.eubusiness.com/europe/germanyhttp://edition.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/02/10/greek.debt.qanda/index.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6211DP20100302http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2010/feb/11/germany-greece-merkel-bailout-eurohttp://www.economist.com/blogs/charlemagne/2009/03/now_germany_attacks_eu_competihttp://article.wn.com/view/2010/02/16/Spain_fights_fears_of_Greek_economic_crisis_spilling_over_Fe/http://www.weforum.org/en/initiatives/gcp/Global%20Competitiveness%20Report/index.htm

15 March 2010

Comprehension Exercise – Short Questions

Article: “The Scary New Rich” (p.20)

Answer in your own words as far as possible.

From Paragraph 1:

1. In what ways have the middle classes “always been the bulwark of society”? Use your own words. [3]

Lifted ParaphrasedAristotle believed they were democracy’s secret weapon – the protectors of social values, the moderators of political extremism, ramparts of reason over fiat, and believers in a society run by laws instead of by strongmen. They have also been the engines of economic growth, setting the stage centuries ago for the expansion of capitalism and global trade, and continuing through the ages to snap up every new gadget or service in sight…many economists look to a new emerging-market middle class as the potential foundation for a new age of global safety and prosperity.

The middle classes have all along been viewed as upholding important beliefs in society [1/2] and representing tempered / balanced views [1/2]. They are also important because they support a society built on order and rules [1/2]. Furthermore, they are the drivers of financial progress [1/2] and provide crucial support for the world to build an era characterised by international security [1/2] and wealth [1/2].

2. Explain what the author means when he says, “With time and wealth, “they” would become just like “us”.” Use your own words. [3]

Lifted Paraphrased & InferredAs China, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, India, Indonesia, and other large developing nations became more prosperous, it was always assumed that they would become more like the suburbs of Washington or London – liberal, democratic, market-friendly bastions not only of Western-style consumerism but also of political liberty. With time and wealth, “they” would become just like “us”.

He means that the West has always viewed the less developed nations as being different and inferior to them [1/2]. However, it was hoped that as these countries attained greater economic affluence [1/2], they would also, over a period [1/2] grow to become more similar to the West [1/2] by placing more emphasis on equality [1/2] and allowing more freedom in their political systems [1/2].

From Paragraph 3:

3. According to the author, how are “they” different from “us”? Use your own words. [2]

Lifted Paraphrased & InferredThey have become “the story of the decade”…and will surpass their Western peers in global spending power within two decades.…the emerging market-middle class in Asia alone could pick up the slack left by overspent American consumers. Already, emerging markets are bolstering the balance sheets of many Western

In 20 years, people in developing nations will overtake their counterparts in the West in terms of the money they spend in the international marketplace [1]. They will contribute far more to the profits of Western businesses [1/2] as compared to westerners themselves who will have much smaller disposable incomes [1/2]. In future, as much as 90% of the world’s consumers of

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15 March 2010

firms. The Chinese bought more cars than Americans did last year, and India has as many Internet users as the U.S does. By 2030, more than nine of every 10 mobile phones will be owned by people in the developing world, with India and China leading the way.

sophisticated goods will come from these developing countries. [Bonus 1].

From Paragraph 4:

4. Explain the relationship between “the aspiring elite” and “the powers that be”. Use your own words. [3]

Lifted ParaphrasedMany of the aspiring elite seem willing to let the powers that be – whether authoritarian governments or elected ones – call the shots as long as they deliver the spoils of growth.A 2009 Pew study on the global middle class found that its members are generally supportive of democratic ideas like free speech and competitive elections. Yet experts at Pew and elsewhere say they are often willing to sacrifice these ideals for prosperity.

Those who hope to attain prestige and success [1/2] are dependent [1/2] on the authorities that rule the country. The “aspiring elite” are willing to give complete control [1/2] to these politicians as long as they are able to enjoy the economic success achieved by the country’s development [1/2]. Though the former may endorse equality and contested polls [1/2], they do not mind giving up these beliefs in exchange for financial success [1/2].

From Paragraph 6:

5. What does the phrase “thank you” tell you about China and Brazil? Use your own words. [2]

Lifted Paraphrased & InferredIn China and Brazil, which have fared well through the financial crisis, there’s a growing sense that they don’t need outside advice on how to structure their societies, thank you.

China and Brazil resent [1/2] any interference or offers of help from the West [1/2]. They increasingly feel that because they have come out of the economic crisis positively [1/2], they are able to manage themselves effectively [1/2] without foreign help.

From Paragraph 7:

6. What predictions are made about emerging markets in this paragraph? Use your own words. [4]

Lifted ParaphrasedNow the boom is in emerging markets, and their leaders will increasingly choose to alter their Western models to their own national specs. More state control rather than less will likely become the norm.The emerging market giants…will also be aggressive about standing up for themselves.They’ll push harder to defend the country’s interests in areas like trade, resource acquisition, and foreign policy. The middle class in emerging markets is likely to be increasingly at odds with peers in the West, but also with itself. …old rivalries will simply be replaced by new ones.

Those in charge of these markets will want to change their Western systems according to their countries’ needs / requirements [1/2]. These governments will also assert more authority over their economy [1/2]. They will be more antagonistic when representing their countries’ interests [1/2]. They will strive more intensely to protect their countries’ gains in business, procurement of assets and international politics [1]. They will become more contentious when dealing with the West [1/2] but there will also be more tensions within their own societies [1/2]. There will be changes in alliances as countries evolve differently from former

15 March 2010

Likewise, old friendships between countries like India and Russia will cool as the countries develop in different ways and see themselves as having less common ground.

friends [1/2]. These countries will also make new enemies [1/2] even as they make peace with current ones.

From Paragraph 8:

7. Why does the author refer to rural leaders as “the agitators, unwedded to the status quo”? Use your own words. [3]

Lifted Paraphrased & InferredAnd to the extent that the new middle class is precarious, its ability to effect political change will be, too. Indeed, some development economists argue that the poor will be a greater force for social change. There is no middle-class parallel to the broad push for land reform among rural leaders in China. They are the agitators, unwedded to the status quo.

Their poverty [1/2] is often an impetus [1/2] for them to fight for progress / rouse others to action [1/2] in their country as compared to richer groups who have limited capacity / interest in pushing for any transformation of the political system [1/2]. This is also because commanders in the countryside have no attachment to the mainstream value system [1/2] because they do not benefit from it [1/2]. This is proven by their drive to bring about change in land ownership which is unmatched by anything the richer groups have done [Bonus 1/2].

15 March 2010

Discussion & AQ Exercise – Asia

Article: “Toyota And The End of Japan ” (p.35)

Synonymous with Japan’s reputation for “quality manufacturing”, the misfortunes of Toyota now seem a particularly sore point for a country recently overtaken by China as the world’s second largest economy. In addition, Japan’s social climate is also struck by lethargy and a high aversion to risk.

The author suggests two possible outcomes to this incident – the optimistic view that Japan will “become less insular and more open to new ideas” or the “less rosy scenario” of Japan “retreating deeper into its shell” (p. 38). Which do you think is likelier to occur? Justify your views.

AQ ExerciseAccording to the author, “Toyota is symptomatic of a nation that has lost its way”. How far do you agree with his views? Illustrate your answer / own views by referring to the ways in which you and your society regard economic power and success.

Discussion & Essay Practice – Education

Article: “Why We Can’t Get Rid of Failing Teachers” (p.30)

This article examines the problems within the American education system, looking in particular at the role that teachers play in making a difference to the academic achievements of their students. The authors note that the teaching profession in America is made up mostly of graduates “recruited from the bottom third of college-bound high-school students”. In addition, any reforms to the system are difficult to pull off as “teachers’ unions have become more and more powerful”. The authors say, “It will take a quiet revolution to improve American schools.” Do you agree with their view? What other reforms will make a difference to the situation?

Essay Practice

A better-educated individual is a happier one. Comment.

15 March 2010

Vocabulary Exercise

Article: “Streaming Live From The Catwalk” (p.40)

Match the following words to their correct contextual meanings.

Words Meanings(1) Telegraphed (para. 1) (a) unorthodox or daring; radical(2) Upended (para. 1) (b) avoiding; shunning(3) Streaming (para. 1) (c) extravagantly ornamented; florid(4) Niche (para. 3) (d) subordinate parts attached to something; auxiliary

parts; additions(5) Jumpstarted (para. 4) (e) computer technology for transferring data so it can

be received at a steady rate(6) Baroque (para. 4) (f) practical; workable(7) Appendages (para. 4) (g) takes pleasure in; enjoys(8) Stoked (para. 4) (h) revealed or disclosed by(9) Democratization (para. 5) (i) enlivened; revived(10) Unveiled (para. 5) (j) transmitted; sent(11) Relishes (para. 6) (k) affected drastically or radically(12) Avant-garde (para. 7) (l) a process by which all are given equal opportunity (13) Eschewing (para. 7) (m) a detailed outline or plan of action(14) Viable (para. 7) (n) poked; stirred up(15) Blueprint (para. 7) (o) a distinct segment of a market

Answers:

1 ( j ) 2 ( k ) 3 ( e ) 4 ( o ) 5 ( i ) 6 ( c ) 7 ( d ) 8 ( n ) 9 ( l ) 10 ( h ) 11 ( g ) 12 ( a )

13 ( b ) 14 ( f ) 15 ( m )

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