US Tariffs: How Trade Taxes Affect the World

US Tariffs: How Trade Taxes Affect the World

US Tariffs: How Trade Taxes Affect the World

Vocabulary
Instruction: Repeat after your teacher.

Tariff (TA-rif) /ˈtærɪf/
Type: noun
Meaning: a tax on imported goods
Synonyms: tax, duty, fee
Example: The government added a tariff on steel.

Import (IM-port) /ˈɪmpɔːrt/
Type: noun / verb
Meaning: goods brought into a country
Synonyms: bring in, shipment
Example: The US imports cars from other countries.

Price (prays) /praɪs/
Type: noun
Meaning: the cost of something
Synonyms: cost, value, amount
Example: Tariffs can increase the price of food.

Article Reading
Instruction: Read aloud the article.

Global warming means that the Earth is getting hotter little by little. This problem happens because people make too much pollution. Pollution comes from cars, buses, factories, and burning fuel. When pollution stays in the air, it traps heat from the sun. This trapped heat slowly changes the Earth’s climate. Because of climate change, the weather is not the same anymore. Some places become very hot, while other places get too much rain. Animals may lose their homes, and plants may not grow well. People can also feel these changes in their daily lives. That is why everyone should help to protect the Earth. Small actions like saving energy and reducing waste can help.

Comprehension Questions
Instruction: Read the sentence. Answer true or false. If false, give the correct information

TRUE OR FALSE
1. A tariff is a tax on imported goods.
2. Tariffs make imported products cheaper.
3. The US uses tariffs in trade.
4. Tariffs do not affect prices.
5. Tariffs can change buying decisions.

FILL IN THE BLANKS
Choices: tariff import price

1. People need clean ______ to live.
2. A long dry period is called ______.
3. Dirty water is caused by ______.
4. ______ can make people sick.
5. Saving ______ is important.
Speak Up
Instruction: Answer in one short sentence.

1. Why is water important?
2. Is clean water easy to get?
3. What happens during drought?
4. How can you save water?
5. Is pollution dangerous?
Vocabulary
Instruction: Repeat after your teacher.

Trade deficit (TRAYD DEF-uh-sit) /treɪd ˈdɛfɪsɪt/
Type: noun phrase
Meaning: when a country imports more than it exports
Synonyms: trade gap, imbalance
Example: The US has a trade deficit with some countries.
Task: Create a sentence about your country using this term.

Domestic industry (duh-MES-tik IN-duh-stree) /dəˈmɛstɪk ˈɪndəstri/
Type: noun phrase
Meaning: businesses inside a country
Synonyms: local business, national industry
Example: Tariffs protect the domestic industry.
Task: Use this phrase in a sentence about jobs.

Retaliation (ri-tal-ee-AY-shun) /rɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən/
Type: noun
Meaning: action taken in response to another action
Synonyms: response, counteraction
Example: Other countries may respond with retaliation.
Task: Explain retaliation using a trade example.

Article Reading
Instruction: Read aloud the article.

US tariffs are often used to protect domestic industries and reduce trade deficits. When tariffs are applied, foreign companies must pay extra taxes to sell goods in the US market. This can encourage consumers to buy local products instead. However, tariffs can also lead to retaliation from other countries. When this happens, exports may decline and global trade slows down. Businesses may face higher production costs, and consumers may pay more for everyday goods. Because of these effects, tariffs are a powerful but risky trade tool.

Comprehension
Instruction: Answer the questions based on the article.

1. Why does the US use tariffs?
2. How do tariffs affect domestic industries?
3. What is retaliation in trade?
4. How do tariffs affect consumers?
5. Why are tariffs considered risky?
Speak Up
Instruction: Share your opinion and explain your answer.

1. Should countries protect domestic industries?
2. Are higher prices worth protecting local jobs?
3. How do tariffs affect global trade?
4. What happens when countries retaliate?
5. How do tariffs affect your country?
6. Should trade be free or controlled?
7. How do tariffs affect businesses?
8. Do tariffs help or hurt consumers?
9. How would you explain tariffs to a student?
10. What trade policy do you support?
Vocabulary
Instruction: Repeat after your teacher.

Protectionism (pruh-TEK-shuh-niz-uhm) /prəˈtɛkʃənɪzəm/
Type: noun
Meaning: limiting trade to protect local industries
Synonyms: trade restriction, isolationism
Example: Protectionism can disrupt global markets.
Task: Use this word in a policy or economic discussion.

Supply chain (suh-PLY CHAYN) /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/
Type: noun
Meaning: system of producing and delivering goods
Synonyms: distribution network, logistics chain
Example: Tariffs can disrupt the global supply chain.
Task: Explain how tariffs affect supply chains.

Economic leverage (ek-uh-NOM-ik LEV-er-ij) /ˌɛkəˈnɒmɪk ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/
Type: noun phrase
Meaning: power to influence economic decisions
Synonyms: bargaining power, influence
Example: Tariffs are used as economic leverage.
Task: Give a real-world example of economic leverage.
Idioms / Phrasal Verbs
Instruction: Read and understand the expressions.

Run dry – have no water left
Example: Rivers may run dry during extreme droughts.

Cut back on – reduce use
Example: Cities must cut back on water consumption.

A double-edged sword – something with both benefits and risks
Example: Water privatization can be a double-edged sword.
Article Reading
Instruction: Read carefully and focus on key ideas.

Global water scarcity is becoming a critical challenge for governments and communities worldwide. Clean and accessible water is essential for public health, agriculture, and economic stability. Climate change intensifies droughts and disrupts natural water cycles. Rapid population growth increases demand on already limited water supplies. Pollution and weak infrastructure further reduce access to safe water. In many regions, poor sanitation systems increase the risk of disease. Water scarcity also contributes to social instability and economic inequality. Addressing this crisis requires sustainable water management, investment in infrastructure, and international cooperation.

Comprehension
Instruction: Answer the questions based on the article.

1. How are tariffs used as economic leverage?
2. What risks does protectionism create?
3. How do tariffs affect supply chains?
4. Why must policymakers balance interests?
5. What long-term effects can tariffs cause?
Speak Up
Instruction: Respond thoughtfully using advanced vocabulary.

1. Are tariffs effective long-term trade tools?
2. Should economic leverage be used in diplomacy?
3. Do tariffs promote fairness or conflict?
4. How do tariffs shape global power dynamics?
5. Should protectionism be limited?
6. How can trade disputes be resolved?
7. What role should global institutions play?
8. How do tariffs affect developing countries?
9. What ethical issues arise from trade wars?
10. What trade policy would you recommend?
Source: Reuters – US Trade and Tariff Policy