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Unit 21 Lesson 2

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Unit 21 Lesson 2
Globalisation and capitalism

Objectives: By the end of the lesson you will have
• talked about capitalism
• read a passage about capitalism and globalisation
• discussed questions on the passage
• matched some words with their antonyms
• written 2/3 sentences on a given structure
• written a contrasting paragraph
A Discuss with your partner what you know about capitalism. Name some rich
capitalist countries.
B Read the following passage about globalisation and capitalism.
Capitalism developed in the European countries as a result of their 'laissez-faire' (hands off) policy. The idea of global trade which was inherent in capitalism has now become universalised. Taking advantage of the idea of globalisation, capitalism seems to be on a triumphant march. However it is creating more opportunities for capitalist countries rather than for the developing ones. In the name of help and co-operation, the industrially developed capitalist countries are exploiting the cheap labour available in poorer countries. The global strategy of development promises greater employment opportunities to the people of poor countries but at the same time it also promises high returns to capital. This actually paves the way for a lasting poverty so that the capitalists can continue to have a pool of cheap labour to draw from. The exploited and impoverished workers of the developing countries are no match for a globalising powerful capitalism. As a result, the gap between wealth and poverty is ever widening. Globalisation has put the people of the world on the same vessel but in different cabins. Only a trifling minority are travelling in luxurious cabins furnished with all modern amenities. They have access to nutritious food, pure drinking water, advanced medicare and a life of luxury. But the overwhelming majority are travelling in the third-class decks and are suffering from hunger and disease. Globalisation can bring happiness to everyone only when all the passengers of the ship can travel in the same class of cabins in conditions of solidarity, equity and justice. But will the capitalists ever allow this to happen?

Now discuss the following questions in groups.
1 How does globalisation help capitalism?
2 How do rich countries exploit poor countries?
3 Who are the trilling minority and the overwhelming majority mentioned in the passage?
4 How can globalisation help poor nations?
5 What is your opinion about the concluding sentence of the passage?
C Match the words on the left with their antonyms on right.
global poverty
cheap defeat
wealth ancient
minority national
impoverish enrich
triumph dear
modern majority
D Living conditions in rich and poor countries arc obviously very different. Write a paragraph to illustrate at least five points of difference.
Focus:
Skills.
Discussion,
reading,
writing. Functions.
Giving opinions,
showing differences,
identifying antonyms.
Grammar/Structure.
Use of 'more... that' in a simple sentence,
antonyms.
Vocabulary.
inherent, laissez-faire,
consolidate,
impoverish, vessel,
trifling, medicare,
overwhelming,
solidarity, equity.






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