Latvia Lesson Plan by sanj saigal

Latvia And The Euro Lesson Plan This class is based on the ability to converse in English as a second language. It’s objectives are to develop confidence, increase vocabulary and focus on grammatical structure.

according to the country’s finance minister. This class asks questions about the effects of joining the Euro and requires your opinion. You will be asked to expand your answers, parts of this class are recorded to help you practice pronunciation and voice tones outside of a class environment.

For most of us New year celebrations has a defined significance, this year however Latvia has more to celebrate about than most. Latvia joined the Eurozone and it’s controversial single currency.

“The Eurozone has expanded, Latvia is the latest member state”.

Is this a guarantee of wealth or a tactical move for this new member state? Historical evidence suggests that mass inflation is on the cards. Estimates for economical growth are at around 4.5 percent and prices are forecasted to rise about 2.3 percent

www.one2oneacademy.com

“What are your thoughts about this topic?” Questions Your answers to these questions are not only based on your ability to produce grammatically correct structures, your voice indicates how strongly you feel. 1. Do you believe that it’s a good time to join the European Union? Why? 2. The Euro is a controversial currency with a turbulent and unstable history, why is this currency still attractive?

3. Majority of Latvians were and still are against the change over with only 1/5 strongly in favor. Do you think that their citizens should have had more of a say in whether they joined or not? 4. If you live in the Euro zone describe your experience of the change in currency. If you don’t what do you think happens to a country during such a change. 5. Money and financial gain are of course a large incentive to join a currency but what about cultural traditions, are they effected and how?

Outcome “Could Latvia become a casualty of this controversial currency or is it the perfect time to join as more EU members claim to be experiencing positive economic signs?”

6. Latvia’s economy contracted during the Global Economical Crisis in 2008 and had to undertake some of the hardest austerity moves in Europe. This Baltic state has a population of just 2 million people. Do you think that enough lessons have been learnt from the mistakes made and this could be one of the reasons to join this currency? 7. Can the rest of Europe benefit from Latvia joining the E.U.? How?

Facts

‣Latvia is the 18th member state of the European Union.

‣Latvia suffered a terrible

recession between 20082009.

‣One of the key concerns for the move to a single currency is that of mass inflation.

‣Latvia has one of the

fastest pace of economic growth in Europe.

‣This is Latvia’s fourth

currency adoption in 22 years.

‣Some people believe that tax laws introduced to Latvia allowing it to compete with it’s counterparts could be the destabilising factor for Europe.

‣There are strong

connections between Latvia and Russia, there are over 6 flights a day that connect the two.

‣Some people believe that Latvia was only allowed into the European community to enable the rich to have a new tax haven.

“ Express your opinion!” One of the most notable changes to a currency change is inflation, this is also reflected to Property and Construction sectors. 1. What effects do you think this change will bring to the Latvian property sector? Why? 2. In your opinion do you believe that the lessons learnt by other partners such as Greece will prevent mass inflation? Why? 3. The United Kingdom has enjoyed a relatively stable currency in light of the problems in Europe. As a result of this mass emigration has taken place throughout Europe with the U.K. being the preferred destination to find employment . Do you think this will only add to this situation or will Latvia become the preferred destination? Why?

! Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=nvo0R1BRXn8

Documentary: http:// www.youtube.com/watch? v=b7pZ8ro6raw 4. Salaries show growth during currency change, will this be an attractive proposition to other EU partners? Or do you think that this is only a short term effect? 5. The USA has proven success with Quantitative easing whereas EU fiscal policy has meant austerity moves, which system do you prefer and why? Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=PTUY16CkS-k 6. Has the government of Latvia acted for personal gain or for the gain of it’s people? Why?. 7. Is the Euro here to stay? The general consensus was that the Euro currency was wavering and could fall with the exit of Greece.

The black economy We all assume that it is there, does it exist, should it exist? Most EU countries such as Italy, Portugal, Spain and Greece have been famed for it’s dual economy. 1. Is a black economy a necessary factor in every economy? Why? 2. Does a black economy only exist because there are not enough measures to collect tax? Explain. 3. In your opinion are governments doing enough to balance this dual economic system? Explain. 4. Europe is expanding, will Europe end up like the United States where state laws vary from one state to another? Explain. 5. The person on the street according to the media remains negative about the growth patterns seen in Europe, will there be a large divide between

skilled and unskilled workers in the future? Explain. 6. Spain saw an increase of 13 percent more millionaires during the Crisis in your opinion will there be a larger gap between the rich and poor in the future? Explain. 7. Do you believe that Britain should join the Euro or maintain it’s currency? Explain. 8. Is education still a valuable asset to someone or has it been devalued with the Crisis? Explain. 9. Is a Crisis just a period of economic adjustment and will happen again in the future? Why?

! BBC Interview with the Prime Minister of Latvia:http:// www.youtube.com/watch? v=chxNVsY-ZGE

“ Use your voice tones to reflect how you feel”

10. Can attitudes change, Europeans remain divided about growth. In your opinion how long will it take before Europe will grow as a whole? 11. Have you ever thought about immigrating? Are peoples reasons purely financially based to move or do people seek a new way of life?

There are so many different ways to express an opinion and fortunately these depend on emotional value.

! • • • •

I would like to think that…….. As I see it…………….. From my personal point of view… I think that……….

“Expressing an opinion” “say it like you mean it!”

• Personally………… • From my point of view………….

These phrases are used with your voice tone to reflect empathetic value. Practice with your teacher to hit these target tones so that your opinion demonstrates how strongly you feel about something.

!! !!

If you want to show your audience that you are listening and give value to what they are saying, there are some phrases shown bellow that you can use:

! • • • • • •

I agree I think so to That’s true Of course Sure Exactly

Again your voice relates to your audiences point of view so these phrases must sound genuine. Agreeing is easier than disagreeing. If you don’t agree with a point of view, you should try and express that. Here we could use; I really don’t agree with you on that, sorry to disagree, I’m not sure about that.

! !

There are times where you are asked opinion about what most people would say and this is where you are expressing yourself on behalf of others. This is known as a general opinion and the following phrases may prove useful: • • • •

!! !! !!

Most people think Generally From our point of view We think that….

Remember that we stress certain parts of these phrases to add value to what we are saying. Try and practice with your teacher to hit these target sounds.

Did you enjoy this lesson plan?

Your feedback is so important to us, please find the time to leave a comment on our platforms so that you can share your learning experience with others…. thank you.

“Proud to be different!”

Need practice for that all important job interview? We have a specialist department run by a qualified TEFL native teacher who has 5 years of recruitment experience. We can make a difference, contact us today for more information.!