This exercise aims to develop your ability to talk economics using correct English collocations. The more automatically you can come up with these, the more free interpreting capacity you have for other indispensable interpreting tasks, such as delivery.
As part of this exercise you will also delve into some basic economic principles.
Proceed as follows:
Collocation exercise
The enclosed exercise consists of sentences with blanks to be filled.
- Each blank is to be filled with maximum 1 word (or a verb + an auxiliary verb to create the correct tense or a phrasal verb).
- The desired word is either a verb or a preposition.
- Sometimes multiple synonyms will do – in that case, try to come up with as many as possible.
- First try to come up with a solution on your own, if you struggle, use the collocation dictionary.
If you have any questions regarding the collocations, include them in your answer to this exercise (see below).
Follow-up economics questions
Answer these follow-up questions relating to the specified sentences in the collocation exercise. Write your answers in English. You can use any sources available to you to complete this part ;)
4. Dow Jones index
- What is the purpose of this index (and similar indexes)? What role does it play in the economy?
5. Structure of the GDP
- Which sectors of the economy contribute the most to the GDP in developed countries?
- What is the situation like in developing countries?
8. Excise tax
- What is the purpose of the excise tax?
- What other goods besides cigarettes are commonly taxed this way?
10. Economic growth
- How does the Chinese economy fare in comparison to Western developed countries? Is a 6% economic growth a good or a bad result?
18. Exchange rates
- When the pound appreciates against the dollar, does it mean that when selling 1 GBP you get more dollars or fewer?
20. Inflation
- Regulating inflation is one of the key tasks of central banks. What is the desired inflation rate in the Czech Republic and in the EU?
- Name at least one tool central banks can use to regulate inflation.
What to hand in and how
Hand in your answers (in English) to the above questions by answering this initial post. The deadline is 27 April 16:00 at the latest. If you have any questions regarding the collocation exercise itself, include them as well. As soon as you submit your answer you will get access to your colleagues' replies.