
LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐
allowance
/uh-LOW-uhns/
The company offers an allowance for travel expenses.
asset
/AS-set/
Real estate is an asset that can increase in value over time.
bank note
/BANK-note/
She exchanged a large bank note for smaller bills at the register.
bond
/BOND/
He invested in a government bond to save for retirement.
budget
/BUH-jit/
They set a strict budget for the event to avoid overspending.
commission
/kuh-MISH-un/
The real estate agent earns a commission on each house sold.
credit
/KREH-dit/
She used her line of credit to pay for the renovations.
currency
/KUR-en-see/
Travelers exchanged their dollars for local currency.
debt
/DET/
He worked hard to pay off his student loan debt.
deposit
/dih-PAH-zit/
She made a large deposit into her savings account.
estimate
/ES-tuh-mit/
The team gave an estimate of costs for the new building.
exchange rate
/ex-CHAYNJ-rayt/
The exchange rate for euros to yen fluctuates daily.
fare
/FAIR/
The train fare increased due to rising fuel costs.
fee
/FEE/
A fee is charged for using the airport lounge.
fund
/FUND/
They set up a fund for disaster relief.
hike
/HAYK/
There was a hike in food prices last month.
LET'S LISTEN! 🎧
Direction: Listen to the news and answer the comprehension questions below.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What is the main goal of the new budget plans?
2. What financial support will low-income families receive?
3. How will the government raise funds for public projects?
4. What impact do officials hope to have on the economy?
LET'S PRACTICE 🎬
You are a government advisor helping to explain the new budget plans to the public in an easy way.
TASKS
Task 1: Write 2 sentences using vocabulary words to briefly explain why the budget changes are important for people.
Task 2: Pretend to ask your teacher, who is acting as a concerned citizen, about any worries they have. Use three vocabulary words in your questions.
Example: “How will these changes in fees affect people’s daily expenses?”
Task 3: Ask your teacher (who now acts as a financial expert) one question to make sure you fully understand the topic.
Example: “What is the best way to explain bonds and how they help fund public projects?”
LET'S DISCUSS
- How do you think raising fees might impact people’s daily lives? Could it help the community in any way?
- Why do you think having a stable exchange rate is important when people travel or shop for international products?
- If you were in charge, what types of public services would you focus on funding? How would you decide on the budget?
- How can giving people more credit options be helpful in times of financial stress? Are there any downsides?
- Imagine you had to create a plan to help families with financial challenges. What would be your top priority?