Lesson Plan: How Tariffs Work (FREE)

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“How Tariffs Work”

This video from TIME explains how tariffs work in a simple and visual way. Tariffs are taxes that a country puts on imported goods. The purpose is to make foreign products more expensive, so people buy more from domestic companies. The video shows how this affects prices, businesses, and international trade. It also highlights possible problems, like other countries adding their own tariffs in return. This situation can lead to trade wars. In the end, the video explains that while tariffs protect local jobs, they can also make goods more expensive for everyone.

Source: @TIME on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d1XsGInzZc

VOCAB

1. Tariff– A tax on goods brought into a country
The U.S. government added a tariff to imported cars.

2. Import – To bring goods from another country
The store imports coffee from Colombia.

3. Export – To send goods to another country
Germany exports many cars every year.

4. Domestic – Made inside your country
People want to support domestic businesses.

5. Product – Something made or grown to be sold
This product is made in China.

6. Tax – Money paid to the government
We pay tax on everything we buy.

7. Consumer – A person who buys goods or services
Consumers often choose the cheaper option.

8. Trade war – A conflict between countries over trade rules
A trade war can hurt both countries.

9. Expensive – Costing a lot of money
Imported goods are usually more expensive.

10. Government – The leaders of a country
The government decides how tariffs are used.

SMALL TALK

1. What is one product you often buy that is made in another country?

2. Do you think local products are better than imported ones?

3. Are imported products expensive in your country?

4. Can you name something your country exports?

5. Have you heard of the word “tariff” before today?

6. Would you pay more to support local businesses?

7. Do you ever read labels to see where a product is made?

8. What is your favorite product from another country?

9. Have you ever talked about trade in English before?

10. What do you think makes a product high quality?

LISTENING QUESTIONS

1. What is a tariff?

2. Why do governments use tariffs?

3. How do tariffs affect the price of imported goods?

4. What do higher prices on imports encourage consumers to do?

5. What might foreign countries do in response to tariffs?

6. What is a trade war?

7. What happens to domestic product prices after tariffs?

8. Do tariffs always help consumers? Why or why not?

9. What does the video say about job protection?

10. Is the video for or against tariffs? What is the tone?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think tariffs are good or bad for your country?

2. Have you seen prices rise because of imported products?

3. Should countries protect local workers, even if it costs more?

4. What problems can happen during a trade war?

5. How do you feel about paying higher prices for local goods?

6. What would happen if there were no tariffs at all?

7. What kind of industries in your country should be protected?​

GRAMMAR IN USE

Instructions: Complete the sentences using because, so, or therefore.

1. The government added tariffs ______ foreign goods were cheaper.

2. Foreign products became more expensive, ______ people bought local products.

3. The U.S. put tariffs on cars; ______ China responded with its own tariffs.

4. People stopped buying expensive imports ______ they couldn’t afford them.

5. Tariffs protect local jobs, ______ they can also cause higher prices.

Follow-up: Write your own cause-and-effect sentences using vocabulary from today.

WRITING EXERCISE

“Do you think tariffs are good for your country? Why or why not?”

Write a short paragraph (80–100 words) sharing your opinion. Use at least 5 vocabulary words from today’s lesson. Try to use “because,” “so,” or “therefore” in your explanation.