新視野大學英語視聽說教程第四冊 Unit 9 Task 1: Is GDP really so important ?
Joan: It seems like a miracle that China’s GDP has been growing so fast. The growth last year was over eight percent again.
Vincent: Excuse me, it just slipped my mind. What does GDP stand for?
Joan: It stands for gross domestic product.
Vincent: Since China’s GDP is increasing so rapidly, its economy must be healthy.
Joan: It’s hard to say. Along with the economic growth, there are some problems. Pollution; less farmland; a wide economic gap between the coastal areas and the interior, between the urban and the rural residents, and between the high-income groups and the low-income groups; to name just a few.
Vincent: What do you suggest for the Chinese economy then?
Joan: I’m not an economist, and I’m not in a position to give advice. But I notice the Chinese government is shifting its focus from GDP growth to more balanced, sustainable economic and social development.
Vincent: So, you mean GDP may not be an accurate indicator of a country’ economic performance?
Joan: Yeah. In my opinion, GDP is simply a gross measure of market activity, of money changing hands. It makes no distinction whatsoever between the desirable and undesirable.
Vincent: Now, I understand why some years ago the GDP of the United States went up, but the President failed to win re-election.
Joan: Right. In spite of the larger GDP, American people found life harder. Many worked longer hours for less pay. Only the rich forged ahead.
Vincent: Your talk was really enlightening. I’m getting more interested in economics.
1. What is true of China’s GDP growth for the recent two years?
2. What is the new goal for the Chinese government?
3. What does the woman say about the GDP figure?
4. What happened to the President after the American GDP went up some years ago?
5. What is the dialog mainly concerned about?
Keys: 1.C 2.D 3.C 4.A 5.B
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