世界経済ニュース

英語ニュース教材：A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem（B1–C1対応）

 
Contents

🎧 Audio

📖 Script

Today, we are discussing a common idea that often comes up in Washington D.C. about how to handle the national debt. Some politicians believe that by spending more money, we can boost economic growth so much that it will help reduce the national debt over time. This idea is popular because economic growth is a powerful tool. Even small changes in how quickly our economy grows can have big effects. Over the next few decades, these changes could determine whether we can manage our national debt or face a financial crisis.

In this episode, we speak with three economists who are examining the latest evidence. They are looking into what actions the government could take to speed up economic growth. They want to find out if it’s possible for the economy to grow quickly enough to keep up with the growing national debt. The question is, can economic growth alone solve our debt issues?

The economists discuss various strategies that could help. Some suggest investing in education and technology, as these areas can lead to more innovation and productivity. Others think that reducing certain regulations might help businesses grow faster. However, there is no easy answer, and each strategy comes with its own risks and uncertainties.

One key point is that while economic growth can help, it is not a guaranteed solution to the debt problem. There are many factors to consider, including global economic trends and domestic policies. The economists emphasize the importance of balanced approaches that combine growth initiatives with careful spending and borrowing practices.

To learn more about their findings and ideas, you can listen to the full episode of Planet Money. The episode includes detailed discussions and a list of references for those interested in exploring the topic further.

📝 Vocabulary

  • National debt: The total amount of money that a country’s government has borrowed.
  • Economic growth: An increase in the production of goods and services in an economy.
  • Fiscal crisis: A situation where a government cannot meet its financial obligations.
  • Regulations: Rules set by the government to control how businesses operate.
  • Productivity: The efficiency at which goods and services are produced.

✏️ Grammar Point

Conditional Sentences – “The question is, can economic growth alone solve our debt issues?”

❓ Listening Questions

  1. True/False: The idea discussed in Washington is that spending more money will automatically reduce the national debt.
  2. MCQ: What are the economists in the episode trying to determine?
    a) How to spend more money.
    b) How to reduce government regulations.
    c) How to accelerate economic growth.
    d) How to increase taxes.
  3. MCQ: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a strategy to boost economic growth?
    a) Investing in technology.
    b) Increasing taxes.
    c) Reducing regulations.
    d) Improving education.
  1. True
    False
  2. a)
    b)
    c)
    d)
  3. a)
    b)
    c)
    d)

📚 Reading Questions

  1. What are the economists in the episode examining?
  2. Why might economic growth alone not be a guaranteed solution to the debt problem?
  3. What does the word “productivity” mean in the context of the script?

  1. 🗝️ 模範解答を表示

    4. The economists are examining what actions the government could take to speed up economic growth.

  2. 🗝️ 模範解答を表示

    5. Economic growth alone might not be enough due to many factors, such as global trends and policies.

  3. 🗝️ 模範解答を表示

    6. Productivity means the efficiency at which goods and services are produced.

🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/02/1255100731/national-debt-crisis-growth-budget

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