Discover Discussion Debate - Wages and Inflation

Discovery Discussion
Debate
Business
Wages and inflation are always talked about. How

does this affect your life? How does it affect the
economy, and your future move up the ladder?
Discovery it! Discuss and form your opinion from the
reading. Defend your position formed from your
discussion through debate.
Dr. Paul R. Friesen

Discovery Discussion Debate
Title:
Wages far behind inflation
 Sharp decline darkens consumer spending outlook
Discover Ideas
(Outline)
Discuss the Story

(3 Question Levels)
Create Opinions
Quiz
Business
Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 1 of 18

Original Story copyright of original author
Graphic organizers from MS Office templates
Before you start

Look through the idea, front to back.
The ideas in red are just ideas. Students should add to these.
There is an outline page for Discovery.
There are graphic organizer pages for the Discussion and Debate sections.
The reason for the worksheets, at the end of the book, is to help you work
systematically through the material. Worksheets are helpers and can be a distraction
from the rhythm and sequence in your teaching. By putting them at the end they
become support pages versus places to stop, giving a smoother presentation.
Discovery
In the beginning of each story you will have a few questions to discover what you
know, or think you know about a story. The Title of the article/ story will be given
and you will be asked to discover the story by asking good questions.
In the second part of discovery you will be asked to find words which you do not
know. Some of these may be highlighted already in bold. Definitions will follow to
help you discover what the writer is talking about.
Discovery will help you form a plan for the discussion and debate.
Discussion
Discussion is not a debate, though it can quickly become one if there are strong
opposing ideas in the group.
Discussion can be a part of the discovery before you read the story. It may also come
after to discuss the ideas of the story. Sometimes a person’s views may change after
reading the article, which is a good way to start a discussion.
Discussion is interaction without a lot of structure. Be careful not to confuse

discussion with argument. Debate is about argument. Discussion is about sharing
your views and interacting with others’ who want to expand or give a differing
viewpoint.
Debate
Debate is a structured idea. It means that only one person speaks in turn, and with a
specific point to address. It also has a time limit, so the speaker must be precise in
their argument. In a debate the key is to listen and be prepared to oppose the other
team’s ideas. It takes research, a lot of work, and patience.
In the following story we want to begin with discovery ideas. What can you know
from a title, if you don’t know about the topic?

In discovery you will form ideas to create basics ideas for an outline. In discussion
you will ask questions to help you build an outline for your viewpoint. In debate you
will separate the outline into two sections, for and against. At each stage you will be
able to use what you have learned before, to expand on your ideas and understand
both sides of the issue.


Discovery
Title: Wages far behind inflation ~

Sharp decline darkens consumer spending outlook
What can you know from the title?
①. It is about money.
②. People are paid less than before.
③. It is about American/ Canadian / European business.
④. It was about people getting depressed.
What do I know about this topic?

Nothing!
I love money.
People get depressed without money.
Only in America!
①. __________________________________________
②. __________________________________________
③. __________________________________________
④. __________________________________________
What would make me depressed?

①. __________________________________________
②. __________________________________________
③. __________________________________________
④. __________________________________________
Have you ever lost money?
No! Why not?
Yes! How much did you lose, and why?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

①. Now read the story.

②. Create an outline of the story / paragraphs.
③. There is a list of words on the side for you to find.
④. After you have found the words, look in the definitions, which
follow the story.
⑤. Discover the words you don’t know.
Business and Technology

Wages far behind inflation
 Sharp decline darkens consumer spending outlook
Eric Beauchesne CanWest News Service
Thursday, February 27, 2003
OTTAWA -- Wages have fallen far behind inflation, darkening the outlook for
consumer spending, which has insulated the Canadian economy from the slump in
the U.S.
Average weekly earnings in December were up 2.2 per cent from a year earlier, well
below the 3.9 per cent increase in consumer prices, Statistics Canada noted
Wednesday.
Even that wage increase was mostly because workers were putting in a longer work
week, said J.P. Morgan Canada economist Ted Carmichael, noting average hourly
earnings, excluding overtime, were down 0.5 per cent from a year earlier.
"The sharp deceleration of average hourly earnings reflects the fact that
employment gains in 2002 were concentrated in small companies and in lower-paying
jobs."
The good news, according to Carmichael, is that there's no evidence of wage inflation
in the report, which should ease the fears at the Bank of Canada.
Bank governor David Dodge has warned that interest rates must rise to bring inflation
back down to its two per cent target before the higher inflation starts to feed into
higher wages.
Higher interest rates, on top of wages that aren't keeping up to increases in the
cost of living, would be a double damper on consumer spending.
Higher rates would also hurt business investment in new plants, machinery and
equipment, which according to another Statistics Canada report was just showing the
first signs of a sluggish recovery at year end.

A recovery in business investment has been the missing element in the economy's
recovery from its slump in 2001.
Analysts, however, disagreed over whether to cheer or jeer the results of Statistics
Canada's survey of the investment intentions of more than 20,000 businesses,
governments and institutions.
It found that they planned to increase their spending on new machinery, equipment
and buildings by 2.1 per cent this year to just over $209 billion.
But 60 per cent of the increase was in housing construction, followed by higher
spending by government.
"The outlook for business investment this year is still sluggish," Statistics Canada said.
"Businesses, excluding housing, governments and institutions, expect to increase

spending by a marginal 0.1 per cent. While this does mark a turn in capital
spending, it hardly represents a full-fledged recovery," said Nesbitt Burns
economist Sherry Cooper. "While this survey may understate the outlook for
Canadian capital spending, the underlying message is that business investment is
turning the corner at only a glacial pace."
RBC economist John Anania said the survey results probably understate the level of
investment that in fact will take place.
"This survey has a history of underestimating business investment," Anania said.

"If history is any guide, once war in the Gulf breaks out or a diplomatic solution to the
Iraq crisis is reached, business confidence should bounce back and give rise to
higher investment spending intentions."
Even with war worries hanging over their heads, manufacturers' investment
spending plans are up 6.6 per cent following two years of declines, Anania noted.
© Copyright 2003 The Star Phoenix (Saskatoon)

Vocabulary Definitions
Far behind – This is a distance word. But here the distance is not meters or feet it is a
set amount.
Darkening the outlook – This means that it lessens the possibility of success. To
darken is to make it darker. Outlook focuses on the idea of “look out ”.
Insulated – Insulated often brings the idea of something to keep things hot or cold.
Insulation is a cushioning barrier. It is soft and protection together.
Slump – This word is like limp but used differently. If you use fall it implies faster
and more direct. Slump is like a lazy fall.
Note – Here is used as a statement not a memo. A verb not a noun.
Sharp deceleration -- Sharp is used to show the quickness. Deceleration needs good
pronunciation. If not done right it can sound like declaration. Deceleration
is to slow down so a sharp deceleration is slowing down extremely
quickly.
Ease the fears – Ease is to let go slowly. So to ease the fears is to make the fear level
go down to normal slowly and gently.
Bank of Canada – This is the Government Bank in Canada from where all Canadian
money is distributed.
Starts to feed -- Feed is to start eating normally. But here it is eating up the benefit of
higher wages.
On top of wages -- On top is a position. Like on top of the table. Here it is used as a
compounding action. Wage and inflation and then a negative “aren’t”
compound and strengthen the negative emotion.
Cost of living – Cost of living is a series of costs for the family. It helps the
Government to set support levels of reasonable living standards for a
family.
Double damper – A damper or is to control or restrict something. It is a word from a

stove picture. A wood stove uses a damper for air to keep the fire from
burning too fast. We have a damp cloth which is just a little wet. Double
damper is to use two wet cloths to restrict something.
New plants – Plants here are factories not green trees or flowers.
Sluggish – This word gives the emotion of working hard but going slow.
Cheer or jeer – These are opposites. A “cheer” is a positive while “jeers” is a negative
cheer. “Jeer” if extended time becomes a “taunt”.

Marginal – In the margin is on the edge. So here it is like it is enough but only
enough not more than enough. It is a word where zero is the bottom and
marginal is .01.
Full-fledged – Full means total and fledged is a flying word, A fledgling is a new
flying bird. So full-fledged is 100% capability.
Understate – “Under” is used here as less. So you give less information. “State” is a
verb here.
Underlying – Let us reverse to get a better picture. Lying under. So it is like a

foundation or something that is a support for something.
Glacial pace – A glacier is a large piece of ice which moves extremely slowly. Pace is
the speed not the salsa sauce brand name “Pace”.
In fact – In other words “real life” or “reality”.
Underestimating – Again we have the “under” as a prefix. This time it is estimating or

giving a “round figure” which is lower than the average.
Bounce back – Bounce is what a ball does. Rebound is a similar word. Back shows
the direction or a return to the original. Just like a ball.
Intentions – This word gives an idea of plan and action together. It also gives a state
of mind when the action is done.
Worries hanging over their heads – Worries is an emotion and gives the picture of
stress on the mind. Hanging is not a real idea. It helps build the picture of
a mind full of worries as priority thinking.
Discovery
What do I know about this topic?

 List at least four (4) different ideas you have found in this story about the gold
rush.
①. __________________________________________
②. __________________________________________
③. __________________________________________
④. __________________________________________
Use them when you make your outline.

Discussion
Level I
①. In your job, do you get regular increases in your salary?

②. How much do you think is a god increase in an annual salary?
③. Is this increase enough to spend more money on large presents or upgrades to your
personal life style?
Level II
①. Have you ever made an investment? If no, do you know anybody that has?
②. Have you ever underestimated something?
③. Have you ever thought you should have gotten paid more for what you do?
④. What did/ could you do about it? Explain.
Level III
①. What things in your country have helped the economy?

②. What things have hurt the economy?
③. Do you think that Unions should have more power?
 You now have everything you need to fill out your outline.
 Look at your answers, under Discussion, and fill it out to reflect the
new ideas.
 These new ideas will help you form your debate ideas better.
In debate you will have a statement not a question. You have to react to the statement
with facts, not opinions.
 Discussions are based a lot on opinions and answer questions. This is where
these two ideas, though similar, are different.
 Debate is about facts and statements.
 When you make a statement, from a story, you must consider what the core
issue is. If you have made a good outline, you will have this already
discovered.
This story is from economics. The core issue could be;

 social
 economic
 political
 culture

In today’s world the topics could range from;
 social responsibility
 government control of workers pay
 risk taking
 greed
 unfair labour practices
 economics
These are all good argument that you would want to research for your argument, or
write in your essay. Build the argument starting from “Why?” Once you have
determined the “Why?” you can find facts to support your idea.
 The amount of money a business pays their employees is persona and the
government should let the market determine it.
 Businesses must be required to share more of their profits with their

employees.
 Unions are a good thing because they help workers keep up with their standard
of living. To lessen their power would hurt the workers.
 Before you start choose one of the above statements to focus on. Choose a
“for” or “against” position.
 Research to find FACTS for your position.
 List the facts.
 Write out your argument in a long paragraph format. Include the opposite
position in your writing.
You need to write out both sides so you can understand the
other sides’ argument.

Discovery Outline
Main topic ________________________
 Find one (1) key idea in each paragraph. (3-5 words)
Paragraph 1 ______________________________
Paragraph 2 ______________________________
Paragraph 3 ______________________________
Paragraph 4 ______________________________
Paragraph 5 ______________________________
 Write two things about the main paragraph idea.
Paragraph 1 ______________________________
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
Paragraph 2 ______________________________
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
Paragraph 3 ______________________________
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
Paragraph 4 ______________________________
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
Paragraph 5 ______________________________
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
 In the introduction you use the 5 paragraph ideas to communicate the order of
your argument/ essay.
 In the conclusion you repeat what you have said about the points of each
paragraph.

Graphic Organization ~
Main topic = 5 Paragraph Topics
paragraph 1
____________
____________
____________
____________
paragraph 5 paragraph 2
____________ ____________
____________ ____________
____________
____________
____________ Main ____________
topic
paragraph 4 paragraph 3
____________ ____________
____________ ____________
____________ ____________
____________ ____________

Discussion Graphic ~ Is this phenomenon a problem / becoming a problem in

today’s society?
Answer ~ I think wages are (a / becoming a) problem because
Problem /
Wages
People are greedy and People think that they Life without money is no
want to have everything will be happy if they earn fun, and without a good
for cheap, while making higher wages. wage people will become
a good wage. to violent.
Respond Respond Respond
Respond Respond Respond

graphic ~ choose one statement from the list

above.
Write it here _____________________________________________

________________________________________________________
To make your argument you should understand that they are connected.
In the next two charts (1) list your argument facts and ideas, (2) show how your
argument connects to both the center point and the other points.
Facts
For Against
 Add more if needed

graphic ~ choose one statement from the list

above.
If this -- then
If this -- then
Write your statement position here.

________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
______________________________
If this -- then If this -- then
If this -- then
Now start the .
As a team choose which points they will speak about.

Each person will listen for the opposite point and create a new
response to what the other person has said.
A: point 1
B: responds to the point and give a new point.
C: responds to B and give a new point.
After all persons have spoken each person can respond to any point given by the
opposite team, or add more points from their team which will need responding to from
the opposite team.

The following questions are to test your understanding of the story.

Choose the correct letter for your answer. All answers can be found
in the story. Answers are under question 10.
1. Wages in this story are ___________.

a. keeping up with inflation
b. below inflation
c. cheer on inflation
d. double damper
e. None of the above
2. Deceleration is the same as _________.

a. slowing down
b. speeding up
c. declaration
d. hitting a wall
3. You ________ a bad referee call in a soccer game.

a. yack at
b. run after
c. cheer
d. jeer
4. When you mean well you have good _________.

a. moves
b. feelings
c. intentions
d. juice
5. When you go slower than a snail it is at a_________.

a. oak tree
b. ice cube
c. rabbit trails
d. glacier pace
e. none of the above
6. The survey message is that the economy is moving very ______.

a. over fast
b. will get better soon
c. life will be boring
d. slow

7. When concern is very high in your thinking it is _______.
a. underfoot
b. in your head
c. on your toes
d. in your ear
8. The two things that increase the cost of living are wages and _.
a. low interest
b. high interest
c. sluggish interest
d. no interest
9. 60% of the increase comes from Government and ________.
a. low interest
b. construction
c. underestimate
d. bad intentions
e. All of the above.
10. Higher wages equal __________.

a. better living
b. darker living
c. brighter living
d. richer living
e. None of the above.
Answers 1,b:2,a:3,d:4,c:5,d:6,d:7,e:8,b:9,b:10,e

Dear Teacher/ Student,
After you have finished this please look for more in this series to challenge yourself.
This is only part of a curriculum. It starts with Dr. Roy’s Everything Grammar.
Dr. Roy’s Everything Grammar Volumes I and II will develop the skills of story and
essay writing, while at the same time building a foundation in grammar. The
repetition of grammar, combined with reason and speaking, culminating in a story or
essay will prepare students for this series.
Going beyond this book is a book to expand the outlines into essays. Good essays are
able to build and defend an argument. Building a structure for debate will springboard
off this skill set.
Dr. Paul R. Friesen


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Discovery Discussion

Wages and inflation are always talked about. How

Dr. Paul R. Friesen

Discuss the Story

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 1 of 18

Before you start

Discussion is interaction without a lot of structure. Be careful not to confuse

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 2 of 18

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 3 of 18

Title: Wages far behind inflation ~

What can you know from the title?

What do I know about this topic?

What would make me depressed?

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 4 of 18

①. Now read the story.

Business and Technology

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 5 of 18

"Businesses, excluding housing, governments and institutions, expect to increase

"This survey has a history of underestimating business investment," Anania said.

© Copyright 2003 The Star Phoenix (Saskatoon)

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 6 of 18

Note – Here is used as a statement not a memo. A verb not a noun.

Double damper – A damper or is to control or restrict something. It is a word from a

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 7 of 18

Underlying – Let us reverse to get a better picture. Lying under. So it is like a

In fact – In other words “real life” or “reality”.

Underestimating – Again we have the “under” as a prefix. This time it is estimating or

What do I know about this topic?

Use them when you make your outline.

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 8 of 18

①. In your job, do you get regular increases in your salary?

①. What things in your country have helped the economy?

 Debate is about facts and statements.

This story is from economics. The core issue could be;

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 9 of 18

 Businesses must be required to share more of their profits with their

 Research to find FACTS for your position.

 List the facts.

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 10 of 18

 Find one (1) key idea in each paragraph. (3-5 words)

 Write two things about the main paragraph idea.

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 11 of 18

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 12 of 18

Discussion Graphic ~ Is this phenomenon a problem / becoming a problem in

Answer ~ I think wages are (a / becoming a) problem because

Respond Respond Respond

Respond Respond Respond

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 13 of 18

graphic ~ choose one statement from the list

Write it here _____________________________________________

 Add more if needed

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 14 of 18

graphic ~ choose one statement from the list

Write your statement position here.

If this -- then If this -- then

Now start the .

As a team choose which points they will speak about.

Design © Dr. Paul R. Friesen 2013 Page 15 of 18

The following questions are to test your understanding of the story.

1. Wages in this story are ___________.

2. Deceleration is the same as _________.

3. You ________ a bad referee call in a soccer game.

4. When you mean well you have good _________.

5. When you go slower than a snail it is at a_________.