LESSON 1 – Developing countries, and lives.

A reading

1- Complete the table about India with words from the box. In groups, say other
things you know about India.

Area 3.29 million square kilometers

Population 1.2 billion
Capital city New Delhi
Largest city Mumbai
Official languages Hindi and English
Currency Rupee
Main religious groups Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists

2- Read the report about India. Then read statements A-F and circle T (true) or F
(false).

INDIA'S AMBITOUS DEVELOPMENT PLAN

India has a very large and fast-growing economy, but many Indians live in poverty. They suffer
because of malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. The government is planning for a radically different
India in the near future, with most of its population healthy and educated. It believes the people
themselves India's human resources - are fundamental for this change.

The Planning Commission of India estimates that India's population is going to increase from 1.2
billion in 2012 to 1.33 billion in 2020- an additional 130 million Indians! The become the third or
fourth biggest in the world by 2020 (after China, the USA and possibly, Japan).

According to the plan, much of the economic growth is going to be in agriculture. The development
of agriculture is vital to feed India’s enormous, growing population, and to make India a major
food exporter. It should lead to modern, mechanized, prosperous farming communities, but also
to a big reduction in rural jobs.

Alternative urban employment should grow fast, in modern industries, infrastructure projects and,
especially services. The service sector in India is enormous compared with other developing
countries. It includes information technology, communications, transportation, finance, technical
consultancy and tourism. Its future depends on Commission also believes the Indian economy is
going to grow fast to education and the development of human resources. and India is investing
heavily in a web-based educational system, with high standards. The Planning Commission is
convinced that quality education and training of its human resources -Indian citizens -are going
to develop India to its full potential.

A. The article says that India's economy is small but growing quickly. T
B. India's population is going to increase by about 20% from 2012 to 2020 T
C. India is probably going to be one of the top four economies of the world T
D. India’s economic future depends on the education and training of its citizens. T
E. Employment in rural areas is going to increase. F
F. India's future looks good, but the country must solve some serious problems. F