English language articles

(from: http://www.headsupenglish.com)

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Corruption in Russia

Corruption and red tape have severely limited the development of small businesses in Russia.  Take a report from the World Bank as one example of the problems business owners face.  The report estimates that it takes more than 700 days to get licenses, fill out paperwork, and connect utilities just to build a warehouse.  Bribes are necessary for local officials, and additional money must be handed over to local gangs for "protection."  In fact, in terms of corruption, Russia ranks equal with Gambia, Indonesia, and Togo at 143rd place out of 180.

Russia's president, Dmitry Medvedev, wants a change.  Small businesses make up a scant 15% of the country's GDP.  He wants to increase this figure to 50%, and so intends to seek out blatant and less obvious forms of corruption.  As a result, small firms will be able to thrive better in the oil boom that has begun to develop a middle class with disposable income.  Medvedev correctly believes that a strong middle class and a diverse range of businesses will make Russia less dependent on natural resources like oil.  And although oil probably won't drop to $20 a barrel, the country could still suffer from price fluctuations.  It's expected that revenues from oil and natural gas will supply 41% of the country's income this year.

Big businesses face similar worries, and have moved investments planned for Russia to countries with less corruption.  Rex Tillerson, the chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, said that there isn't much confidence in Russia's rule of law.  Foreign investment has dropped 43% as a result.

Previews

Rank It!: Which country is the most corrupt? Rank the countries in order. Remember to support your decisions!      1. Russia      2. Japan      3. the US      4. Indonesia      5. Brazil Fragments:  Remember how the fragments were used, and complete the sentence from today's article.      1. The report estimates that it takes more than 700 days to...      2. Bribes are necessary for local officials, and additional money...      3. He wants to increase this figure to 50%, and so intends...      4. Big businesses face similar worries, and have...      5. Rex Tillerson, the chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, said that...

Post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. 

Remember to support your answers!

1. Were you surprised that Russia suffers from corruption? Why/not?

2. Despite corruption, do you think there are good business opportunities in Russia? Why/not?

3. Which countries would you imagine to be more corrupt than Russia? How about your country?

4. Have you ever thought about opening a business? If yes, what? If no, why not?

5. You have the chance to open a small business in your home country. What kind of business will you open?

Google Search: Type "corruption" into Google. Look at the websites, and/or read additional articles on this topic. Discuss or write an essay about your findings

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