Taxation systems and living standards
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Introduction
In this activity, students investigate the living standards of different countries in the Asia region. They locate display and interpret data to explain the relationship between living standards and taxation systems (tax revenue and spending). They collaboratively model the consequences of significant reductions to government spending to further explain this relationship.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 10, students explain why and how governments manage economic performance to improve living standards. They give explanations for variations in economic performance and standards of living within and between economies. They analyse factors that influence major consumer and financial decisions and explain the short- and long-term effects of these decisions. They explain how businesses respond to changing economic conditions and improve productivity. Students evaluate the effect of organisational and workforce management on business performance.
When researching, students develop questions and formulate hypotheses to frame an investigation of an economic or business issue or event. They gather and analyse reliable data and information from different sources to identify trends, explain relationships and make predictions. Students generate alternative responses to an issue, taking into account multiple perspectives. They use cost-benefit analysis and appropriate criteria to propose and justify a course of action. They apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts to familiar, unfamiliar and complex hypothetical problems. Students develop and present evidence-based conclusions and reasoned arguments incorporating different points of view. They use appropriate texts, subject-specific language, conventions and concepts. They analyse the intended and unintended effects of economic and business decisions and the potential consequences of alternative actions.
Content descriptions
Economics and Business Knowledge and Understanding
The links between economic performance and living standards, and how and why variations exist within and between economies (ACHEK051).
Economics and Business Skills
Analyse data and information in different formats to explain cause-and-effect relationships, make predictions and illustrate alternative perspectives (ACHES057).
Present reasoned arguments and evidence-based conclusions in a range of appropriate formats using economics and business conventions, language and concepts (ACHES060).
Student learning resources
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Taxation systems and living standards
What if?
Suggested activity sequence
This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group. If you assign this activity to a class, your students will be assigned all student resources on their 'My learning' page. You can also hand-pick the resources students are assigned by selecting individual resources when you add a work item to a class in 'My classes'.
- Discuss with students what they know about tax and how the money collected in tax is spent. Explain that tax revenue and spending is also known as the taxation system.
- Explain to students that they will be investigating the relationship between a country’s taxation system and its living standards.
- Students complete the investigation.
- Invite students to present their infographics to the class.
- Use a grouping strategy to organise students into groups of 3 or 4.
- Groups use the group instructions to complete the ‘What is’ scenario.
- As a class discuss:
- the extent to which a high level of taxation is necessary for a good welfare system
- the extent to which a high level of taxation is necessary for high living standards.
- Students write a short statement (no more than 150 words) responding to one of the statements above.