Wealth Tax Debate: Should the Richest Pay More
BUSINESS
4/16/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Have you heard people say wealth inequality is increasing today?
Do you think rich people should pay more taxes than others?
Does news about billionaires affect how you feel about the economy?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
money – something used to buy things
Example: People need money to live.
rich – having a lot of money
Example: Some people are very rich.
tax – money paid to the government
Example: People pay tax every year.
system – a way something is organized
Example: The economic system affects everyone.
change – to make something different
Example: Many people want to change the system.
Developed (B2–C2)
campaign – to work in an organized way for a goal
Example: Activists campaign for fair taxes.
ballot initiative – a public vote on a proposed law
Example: A ballot initiative can change tax laws.
net worth – total value of everything owned minus debts
Example: Billionaires have a high net worth.
asset – something valuable owned
Example: Houses and stocks are common assets.
revenue – money earned by a government
Example: Taxes increase government revenue.
rig – to unfairly control something
Example: Some people think the system is rigged.
READING
Introduction
“Some people believe the economic system is unfair to ordinary people. This text explains the debate about wealth taxes and their possible effects. Read and focus on the main ideas.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Many people think the economic system is unfair. There are more rich people today, and they have a lot of money.
Some people want higher tax for the rich. They believe this can help society and create positive change.
Other people disagree. They think higher taxes could cause problems for the economy.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
The number of billionaires continues to rise, increasing concern about inequality within the economic system. Many groups campaign for wealth taxes to increase government revenue and improve public services.
Some proposals include a ballot initiative to tax individuals with very high net worth, focusing on their assets rather than income.
However, critics argue that such measures could be avoided, reduce investment, and encourage relocation. Others claim the system is already rigged, making reform necessary.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
Are there more rich people now than before?
What do some people want to increase?
Do all people agree with higher tax?
B1–B2
Why do some people support wealth taxes?
What is one example of a proposed tax plan?
What concerns do critics have?
C1–C2
How could wealth taxes affect government revenue and inequality?
Why might wealthy individuals avoid such taxes?
What does it mean to say the system is rigged?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“One problem today is ___.”
“I worry about ___ because ___.”
“This makes people feel ___.”
Personal Questions:
Do you think rich people should pay more tax? Why?
Do you worry about money?
Do you think the economic system is fair?
Would higher tax help society?
Do you think rich people help the economy?
Do you feel money is shared fairly?
Should governments give more support to people?
Do you trust governments with money?
Would you pay more tax to help others?
Do you think inequality is a problem?
Do you know any very rich people?
Does money affect happiness?
Should everyone have equal opportunities?
Do you think tax is too high?
Would you change the economic system?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One challenge is ___, which affects ___ and ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___.”
“This situation makes people feel ___, especially when ___ and ___.”
Personal Questions:
Why do some people campaign for wealth taxes?
How could wealth taxes increase government revenue?
Do you think taxing assets is fair?
What drawbacks worry you the most?
How could wealth taxes affect people with high net worth?
Would wealth taxes change your financial decisions?
How does inequality affect society?
Should the economic system be changed?
How could wealth taxes influence investment?
Would wealth taxes reduce inequality?
How might businesses react to higher tax?
Do you trust governments to manage revenue?
Could wealth taxes cause economic problems?
How would society change with higher taxes?
Do benefits of wealth taxes outweigh the drawbacks?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One significant issue is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___.”
“I think the future is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___.”
Personal Questions:
To what extent is wealth inequality a structural problem?
How could wealth taxes reshape the economic system?
Are wealth taxes an effective way to increase revenue?
How might global mobility affect tax policies?
Could taxing assets discourage investment?
Should governments limit extreme net worth?
How does believing a system is rigged affect society?
What ethical arguments support wealth redistribution?
How can governments prevent tax avoidance?
Should taxation focus more on wealth than income?
How might wealth taxes affect long-term growth?
Can inequality ever be fully solved?
What role should public opinion play in tax policy?
How can fairness and economic growth be balanced?
Is wealth taxation inevitable in the future?
