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Brazilian economy

New notes were printed in the 1990s.

Brazil is one of what we call the 'BRIC' countries, along with Russia, India and China. 

Many people believe these economies will play a big role in beating the global financial crisis.

These countries are attracting a lot of foreign investors. But is Brazil a good place to invest your money? 

Rob and Grace talk about making money and teach some business-related vocabulary.

This week's question:What's the name of the Brazilian currency? Is it:

a) the Brazilian peso

b) the Real

c) the Guarani

Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary

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notes pieces of paper money

at a crossroads (here) at a point in time when it could do well, but a lot needs to change first

anti-inflation against inflation; inflation is the continuous increase in prices of goods and services

to build on to use success to do things and become even more successful

interest rates percentage a bank or company pays you when you give them your money, or the amount it charges you when you borrow from them

profit money you earn after you pay costs

risky dangerous; having the possibility of something bad happening

Downloads

To take away:

·         Audio (4.9 MB)

·         Text

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/07/140710_6min_brazilian_economy.shtml

The Ebola outbreak

Scientists are trying to develop a vaccine against Ebola.

The Ebola virus has killed hundreds of people in West Africa. The World Health Organisation has allowed the use of drugs which have not been fully tested.

Rob and Feifei discuss the use of these new drugs on patients. Who gets the drug? Who is to blame if they feel worse? Listen to the programme.

This week's question:

The virus Ebola got its name after a river in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. But when was it discovered? Was it in:

a) 1966

b) 1976 or

c) 1986

Downloads

To take away:

• Audio (4.9 MB)
• Text

Vocabulary

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experimental drug

medicine which has not been fully tested

mortality rate

proportion of people in a particular group who die

side effects

effects of a particular medicine that are not intended

consent

permission

waiver

formal document in which a person gives up rights to something

liable

legally responsible

dilemma

a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2014/08/140828_witn_6min_ebola.shtml