Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. trail (v.) – to fall or drop behind something
Example: The young runners trail behind those with more experience.
2. innovation (n.) – a new idea or invention that is
introduced
Example: The telephone is a
great innovation of the 20th century.
3. thrive (v.) – to be successful, grow, or develop
Example: Entrepreneurs can
easily thrive in countries where they
are supported.
4. subjective (adj.) – something that depends on one’s opinion
and not on data that can be easily measured
Example: To say that a person
is pretty can be subjective.
5. democracy (n.) – a form of government in which individual
people have the power
Example: Democracy is different from monarchy in which kings and queens
rule.
Article
Read the text below.
In a recent survey made
for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service, Indonesia is
named as the world’s best place for entrepreneurs. Following the top spot are
US, Canada, India and Australia, while Colombia, Egypt, Turkey, Italy and
Russia trail behind.
Based on the opinion of
24,000 people from 24 countries, the results were gathered by asking
participants four questions: (1) if innovation is
encouraged in their countries; (2) if entrepreneurs are given importance; (3)
if they can easily start a business; and (4) if their unique ideas can be
easily implemented.
Results also show that
entrepreneurs will thrive in most wealthy countries except in Italy.
Surprisingly, they will also do well in countries that are still on the verge
of development, such as Nigeria, India and China.
While the results in some
regions are similar, there are significant differences in others. Four
countries from East Asia and Pacific scored high, while two countries from
Africa scored average. In contrast, Mexico, Peru, Brazil and Colombia—all from
Latin America—have different scores. The same case applies in Europe wherein
Germany, UK and France are seen as more entrepreneur-friendly compared to Italy
and Spain.
Despite being subjective, the results reflect
only the general opinion about these countries. For instance, democracy in US
is seen to be good for private business; while strong government control in
Russia is not.
Some of the results came
out unexpected. France scored high despite its strict labor laws, and Nigeria
scored high as well despite its problems with corruption.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Are
starting entrepreneurs supported in your country? If yes, how? If no, why?
·
In
what ways do you think can the government support starting entrepreneurs?
Discussion B
·
What
do you think are the challenges of starting a business?
·
What
do you think are the advantages of having your own business?
