The massive scale of global corruption resulting from bribery, price-fixing cartels and undue influence on public policy is obstructing the path towards sustainable economic growth, according to a new report released by Transparency International (TI).
The report shows how corrupt practices constitute a destructive force that undermines fair competition, stifles economic growth and ultimately undercuts businesses. In the last two years alone, companies have had to pay billions in fines due to corrupt practices. The cost extends to a loss of trust among customers as well as prospective business partners. The report also documents many cases of managers, majority shareholders and other actors inside corporations who abuse their entrusted power for personal gain, to the detriment of owners, investors, employees and society at large. In developing and transition countries, companies colluding with corrupt politicians and government officials have supplied bribes estimated at up to US $40 billion annually.
The lack of confidence in corporate ethics highlighted by the present economic crisis makes the need to promote anti-corruption an emergency in all countries. “Fostering a culture of corporate integrity is essential to protect investment, increase commercial success and ensure the stability sought by poor and rich countries alike,” said TI Chair, Huguette Labelle.
(bbc news)
1.Say whether the following statements are true or false according to the text.
a. The massive scale of corruption is obstructing the sustainability of economic growth.
b.In the two last years, companies have had to pay billions in fines because of corrupt practices.
c.Anti-corruption needs to be promoted an emergency only in poor countries.
Text exploration :
.Find in the text words or phrases that are closet in meaning to the following
a.level §1=……….. b.confidence §2=………..
2.Find in the text words or pharses that are opposite in meaning to the following
a.constructive §2 ≠………….. b.dishonesy §3 ≠………..
2.Join the pairs of sentences below with the prompts in brackets. Make changes when necessary.
a. Transparency is important in business. Transparency ensures economic stability. (so…..that)
b.Commercial success in Algeria will increase. Our government imposes an anti-corruption policy. (provided that)
3.Complete sentence (b) so that it means the same as sentence (a)
1. a- “Fostering a culture of corporate integrity is an emergency,”he said.
b-He said ……………………………………………………
2. a-Corruption must be fought in our institutions.
b.We……………………………………………
4.Compltete the following dialogue
A………………………………………..?
B.Yes ,of course, integrity is very important to boost our economy.
A…………………………………………?
B.The lack of integrity in our institutions will result in corruption, bribery and other malpractices.
A………………………………………….?
B. In my opinion, our government should enact tougher laws against corrupt people.
5.Underline the stressed syllable in each word
economical – systematic – emergency - extortion
SWRITTEN EXPRESSION.Choose one topic.
Topic 1: What should be done to reduce the level of corruption in our country? Write a short passage of 100 words.You might use the following notes:
-enact stricter laws, increase accountability in institutions, appoint honest people,remove corrupt people…etc
Topic2:What would you do if you were appointed manager of an ethical investment fund? Write a short policy statement to inform potential contributors about it.
The report shows how corrupt practices constitute a destructive force that undermines fair competition, stifles economic growth and ultimately undercuts businesses. In the last two years alone, companies have had to pay billions in fines due to corrupt practices. The cost extends to a loss of trust among customers as well as prospective business partners. The report also documents many cases of managers, majority shareholders and other actors inside corporations who abuse their entrusted power for personal gain, to the detriment of owners, investors, employees and society at large. In developing and transition countries, companies colluding with corrupt politicians and government officials have supplied bribes estimated at up to US $40 billion annually.
The lack of confidence in corporate ethics highlighted by the present economic crisis makes the need to promote anti-corruption an emergency in all countries. “Fostering a culture of corporate integrity is essential to protect investment, increase commercial success and ensure the stability sought by poor and rich countries alike,” said TI Chair, Huguette Labelle.
(bbc news)
1.Say whether the following statements are true or false according to the text.
a. The massive scale of corruption is obstructing the sustainability of economic growth.
b.In the two last years, companies have had to pay billions in fines because of corrupt practices.
c.Anti-corruption needs to be promoted an emergency only in poor countries.
Text exploration :
.Find in the text words or phrases that are closet in meaning to the following
a.level §1=……….. b.confidence §2=………..
2.Find in the text words or pharses that are opposite in meaning to the following
a.constructive §2 ≠………….. b.dishonesy §3 ≠………..
2.Join the pairs of sentences below with the prompts in brackets. Make changes when necessary.
a. Transparency is important in business. Transparency ensures economic stability. (so…..that)
b.Commercial success in Algeria will increase. Our government imposes an anti-corruption policy. (provided that)
3.Complete sentence (b) so that it means the same as sentence (a)
1. a- “Fostering a culture of corporate integrity is an emergency,”he said.
b-He said ……………………………………………………
2. a-Corruption must be fought in our institutions.
b.We……………………………………………
4.Compltete the following dialogue
A………………………………………..?
B.Yes ,of course, integrity is very important to boost our economy.
A…………………………………………?
B.The lack of integrity in our institutions will result in corruption, bribery and other malpractices.
A………………………………………….?
B. In my opinion, our government should enact tougher laws against corrupt people.
5.Underline the stressed syllable in each word
economical – systematic – emergency - extortion
SWRITTEN EXPRESSION.Choose one topic.
Topic 1: What should be done to reduce the level of corruption in our country? Write a short passage of 100 words.You might use the following notes:
-enact stricter laws, increase accountability in institutions, appoint honest people,remove corrupt people…etc
Topic2:What would you do if you were appointed manager of an ethical investment fund? Write a short policy statement to inform potential contributors about it.