First came taxes on tobacco, then on hard drinks. Okay, for our own good I’ll buy it. Then came taxes on sugary foods, as if this would save people from: eating disorders, weight problems, diabetes. You name it! Meanwhile, more and more ads appear on TV whetting appetites, offering food rewards and at the same time, claiming their share of our stomachs.

But what’s Donald Williamson’s opinion on this matter? Do taxes really serve as a deterrent? Will “offenders” be willing to swap a bar of chocolate for a kilo of carrots and a soda for an orange squash all in the name of household economy?

Created by blogdeserena

C2 Listening Sin Tax

You are going to hear an interview about sin tax. Choose the correct answer according to what you hear.
Source from CGN
Activity by Serena Farr

SIN TAX PLAY THE VIDEO

1.Professor Donald Williamsons’ stance on the effectiveness of sin tax in Mexico is that...

it has harmed poor people more than reduce consumption of soda.

it increased revenue for healthcare.

the reduction of soda consumption has been very significant.

2. Williamson states that as a palliative to the extra money people pay...

obesity will surely be curbed.

medical healthcare is ensured in the Philippines.

taxes should be fully used for the purpose that brought them into existence.

3. Concerning the history of excise tax in the United States,  professor Williamson claims that ...

its history goes further back than the American Revolution.

it has only come into existence during the last few years.

the British had used this as a strategy to influence behaviour.

4.According the Williamson, people's reaction to increases in taxes is…

that they don’t usually notice it.

that they usually accept it on certain products.

that they are usually reluctant to paying higher prices.

5. The greatest challenge in applying sin tax is…

getting the companies to accept it.

getting people to stop consuming certain products.

passing the new law.

6.What seems to be the most effective way to change people's behavior, according to Williamson?

psychotherapy

group pressure

increased taxes

7.As an example of a beneficial effect of sin tax,  Professor Williamson mentions...

that it has contributed towards people's behaviour.

Mexico’s reduction of people suffering from obesity.

the Philippine’s increase in healthcare for the needy.

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