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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what trade is and why countries trade with each other.

      Key learning points

      1. Global trade involves exporting goods from one country and importing them to other countries.
      2. Commodities are raw materials which can be bought and sold.
      3. Manufacturing uses raw materials to make other goods for sale.
      4. Import and export data can be used to show the types and amounts of things that countries trade around the world.

      Keywords

      • Trade - the buying, selling or exchanging of things between people, companies and countries

      • Import - goods and services brought in from another country

      • Export - goods and services sold to another country

      • Tax - money that is paid to the government to pay for things like schools and healthcare

      Common misconception

      You can only trade goods.

      You can trade goods and services such as education and finance services.

      Teacher tip

      Bring in an example of a commodity and manufactured good to show the difference.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      is the process of countries becoming more connected and interdependent.

      Correct Answer: Globalisation

      Q2.
      Which of the following is an example of global trade?

      A local farmer selling their vegetables only in their town.
      Correct answer: A company in the USA buying smartphones made in China.
      A school organising a book swap within the local area.

      Q3.
      Which of these is a positive effect of globalisation?

      Fewer people have access to technology.
      Correct answer: There are job opportunities in different countries that people can migrate for.
      Countries become more isolated from each other.

      Q4.
      Which of the following is an example of a product that might be traded internationally?

      A locally made chair
      Correct answer: A laptop
      A homemade sandwich

      Q5.
      How has the internet affected globalisation?

      Correct answer: It helps people stay more connected with each other.
      It stops people from interacting with other countries.
      It limits the spread of ideas and information.

      Q6.
      How can globalisation affect local cultures?

      It has no effect on local cultures.
      Correct answer: It can lead to the mixing of cultures and the sharing of ideas.
      It causes local cultures to disappear completely.

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      means the buying, selling or exchanging of things between people, companies and countries.

      Correct Answer: Trade

      Q2.
      Which of these is a 'good'?

      Correct answer: clothes
      education
      travel

      Q3.
      Which of these is a service?

      food
      Correct answer: banking
      furniture

      Q4.
      Global trade involves exporting goods and services from one country and them to other countries.

      Correct Answer: importing

      To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: The importance of trade, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...