Food and Fertilizer Problems in the World

May 12, 2026, 11:19
ChinaInternational

Introduction

David Malpass was the leader of the World Bank. He talks about why food and fertilizer are hard to find now.

Main Body

Some countries are fighting. They closed a sea path called the Strait of Hormuz. Now, oil and fertilizer cannot move. This makes prices go up. China is keeping a lot of food and fertilizer for itself. China stopped selling some fertilizer to other countries in March. Mr. Malpass says China has too much. He says China should share. Mr. Malpass says China is a rich country now. He thinks China should not call itself a poor country. The Chinese government does not agree. They say they are still a developing country.

Conclusion

Wars and trade rules make food expensive. China and the West still disagree about money and power.

Learning

πŸ“¦ The 'Too Much' Pattern

In the text, we see: "China has too much."

When you want to say something is a problem because there is more than you need, use Too + Adjective.

Simple Examples:

  • The food is β†’\rightarrow too expensive.
  • The city is β†’\rightarrow too big.
  • This coffee is β†’\rightarrow too hot.

🌍 Moving from 'Poor' to 'Rich'

Look at these opposites from the story. These are key words for A2 level descriptions:

extPoor↔extRich ext{Poor} \leftrightarrow ext{Rich} extDevelop↔extStop ext{Develop} \leftrightarrow ext{Stop}

Sentence Builder:

  • "China is a rich country now."
  • "They are still a poor country."

βš™οΈ Action Words (The Simple Present)

Notice how the story describes things that are happening generally:

  • They closed a path.
  • Prices go up.
  • China stopped selling.

To talk about a general fact in A2 English, use the base verb:

  • The price goes up. (One thing)
  • The prices go up. (Many things)

Vocabulary Learning

leader (n.)
a person who directs or commands a group
Example:David Malpass is the leader of the World Bank.
talk (v.)
to speak about something
Example:He talks about why food is hard to find.
food (n.)
anything that people eat
Example:Food is an important part of life.
fertilizer (n.)
a substance added to soil to help plants grow
Example:Fertilizer is used to make crops grow.
price (n.)
the amount of money needed to buy something
Example:The price of oil has gone up.
oil (n.)
a liquid used for energy and making products
Example:Oil is transported through pipelines.
country (n.)
a nation with its own government
Example:Some countries are fighting.
war (n.)
a conflict between countries
Example:Wars make life difficult.
trade (n.)
the buying and selling of goods
Example:Trade rules affect how goods move.
rule (n.)
a rule is a rule that people must follow
Example:Trade rules make food expensive.
money (n.)
currency used to buy goods
Example:Money is needed to buy food.
power (n.)
control or influence over others
Example:Power is a key issue in politics.