Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Advantages and disadvantages of free trade
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the concept of free trade and the principle of comparative advantage.
  • Explain at least three economic advantages and three disadvantages of free trade.
  • Analyse the impact of free trade on consumers, producers and employment.
  • Evaluate arguments and construct a balanced judgement using evidence and diagrams.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handouts with advantage/disadvantage tables
  • PPF diagram worksheets
  • Case‑study cards (e.g., UK‑EU, China)
  • Calculators
 Introduction:
Imagine buying a smartphone that’s half the price because it’s made overseas. Recall our earlier lesson on comparative advantage and how countries specialise. Today you will identify the main benefits and costs of free trade and produce a balanced evaluation, which will be your success criteria.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – quick quiz on comparative advantage.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – define free trade, introduce comparative advantage, show PPF diagram.
  3. Group activity (15’) – analyse the advantages/disadvantages list, complete worksheet.
  4. Case‑study discussion (10’) – examine UK‑EU trade example, debate pros and cons.
  5. Diagram practice (10’) – students draw PPFs for two countries and illustrate gains from trade.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – exit ticket: state one advantage and one disadvantage with justification.
Conclusion:
We will recap the key advantages and disadvantages of free trade and how they relate to comparative advantage. Students will hand in their exit tickets and reflect on the discussion. For homework, write a short essay evaluating whether free trade is beneficial for a country of your choice, using at least one diagram as evidence.