Time Lags in Fiscal Policy Essays

Time Lags in Fiscal Policy Essays Time Lags in Fiscal Policy Paper Time Lags in Fiscal Policy Paper Fiscal policy is the change in taxes and spending that affect the level of GDP (O’Sullivan, p. 212, 2008). When fiscal policies are put into place, the goal is to see the economy grow to healthy levels. Other reasons for fiscal policies could include stabilizing the economy. These policies are supposed to help the economy run at its full potential. Congress and the President are supposed to be constantly working to maintain a healthy economy. There are times however, that a poorly timed move could hurt and destabilize the economy. The problem with trying to implement policies that will move the economy to its highest potential output is that there can be delays. Trying to forecast the economy is like trying to forecast the weather. When policy makers make mistakes, they create proverbial rain at our picnic. When the economy starts to slow down, government officials try to get the economy to run at its full potential again. The problem with this is that sometimes, the economy can correct itself without policies being established. There are usually delays, or lags in the policies being implemented. Just like normal, regular people, there are times that policy makers are slow to realize that there is problem that needs correcting. When they finally realize that there is an issue at hand, it may take the policy makers time to react. Two types of lags can cause problems inside lags and outside lags. Inside lags involve the time it takes to formulate a policy while outside lags involve the time it takes for the policy to actually work (O’Sullivan, p. 214, 2008). The biggest problem with the inside lag is the time it takes policymakers to recognize shifts in economic indicators. Policymakers try to rely on their forecasting skills. Sometimes their forecasting is correct, while other times, they are wrong. This can cause big discrepancies in the economy. Another issue is the time it takes for policy makers to realize that there is a problem and then fix the problem at hand. With outside lags, policies such as tax cuts take time to actually work. Outside lags are normally short, but if they are timed incorrectly, the economy could actually become destabilized. The worst problem with lags is that economists are playing the role of the weatherman in forecasting what will happen to the economy. It is hard for them to know whether an economic slowdown is just temporary or if it will be a long recession. For example, if economists predict that the economy is going to be working over its potential, and the government implements a policy to get the economy to its full potential, but not over it, and then the economy becomes weak before the policy takes place, the entire economy could become destabilized. Policy makers must understand this possibility and do their best to minimize errors. Reference OSullivan, Shefferin, Perez. (2008). Economics: Principles, Applications, and Tools. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

ESL Learners Test Preparation

ESL Learners Test Preparation Its important to prepare well for big tests - especially for exams like the TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge First Certificate (FCE). This guide will help you take steps towards doing your very best on the big day. Know Your Test First things first: Find out about the test! Reading test-specific preparation materials will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses on specific topic areas covered in the test. Understanding which types of problems are easiest and which are most difficult will help you develop a study plan for the test. While developing your plan, take note of grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking and writing expectations. Also, take note of specific exercise types on your exam. Preparing for the TOEFLPreparing for the First Certificate ExamPreparing for the IELTS Practice, Practice, Practice Once you have established a study plan, youll need to do lots of practice. Practice begins with understanding the subjects that will be included in reading, writing and listening. If youre not taking a course, using advanced level resources at this site can help you study up and practice grammar, build vocabulary, as well as improve writing techniques and listening skills. Advanced Grammar ResourcesAdvanced Writing ResourcesAdvanced Vocabulary Resources Practice Specific Types of Test Problems So youve studied up on your grammar, writing, and vocabulary, now youll need to apply these skills to specific types of exercises you will find on your exam. There are a number of free and paid resources available on the Internet. Cambridge Exams Practice Materials Take Practice Tests After you have become familiar with the types of exercises on your test, youll want to practice taking the test as often as possible. For this purpose, the best thing to do is purchase one of the many books that provide practice tests for the TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Exams. Top TOEFL Study MaterialsTop First Certificate Study Materials Prepare Yourself - Test Taking Strategy Shortly before the big day, youll also want to spend some time developing specific test taking skills. These skills include strategies on multiple choice questions, timing, and other issues. Effective Test Taking Strategies Prepare Yourself - Understand the Test Structure When you understand the general techniques required to do well on a test, youll also want to study specific exercise techniques to help you develop a strategy for each type of question. These links focus on specific exercises that youll find on the Cambridges First Certificate Exam. However, these types of exercises are found on most of the major exams in one form or another.