Tax Evasion

black and silver pen on white paper
Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on September 29, 2020 and last updated on February 4, 2023

Nobody likes paying taxes, but it is something that most people accept and pay to the government what they owe. However, there are some people who try and avoid paying taxes by using a tax avoidance scheme or lying to the government about their income.

The punishment for tax evasion varies depending on the severity of the crime. It could be a small fine or in extreme cases could result in a jail sentence of more than twenty years!

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • tax (noun)
  • evasion (noun)
  • evade (verb)
  • pay (verb)
  • punishment (noun)
  • fair (adjective)
  • avoid (verb)
  • income (noun)
  • severity (noun)

Conversation Questions

  • What should the punishment be for tax evasion?
  • Have you ever evaded paying taxes?
  • Do you think tax evasion should result in a jail sentence? Why?
  • What do you think is the fairest punishment for tax evasion?
  • Why do you think people try and avoid paying taxes?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.