This document discusses the growth of manufacturing in China and the reasons why transnational corporations locate factories there. It notes that China has become the third largest manufacturing economy in the world in just 30 years. Special economic zones and infrastructure, along with lower wages and less regulation, attract foreign companies to set up factories. However, the document also examines some of the negative impacts on workers and the environment, such as long hours, lack of safety protections, pollution, and health issues. Students are prompted to consider the pros and cons of factories in China.

1. China the economic giant Success Criteria:
[Level 5] Explain why
companies locate
factories in China
[Level 6] Analyse the
positive and negative
impacts of factories
locating in China
[Level 7] Form and
justify your own
opinion
Literacy objective: extending descriptions into explanations
LO: To evaluate the problems and
benefits of the manufacturing
industry in China
Do Now: Write a positive statement about
the picture below
HW – Research Apple in
China

2. Knowledge Dump

3. In 30 years China has gone
from an agricultural
economy to 3rd largest
manufacturing economy
in the world.

4. Transnational corporations
(TNCs) are companies that
operate in many different
countries.
They have relocated their
factories in China for a number
of reasons.

5. Reasons for TNCs to locate in China
Description Explanation
Special Economic zones set up This encourages companies into China by
having the area already set up to support
factories
The government of China stopped blocking trade with
western countries (1979)
Infrastructure has been built, Roads and Rail lead to
ports
Lower wages - Shenzen the min. wage is $180/ month
H&S laws are similar to the UK but they are not
enforced.
Overtime legislation often not enforced.
Workers are technically allowed to go on strike, but
the All-China Federation of Trade Unions requires all
workers to return to work as quickly as possible
Big container ships carry many products cheaply
around the world
Reduced taxes

6. Explain China’s rapid
economic growth in
less than a hundred
words.
4 minutes
[Level 5] Explain
why companies
locate factories
in China
[Level 6] Analyse
the positive and
negative impacts
of factories
locating in China
[Level 7] Form
and justify your
own opinion

8. Lots of people work in the
factories…
It gives them jobs.
Is this a good thing?

10. Containers are used to
ship the goods to other
countries.
This allows China to earn
money!

15. Do these people look
happy?

19. Would you like to work in a
factory?

21. Factories employ many
people, and this means they
can afford food…

24. They work long hours and get
very tired…

28. Factories can also harm the
environment

40. Would you like to drink
that water?

42. Does this land look like
you could grow crops on
it?

45. Children’s bones have
been known to bend
because of the
chemicals.

47. The fumes mean that
some people find it hard
to breathe

49. What do you think of
the factories now?
[Level 5] Explain
why companies
locate factories in
China
[Level 6] Analyse the
positive and
negative impacts of
factories locating in
China
[Level 7] Form and
justify your own
opinion

50. New Factory debate
instructions
1. Divide the character sheets between you
Step into character
2. Read information and then complete your character summary
Blue cards are arguments for, Red cards are against
3. Individually on a card write your most persuasive argument
3b. Individually on another card write your second most persuasive argument
4. Sweep the group to exchange findings and idea
5. Stick the cards on the sugar paper to form a “doughnut”
Step out of character
6. In the middle of “doughnut” give the arguments the group thinks are the most important
7. Around the outside give the reasons (3-5) why the group thinks these are most important
arguments
Key Question- Should a new factory be opened?

51. Should a new factory be opened?
There are many different opinions when thinking about if a new factory should be
opened. For example the Health minister thinks…
But the migrants think…
Greenpeace think…
A current factory owner thinks that a new factory would…
The new factory owner would like the factory to be allowed, and thinks that the
positives would be…
The Mayor of Beijing has a hard job and has to consider all viewpoints, but has
decided the new factory…
I think the new factory is a good / bad idea because…
Extension – How could
manufacturing in China be
improved to lessen some of
the negative impacts

52. Please complete your
exit cards and have a
good day

53. Evaluation – weigh up the positives and negatives and
decide which you agree with and why
There are many different opinions when thinking about if a new factory should be
opened. For example the Health minister thinks…
But the migrants think…
Greenpeace think…
The new factory owner would like the factory to be allowed, and thinks that the positives
would be…
The Mayor of Beijing has a hard job and has to consider all viewpoints, but has decided
the new factory…
I think the new factory is a good / bad idea because…
Character summary
Who are you?
Are you for or against a new factory?
What is your strongest argument?
What is your weakest argument?
Is there a compromise?
Explain China’s rapid economic growth (100 words)
Peer assessment
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