Needs vs. Wants — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Swapping items without money is called a trade.
In a trade, two people swap items instead of paying money, so trading is a very old way to shop.
2. Long ago, people used barter before coins.
Barter means swapping goods, so long ago farmers bartered crops for tools before coins were made.
3. If I trade my apple for your cookie, we both get a treat.
Each of us gives one snack and gets a new one, so both kids end up with a yummy treat to enjoy.
4. Trading works only if both people agree.
If one kid says no, the swap cannot happen, so both sides must agree for a fair trade to take place.
5. Today we use money to make trading easier.
Money lets you buy any item without finding a matching swap, so money makes shopping much easier.
6. A farmer may trade corn for a jug of milk.
Long ago, one farmer could swap corn for a jug of milk from a neighbor, and both sides got what they needed.
7. If I have too many apples, I can trade some.
Trading extras helps you get items you do not have, so nothing goes to waste in the swap.
8. Money is easier than barter because it fits in a pocket.
Coins and bills fit in pockets, so carrying money is much simpler than carrying corn or cows to trade.
9. A fair trade means both people are happy.
In a fair trade, both sides feel the swap is even, so both kids or adults walk away happy and smiling.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
swap apples for bread
→ fair barter swap
fair barter swap
pay coins for milk
→ modern money trade
modern money trade
trade without money
→ old way to shop
old way to shop
hard to carry cows
→ problem with barter
problem with barter
Some trades use goods and some use money, and barter has limits, so match each trade to its best description.