Clean drinking water is a need because people must have water to survive. Video games, bicycles, and stuffed animals are all nice to have, but you can live without them. Water, food, shelter, and clothing are the basic needs.
Question 2 True / False
A want is something you would like to have but can live without.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: True
That is exactly right. A want is something you desire or enjoy but do not actually need to survive. Toys, treats, and entertainment are wants. They make life more fun, but you will not get sick or be in danger without them.
Question 3 Short Answer
Give an example of something that could be either a need or a want, and explain why.
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Food is a need because you must eat to survive. But a fancy birthday cake is more of a want because you do not need cake specifically — you just need enough healthy food. Clothing is a need, but an expensive pair of sneakers is a want because any safe, warm shoes would meet the need.
A good answer picks an item that has both a basic version (need) and a luxury version (want), and explains the difference. The key idea is that the basic version meets a survival need, while the fancy version goes beyond what is necessary.
Question 4 Multiple Choice
If you only had a small amount of money, what should you buy first?
AA new toy
BCandy
CFood for your family
DA movie ticket
When money is limited, needs should come first. Food for your family is a need — everyone must eat. Toys, candy, and movie tickets are wants that can wait until needs are taken care of.
Question 5 True / False
Shelter is a want, not a need.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Shelter is definitely a need. People need a safe place to live that protects them from heat, cold, rain, and danger. Without shelter, people can get sick or be in danger. A mansion is a want, but a safe home is a need.