B2- Upper Intermediate
Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s controversial views and actions as of late have not been taken all too well by many. From Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s radical reforms and axing to a video appearance at a far-right Alternative für Deutschland party rally, and some online attacks on British politicians, Musk has been in the center of everything.
All this is causing a huge public backlash against Tesla. This may have contributed in the company’s decline in sales.
Read this article about how Tesla’s problems run deeper than the controversies revolving Elon Musk.
Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz61vwjel2zo
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “unequivocal” mean? “Musk has also been unequivocal in his response. “This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong,” he said in a recent interview with Fox News. “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
- What does “at the helm” mean? “And if that is the case, can Tesla really build on its past success with Musk remaining at the helm?” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
- What is a “figurehead”? “Musk, the figurehead of the company, has driven this all forward, since he joined Tesla in 2004 as its chairman and principal funder.” Use this term in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you think Tesla will be affected by Musk’s views and involvement in the Trump administration?
- How can Tesla retain its position as the world’s best-selling maker of electric vehicles (EVs)?
- This violence against US showrooms should be treated as “domestic terrorism”. What is your opinion on this?
- If you were an EV enthusiast, would you stop supporting TESLA because of these controversies Musk have been entangled with recently? Explain.
- Does the company leaders or businesses’ views and actions affect your support of or loyalty to a brand? Why or why not?