B1 – Intermediate
From 1980 to 2015, China used to have the one-child policy. Even when they allowed couples to have up to three children in 2021, many couples still decide to delay having children, have less kids, or even not have children at all.
As a direct result, the population is declining. At present, some Chinese companies that produce children’s products have to continue thinking of ways to diversify their product lines as the birth rate in their country continue to go down which only means a smaller and smaller market for their products.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies that produce children’s products having problems due to declining birth rates in China.
Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/chinese-baby-companies-have-problems-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “margin” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “margin”.
- What does “stock” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “stock”.
- What does “reluctant” mean? “While the limit has been raised to three children in 2021, couples are still reluctant to have babies.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your reaction to and opinion about children products companies’ problems in China?
- What solutions do you think companies can come up with to deal with this problem?
- How has your company diversified its products/services over the years?