Author: jen

Trump Wants to End Penny Production

B2 – Upper Intermediate

President Donald Trump recently proposed ending the production of the penny, reigniting a long-running debate. Supporters argue that eliminating the one-cent coin could save the government money and reduce inefficiencies, while opponents believe it could lead to rounding issues and impact charitable donations. Is it time to say goodbye to the penny, or does it still have a place in our pockets?

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “seigniorage“? “The coin has had a negative seigniorage for almost 20 years and part of the reason for the increased production cost is the metal, in this case, zinc, has gotten more expensive.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “round off ” mean? “Canada rounds off all cash transactions to the nearest 5 cents interval.” Make a sentence using the phrase.
  3. What does the word “mint” mean here, “Last year, the mint lost more than $85 million to make more than 3 billion pennies.“? Use the word in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think eliminating the penny would have a significant impact on everyday transactions? Why or why not?
  2. Should sentimental or historical value be a factor in deciding whether to keep the penny? Explain.
  3. Would rounding prices to the nearest nickel be fair to consumers and businesses? Explain.
  4. How do the costs of producing pennies compare to their actual usefulness in today’s economy?
  5. What potential effects could removing the penny have on low-income individuals and cash-based transactions?
  6. How have other countries handled getting rid of low-denomination coins, and what lessons can the U.S. learn from them?

How Coca-Cola Used You To Win

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign brilliantly transformed a simple idea—printing popular names on Coke bottles—into a viral marketing phenomenon. By making the experience personal and shareable, Coca-Cola not only boosted sales, but also reconnected with young adults, turning an ordinary product into a social experience.

Watch the video to know more about it and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “fizzle out” mean? “In early 2010, Coca-Cola’s sales were fizzling out particularly in Australia where young adults weren’t drinking Coke.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “cherry on top” mean? “Every single word was reviewed and approved by Senior Management and the cherry on top, they had to design a brand new font specifically for this campaign.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “strike gold” mean? “Among young adults, consumption of Coke jumped by 7%. It wasn’t long enough that Coca-Cola realized they had struck gold.” Use it in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the success of the “Share a Coke” campaign was primarily due to personalization, or were other factors equally important? Why?
  2. Some critics argue that Coca-Cola’s campaign was clever but didn’t lead to long-term brand loyalty. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  3. In your opinion, should more brands adopt similar personalized marketing strategies, or does this approach lose its impact when overused?
  4. How did the “Share a Coke” campaign change consumer behavior, and what lessons can other brands learn from it?
  5. What role did social media play in making the campaign go viral, and do you think it would have been as successful without it?





Quiet Luxury: A Marketing Psychology Trick

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Quiet luxury, a growing trend in the fashion and lifestyle industries, emphasizes understated elegance over flashy branding. Rather than relying on visible logos or extravagant designs, it appeals to consumers who value exclusivity, craftsmanship, and subtle sophistication. This marketing strategy taps into psychology, creating a sense of prestige through minimalism and discretion. By targeting those who seek status without overt display, brands successfully position quiet luxury as a symbol of refined taste and timeless wealth.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the following questions.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “over-the-top” mean? “Luxury fashion is often loud, with monograms, logos, and over-the-top designs, like Gucci belts and Louis Vuitton handbags that everyone can spot miles away.” Give 2 synonyms. Make a sentence using the expression.
  2. What does “stay under the radar” mean? “These subtle cues help us connect with the people who get it while staying under the radar for everyone else.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression, “take something to a new level” mean? “Everything from the way we dress sends messages to others, but quiet luxury takes it to a new level.” Use it in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. How does quiet luxury differ from traditional luxury branding, and what psychological factors contribute to its appeal?
  2. In what ways does quiet luxury influence consumer behavior and perceptions of status?
  3. Do you believe quiet luxury is a genuine expression of sophistication, or is it just another marketing strategy to target wealthy consumers? Why?
  4. Is quiet luxury more sustainable compared to traditional luxury brands, or is it simply a rebranding of consumerism? Elaborate.
  5. Do you think the appeal of quiet luxury will continue to grow, or will it eventually be replaced by more conspicuous trends? Expand.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The increasing demand for non-alcoholic beer is driven by a focus on health and mindful drinking. With advancements in brewing, both major and craft breweries now offer better-tasting options, making it a popular choice for social settings. As wellness trends continue to shape the market, non-alcoholic beer is redefining the way people approach beer consumption.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to get the ball rolling” mean? “We like to think that Athletic [Brewing Company] really got the ball rolling in this space. Non-alcoholic craft beer has been the fastest growing category in beer for four plus years now.” Use the expression in a sentence.
  2. What does “zebra striping” mean? “So the trend of “zebra striping” where people drink alcohol, non-alcohol, alcohol, non-alcohol throughout the night to pace out their session, moderate their ABV intake has become increasingly common.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to find one’s footing” mean? “Non-alcoholic beer is still finding its footing in the US.” Use the idiom in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think non-alcoholic beer can ever fully replace traditional beer in social settings? Why or why not?
  2. Is the rise of non-alcoholic beer a passing trend, or do you believe it represents a long-term shift in consumer habits? Explain.
  3. Do you think non-alcoholic beer should be marketed differently than regular beer? If so, how?
  4. What factors do you think have contributed the most to the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beer?
  5. Would you be interested in having non-alcoholic beer? Why or why not?
  6. Have you ever done “zebra striping” at an occasion? Why did you do it? If not yet, why haven’t you done it?
  7. “You don’t always have to have alcohol to have fun.” Do you agree or disagree?

Phones Are Designed to be Addicting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s not just your willpower—phones are deliberately designed to be addictive. With features like infinite scrolling, push notifications, and personalized content, smartphones keep users engaged longer than they intend. Tech companies use psychological tricks to tap into our need for connection, rewards, and instant gratification, making it harder to put our devices down. As a result, many find themselves spending more time on their phones than they planned, raising concerns about the impact on mental health and well-being.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “push notification“? “When push notifications were first introduced for email on Blackberries in 2003, they were actually seen as a way for you to check your phone less.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “puppet master” mean here, “If Facebook sends you a push notification that a friend is interested in an event near you, they’re essentially acting like a puppet master, leveraging your desire for social connections so that you use the app more.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  3. What does “grab bag” mean? “But today, you can get notifications from any app on your phone. So every time you check it, you get a grab bag of notifications that can make you feel a broad variety of emotions.” Use the phrase in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe smartphone companies intentionally design their devices to be addictive? Why or why not?
  2. What are your thoughts on how tech companies profit off of users’ attention?
  3. How has smartphone use impacted your ability to focus or be present in daily life?
  4. Should tech companies be held responsible for the addictive nature of their devices, or is it up to users to control their own habits?
  5. What steps can individuals and society take to reduce smartphone addiction without completely giving up technology?
  6. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Addiction is money.“

Brands Use Anchoring in Advertising

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Brands use anchoring in advertising to influence consumer perception and decision-making by presenting an initial reference point—often a price, feature, or comparison—that shapes how customers evaluate a product. This psychological tactic can make discounts seem more appealing, premium options appear more valuable, or certain products stand out as the best choice. From “original price” comparisons to strategic product placements, anchoring plays a crucial role in shaping purchasing behavior and maximizing sales.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to pull up” mean in this sentence? “You’re heading to a store and when you pull up, you see a sign saying, “Cheeseburgers, buy two get one free!” Make a sentence using it.
  2. What does the phrase “to go for something” mean? “When you see the sign, “Buy two get one free” you go for it.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “deal” mean in this sentence? “Buy two get one free” sounds like a great deal.” Use it in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think brands use anchoring ethically in advertising, or is it a manipulative tactic? Why?
  2. Have you ever made a purchase because an initial price or comparison influenced your decision? How did you feel afterward?
  3. Should there be regulations to limit how brands use anchoring in marketing strategies? Why or why not?
  4. How do brands use anchoring in pricing strategies, such as discounts and “original price” displays, to influence consumer behavior?
  5. Can anchoring be used positively in advertising, such as promoting healthier choices or sustainable products? Why or why not?





Wildfire Victims Face Insurance Crisis

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Wildfire victims are facing a growing insurance crisis as rising disaster risks make coverage harder to obtain and more expensive. In wildfire-prone areas, many homeowners are seeing their policies canceled, premiums skyrocket, or insurers pull out altogether. As climate change fuels more frequent and severe fires, the insurance industry is struggling to keep up, leaving victims with fewer options for rebuilding their lives. This crisis raises urgent questions about the future of home insurance, government intervention, and how communities can better prepare for wildfire risks.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the phase “pull back“? “With insurers pulling back, thousand of California homeowners have been left without coverage.” Make a sentence using the expression.
  2. What does “moratorium” mean? “The California Insurance Commissioner is issuing a one-year moratorium to protect homeowners.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “cascade” mean? “The report suggesting the insurance crisis could lead to a housing one with echo of 2008, saying this is predicted to cascade into plunging property values in communities where insurance becomes impossible to find or prohibitively expensive.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should the government step in to provide insurance assistance for wildfire victims, or should it be left to private insurers? Why?
  2. Do you think insurance companies are justified in raising premiums or dropping coverage in wildfire-prone areas?
  3. Is it fair to require homeowners in high-risk wildfire zones to pay significantly higher insurance rates?
  4. How can insurance companies balance financial risk while still providing coverage for wildfire victims?
  5. How should communities and governments prepare for the increasing risks of wildfires and their impact on home insurance?




Fast Food Goes High Tech with New A.I. Drive-Thrus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fast food chains are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the drive-thru experience. From voice-activated ordering systems to automated menu suggestions, AI-powered drive-thrus aim to speed up service, reduce errors, and enhance customer convenience. Wendy’s is investing in this technology, using machine learning and natural language processing to understand orders more accurately and personalize recommendations. While AI drive-thrus promise efficiency and innovation, they also raise some questions. As the fast food industry goes high-tech, AI is reshaping the way customers order their favorite meals.

Watch the video to know more and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “behind-the-scenes” mean”? “Wendy is now using AI to take your drive-thru orders. Let’s take a look at the behind-the-scenes of the new technology and put it to the test.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “step in” mean? “Ordering something not on the menu, that’s when human stepped in.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “driven by” in this sentence? “Using AI drive-thrus seems much faster, a new trend driven by technology.” Make a sentence using the phrase.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI-powered drive-thrus will improve the customer experience, or will they make it less personal? Why?
  2. Should fast food companies prioritize speed and efficiency over human jobs when implementing AI technology? Share your insights.
  3. Would you feel comfortable ordering from an AI drive-thru, or do you prefer interacting with a human employee?
  4. What are the potential benefits and risks of using AI in fast food ordering systems?
  5. How can companies balance technological advancements with the need to maintain human jobs in the industry?




Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In December 2024, Australia introduced a strict new law that stops children under 16 from using social media. The goal is to protect kids from dangers like online bullying and mental health problems. Big platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook could be fined up to 50 million AUD ($33 million USD) if they don’t block underage users. Unlike other countries, Australia won’t make exceptions for parents giving permission, and old accounts won’t be allowed to stay active.

Watch the video below and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the informal phrase “I got your back” mean? “Banning social media use for children under 16 is the strictest regulation of its kind globally. “We’ve got your back” is our message to Australian parents.” Make your own sentence using this expression.
  2. What does the word “loophole” mean? “Young Australians affected by the ban say they would resort to finding loopholes.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to go behind one’s back” mean? “Teens are going to go behind their parents’ backs if they are banned from social media.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What potential benefits and drawbacks could arise from banning social media for children under 16 in Australia?
  2. Do you think banning social media for children under 16 is the best way to protect their mental health, or are there better alternatives?
  3. Should governments have the authority to restrict access to social media for specific age groups, or should this be a parental responsibility?
  4. How might this law affect the development of digital literacy and social skills among young people in Australia?

America’s Biggest Brands Are Failing to Keep Up in China

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Despite their global reputation, many of America’s biggest brands are struggling to maintain a competitive edge in China. Shifting consumer preferences, the rise of local competitors, and increasing regulatory challenges are making it harder for these brands to thrive. Chinese consumers are favoring domestic products that better align with their tastes, values, and budgets. This evolving market landscape highlights the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing and highly competitive environment.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “squeeze out” mean in this sentence, “Tastien” is just one example of a Chinese brand squeezing out U.S. rivals.“? Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to make inroads” mean? “Younger Chinese consumers are increasingly gravitating towards brands that incorporate elements of traditional Chinese culture and style and it has allowed brands like Anta to make inroads in a market that long has been dominated by Nike and other Western brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “an untapped gold mine” mean? “The country’s more than 1 billion shoppers were once seen as an untapped gold mine for Western brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think some American brands struggle to connect with Chinese consumers, despite their global popularity?
  2. Do you believe American companies should prioritize adapting their products to local tastes, even if it means changing their identity?
  3. What strategies can American brands adopt to compete effectively with Chinese companies in their home market?
  4. How does the rise of national pride and preference for local brands influence consumer behavior in China?