Tag: audio

B1 – Intermediate

Undoubtedly, one of McDonald’s most important products is their french fries. But nowadays, they are having problems getting enough supply of potatoes in Japan.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about McDonald’s Japan’s potato shortage and how they managed.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/mcdonalds-does-not-have-enough-potatoes-level-2

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on McDonald’s solution to their problem?
2. What do you think would happen if you had the same potato shortage problem in your country? 
3. Have you ever gone to a restaurant and they unfortunately do not have the dish you wanted? How was your experience then?
4. Has there ever been a shortage of any produce or product in your city/country? What product was it and how long did it last? What did you do at the moment?
5. How much do you like potatoes? How important are potatoes in your country’s cuisine?

B1 – Intermediate

Evergrande Group is a big Chinese real estate company. They have built many buildings in Danzhou City, China including properties in a man-made resort island. 

However, there is a big problem. The government says the company does not have building permits so these buildings are illegal and they need to be demolished.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the Evergrande Group’s building permit problems.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/hainan-towers-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think will happen to the company?
2. How can they resolve this problem?
3. Would you buy a house in a man-made island? Why/why not?
4. What problems do real estate companies have in your country?
5. Do you know any buildings that had to be demolished? Why was it torn down?

B1 – Intermediate

Even the biggest and most successful brands make mistakes. They do things or create products that offend people. The Spanish clothing retailer Zara has been in the middle of such controversy recently. They have produced kids’ shirts with design that looks a lot like the uniform Jewish prisoners wore in Nazi concentration camps.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Zara’s and some other fashion brands’ faux pas.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fashion-faux-pas-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your reaction to Zara’s faux pas?
2. What was your reaction to the other brands like HM, Gucci, and Adidas’ faux pas?
3. Why do you think these mistakes happen? How could companies let such thing occur?
4. Do you think it is for marketing so people would talk about their brands? Share your opinion.
5. Talk about other companies/brands that you know committed a faux pas.

B1 – Intermediate

A Michelin Star is awarded to outstanding restaurants. As a result, restaurants around the world strive to earn this. They take into account the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef as represented in the dining experience, value for money, and the consistency between inspector’s visit.

The origins of the Michelin Guide trace back to the turn of the 20th century. Surprisingly, its inspiration has very little to do with cuisines.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on the history of the Michelin Star.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-history-of-the-michelin-star-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the origin of the Michelin Star?
2. What do you think about how getting or losing of a star affects a restaurant dramatically?
3. Have you been to any Michelin Star restaurants? How was your experience? Would you recommend this restaurant? Why or why not?
4. If you haven’t been to such restaurants, would you consider going there? Why or why not?
5. What do you think should be considered when giving or taking a star away?
6. What’s your opinion on a Michelin inspector’s job?