Tag: business and business english

Toys R Us to Open New Stores

B1 — Intermediate 

Toys R Us has announced that it will open about 40 to 160 new stores in the United States. The new stores will sell popular toys, gifts, and collectibles. Some will also have candy shops and cafes. 

This expansion is part of the company’s comeback after closing its U.S. stores in 2018. 

Toys are also becoming more popular among adults, who buy them for hobbies and personal interests.

Read the article about Toys R Us opening new stores in USA.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2609/260924-toys-r-us-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “fandom ecosystem” mean? “A vice-president at Circana said toys are becoming “hobbies, fandom ecosystems, and social experiences” for adults rather than just toys for children.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “comeback” mean? “The new stores are part of the company’s comeback in America.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “a major moment for someone“ mean? “The company said: “This is a major moment for Toys R Us.”” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Toys R Us trying to attract more customers?
  2. Do you think opening more physical stores is a good business strategy today? Why or why not?
  3. Why is it important for businesses to understand changing customer interests?
  4. Why do you think toys are becoming popular among adults, not just children?
  5. Do you think collecting toys is a hobby worth spending money on? Why?

Scam Centers

B1 — Intermediate 

Scams are becoming a big problem in many countries. Scammers use the internet, phone calls, and messages to trick people and take their money. 

Scam centers are places where groups of people work together to trick their victims. They may pretend to be from a bank, a company, a government agency, or even a friend. 

We should all be careful and never share personal information or money with anyone online.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about scam centers.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/scam-centers-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “scam center“? “In some countries, criminal gangs build large scam centers to trick people and make money.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to cost someone a lot of money” mean? “These scams cost people and countries a lot of money each year.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to face abuse” mean? “Some workers go there to earn money, but many are forced to work and face abuse.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about scam centers’ business model.
  2. What do you think about how scams cost people and countries a lot of money each year?
  3. What is your reaction to/opinion about this: “Some workers go there to earn money, but many are forced to work and face abuse.“?
  4. What is your view on this: “Governments try to stop the centers, but the gangs have a lot of power and work in areas with weak control.”?
  5. What can we do to stop these scams and close these scam centers?
  6. Talk about the worst scam you’ve ever heard happened to someone.

The EU Taxes Cheap Parcels from China

B1 — Intermediate 

The European Union (EU) has introduced a new 3-euro fee on cheap parcels from China. The new tax rule will affect online shopping sites like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

The EU says this change will help create fairer competition for local businesses.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new tax rules on inexpensive parcels from China in the EU.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-taxes-cheap-parcels-from-china-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retailer” mean? ”The EU has introduced a new 3-euro fee on low-value e-commerce parcels from China, which targets major online retailers like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “tax loophole” mean? ”Lawmakers argue that this tax loophole was abused on an industrial scale, which gave Chinese giants a massive competitive advantage over local businesses.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “duty-free” mean? ”Previously, these platforms entered the EU bloc duty-free under a long-standing exemption for goods under 150 euros.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction and opinion about this new tax rule?
  2. Should all companies, local and foreign, follow the same tax rules? Why?
  3. Do you think the new fee will help local businesses? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think people will continue shopping on these websites after the new fee? Why or why not? 
  5. Would you be willing to pay extra fees for low-cost products? Explain.

American Chinese Restaurants Outnumber Fast Food Chains

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

In the United States, there are more Chinese restaurants than most major fast-food chains like McDonald’s. For decades, it was very difficult for authentic Chinese dishes like Peking duck to gain popularity as the Americanized versions were more appreciated by the locals. Many Chinese restaurateurs also faced discrimination and cultural resistance.

Today, as China’s restaurant industry slows, many Chinese chains are expanding into the US, betting that Americans are more open to authentic Chinese cuisine.  

Watch the video and explore how Chinese food became a staple of American dining and how the industry is evolving.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be shrouded in something” mean? “The origin of fortune cookie is just like the origin of pizza. It is shrouded in mystery.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to be blown out of proportion” mean? ”It isblown totally out of proportion. Prejudice against Chinese food has become embedded when society needs a scapegoat.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is a “scapegoat”? ”It is blown totally out of proportion. Prejudice against Chinese food has become embedded when society needs a scapegoat.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your impression about the history of how Chinese cuisine became widely-accepted in America?
  2. What do you think it is about Chinese restaurant business that made it very lucrative in the US? Do you think it will work in your country too?
  3. How popular has the Chinese cuisine become in your country? What do you think about that? What are other foreign cuisines popular in your country? Why do you think this is?
  4. Do you think adapting traditional foods to local tastes helps preserve or dilute a culture’s culinary identity? Why?
  5. Should restaurants prioritize authenticity or customer preferences when serving cultural foods? Share your thoughts.

Finland Marimekko Designs

B1 — Intermediate 

Marimekko is a famous Finnish design company. It is known for its bright colors and bold patterns. The company was founded after World War II. Its designs are inspired by nature. 

The brand became popular around the world when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wore one of its dresses. Today, Marimekko is an important part of Finnish culture, and many Finnish homes have at least one Marimekko item.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Marimekko.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/finlands-marimekko-designs-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “a core part of something”? ”Today, the brand is a core part of Finnish identity, and almost every Finnish home owns at least one Marimekko item.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “an everyday woman” mean here, “The name Marimekko means Mary’s dress, and represents an everyday woman.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “side” mean here, “This allows naturally quiet people to express their colorful side through their clothes.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about Marimekko’s designs.
  2. Would you be interested to buy something from Marimekko? Why or why not?
  3. Talk about a brand that is a core part of your country’s identity, and almost every citizen  owns at least one item from it.
  4. How did that brand become so famous and important in your country?
  5. How can a struggling business recover and become successful?

Ferrari Shares Slump After Unveiling First Fully Electric Car

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari has launched its first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, priced at $640,000 (£474,320). 

In their efforts to take on Chinese EVs, they have been faced with serious backlash. Luce was highly criticized because some think that it betrays the brand’s legacy.

Consequently, shares of the company declined by over 8% on the Milan market and more than 5% on the New York market.

Read this article about Luce, Ferrari’s first ever electric car.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy22rddy5no

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning if something is “made in-house”? ”The firm said that all of the components are made in-house, so that the car can be repaired by the company well into the future, protecting the Luce’s resale value.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “a masterclass in something” mean? “Responses on social media to the launch ranged from describing it as “straight to the junkyard trash” to an “absolute masterclass in design”.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to scale back on something” mean? “Supercar rivals like Lamborghini and Porsche have scaled back on their EV plans due to poor demand and intense competition from Chinese brands.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Ferrari’s electric car Luce? What are its promises and pitfalls?
  2. What is your opinion on Lamborghini and Porsche scaling back on their EV plans due to poor demand and intense competition from Chinese brands.
  3. What are some major obstacles of companies like Ferrari facing in shifting to EVs?
  4. Ferrari’s chief design officer Flavio Manzoni believes that critics are part of the innovation process. What is your insight on this?
  5. Do you think that the concept of an electric Ferrari with a new design is “polarising”? Will people eventually come to appreciate it? Share your views.
  6. What are your insights on this, “Yet Ferrari’s shares have dropped by more than 30% over the past year, mirroring a wider slump across luxury brands as inflation around the world has shaken demand for high-end goods.”?

Swatch Royal Pop Watch

B1 — Intermediate 

Swatch and Audemars Piguet made a new watch collection. The watches are much cheaper than usual. Many people wanted to buy them. A lot of people gathered outside stores. Some stores had problems because of the crowds. Swatch said the watches are not limited and will still be available later.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Swatch’s Royal Pop watches.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/royal-pop-watch-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “frenzy”? ”The Swiss watchmaker Swatch has experienced global frenzy after the launch of its new Royal Pop collection.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does it mean for “a fight to break out”? “In Paris, local police had to use tear gas to control the crowds, and physical fights broke out in Milan as soon as the doors opened.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to outpace” mean? “Because demand outpaced the supply, chaos started in many locations.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think so many people wanted to buy these watches? Would you buy one of these watches if you had the chance? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think the chaos at the Swatch stores could have been prevented? If so, how?
  3. Would you wait in a very long queue for a product that you really wanted? Why or why not?
  4. Is it important for companies to limit the number of products people can buy? Explain your opinion.
  5. What is your opinion about luxury brands making cheaper products?

Shoulder Season

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Shoulder season is the period between a destination’s peak tourist season and off-peak season. During this time, travel demand is moderate, so hotel prices and airfare are usually lower than during peak season, but higher than during off-peak periods.

Travel rates often differ during peak, off-peak, and shoulder seasons, so successful hotels prepare for these fluctuations and adjust their strategies accordingly. 

Read the article about shoulder season and how hotels can avoid losing business during these periods.

https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/hospitality/what-is-shoulder-season

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Differentiate “peak season”, “off-peak season” and “shoulder season”. “From peak season to off-peak season to shoulder season, successful hotels anticipate the fluctuations that are likely to happen and strategize accordingly.” Use the terms in sentences.
  2. What does “to leave a stone unturned” mean? “Leaving any stone unturned can leave revenue on the table.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to simmer down” mean? “Restaurants, area attractions, and local tourism booms in the area, and then simmers down.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling during shoulder season?
  2. Talk about a time when you traveled during shoulder season.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Seasonal travel grows in proportion to the general growth of tourism in an area.”
  4. What challenges do hotels face during shoulder season?
  5. Do you think discounts and promotions are effective during shoulder season? Why or why not?
  6. Should hotels lower their prices significantly during shoulder season? Explain your opinion.

Amsterdam Bans Public Ads for Meat and Fossil Fuels

B1 – Intermediate 

Amsterdam has banned public advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products, including burgers, chicken, petrol cars, and airline travel.

The Dutch Meat Association and Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators disagree with the prohibition. On the other hand, environmental activists support the decision.

Read the article about Amsterdam’s public advertisements ban for meat and fossil fuel products.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260507-public-advertisement-ban.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “carbon neutral” mean? “The ban is to help move Amsterdam towards its target of being carbon neutral by 2050.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “consumer behaviour” mean? “The Dutch Meat Association says ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to set a global standard” mean? “By becoming the first capital to legally ban fossil fuels and meat advertising, Amsterdam is setting a global standard.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the ban on public ads for meat and fossil fuel products in Amsterdam?
  2. What might be the pros and cons of this ban?
  3. The Dutch Meat Association says that the ban is an undesirable way to influence consumer behaviour. What is your opinion on this?
  4. Should other cities or countries follow Amsterdam’s example? Why or why not?
  5. Should governments have the power to restrict ads for products they consider harmful? Explain your view.
  6. How do you think advertising influences people’s food choices and travel habits?

Japan’s Snack Packaging Turns Black and White

B1 – Intermediate 

The Iran war caused problems for food companies in Japan. There is a shortage of ink materials. This affects food packaging.

Calbee will use black-and-white packaging for some potato chips. The company will add a message saying it is saving oil materials.

Sanae Takaichi said Japan has enough naphtha for now. Japan will also increase local production and imports from other countries. However, Calbee warned that more problems may happen later.

Read the article about the change in the designs of some snack manufacturers’ food packaging.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260518-food-packaging-ink.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in a bid to do something” mean? “Meanwhile, food and beverage maker Kagome will make some of the wrapping for its popular ketchup transparent in a bid to deal with the ink shortage.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “countermeasure” mean? “She said countermeasures would be taken to ensure a supply of the liquid.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “ramp up” mean? “These countermeasures include a ramping up of domestic production, and a threefold increase in naphtha imports from countries outside the Middle East. ” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the changes in these Japanese snack products’ designs?
  2. What lessons can other companies learn from this situation?
  3. Do you think simple packaging is a good idea during shortages? Why or why not?
  4. How might customers react to changes in product packaging? How would you react if your favorite products’ packaging suddenly turns black and white?
  5. What is your opinion about transparent packaging?