Tag: business and business english

Tire Companies Love Electric Vehicles (EVs)

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The tire business is characterized by slow change and growth and low margins. Fortunately, electric vehicles (EVs) might be a gamechanger for the tire industry in the future.

Tire companies are looking forward to earning 50% more. They are also expecting more EV users to change their tires 20% more often.

Watch the entire video below about why tire companies love EVs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the phrase “regenerative braking”. “EVs, however, deliver about two thirds of their energy to the wheels, more if there are energy recovery technologies like regenerative braking.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “differentiated product” mean in the sentence “One of the main ways that tire companies compete with each other is by creating a differentiated product.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “compound annual rate” mean? “Analytics form AlixPartners says the total market for EV tires is expected to grow at a 33% compound annual rate through 2031.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the video all about?
  2. How do tire manufacturers view tires as commodities in the market?
  3. From a business perspective, should tire companies consider deliberately reducing the lifespan of tires to increase profitability?
  4. How do electric vehicles (EVs) impact the tire industry?
  5. As tire companies benefit from electric vehicles, which other industries do you think might be affected by this trend?

Rising Auto Insurance Premiums Fueling Inflation

B1 –  Intermediate 

The increase in car insurance costs are making the impact of inflation even worse for many people.

Read the article about how the increasing car insurance premiums fuels inflation. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2404/240415-auto-insurance-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wreck” mean, “If you [wreck] your car, the replacement cost is really high.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘wreck’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “burden” mean, “Insurance is a huge burden for people struggling to survive in the cost of living crisis.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘burden’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”fender bender” mean, “Even a simple fender bender could damage sensors and cameras.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Is the same thing happening in your country? Talk about the situation.
  3. Explain why the biggest factor for costlier insurance was the number of new cars.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Rising prices are affecting the lowest paid most.”.
  5. Do you agree with this statement, “Insurance is a huge burden for people struggling to survive in the cost of living crisis.”? Explain your point.

AI Helps Make Wine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In California and Oregon’s vineyards, AI is leading a quiet revolution in winemaking. It is reshaping the process of growing, harvesting, and transforming grapes into exquisite wines.

AI technologies enable remote monitoring of vineyard conditions and fine-tuning flavor profiles in the cellar. This unlocks new possibilities for winemakers, enhancing quality, consistency, and consumer appeal.

Read this article to learn more about how AI is revolutionizing the traditional practices of viticulture and winemaking.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68788080

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “boots on the ground” mean in this context? “We’re always boots on the ground. But the data helps us make informed decisions based on science, as opposed to just feelings. Feelings aren’t bad, but we like to use data.” Make a sentence with this expression.
  2. Define “chemical makeup”. “The software does this by analyzing a wine’s chemical makeup, and quickly comparing it to a database of the taste preferences of 248 million US wine drinkers.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “anathema”? “For wine traditionalists, the use of AI in winemaking, be it in the vineyard or the winery, is an anathema.” Make a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on the use of AI to make wine?
  2. According to the article, what are the pros and cons of using AI in winery?
  3. How do you think advancements in technology, such as AI, are impacting traditional industries like viticulture and winemaking?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Feelings aren’t bad, but we like to use data.”
  5. Do you think AI technology will become increasingly prevalent in the wine industry, or do you believe traditional methods will continue to dominate?

Boycotts Amidst Israel’s War on Gaza Are Hurting Brands

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The ongoing Gaza conflict has prompted a wave of consumer activism, with many choosing to boycott US brands as well as brands that support Israel as a sign of protest.

This phenomenon reflects growing concerns and solidarity with the situation. However, it also raises questions regarding its effectiveness. Some individuals are skeptical whether this action hurts the boycotted brands.

Read this article to learn about the effects of consumers’ boycotts on brands who are perceived to support Israel’s war on Gaza.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/6/israels-war-on-gaza-are-boycotts-hurting-us-brands

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to draw the ire” mean? “Fast food giant McDonald’s drew the ire of Israel’s critics, especially in the Middle East, when its Israel branch gave thousands of free meals to Israeli troops in October, the month the country launched its bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza, which have now killed more than 27,000 people.” Give a similar expression and make a sentence with “to draw the ire”.
  2. What does “fraught negotiation” mean? “Both sides are engaged in ongoing, fraught negotiations on labour issues with the union demanding better pay and more consistent scheduling for workers.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to be caught in the crossfire“? “The fizzy drinks manufacturer has long been caught in the crossfire of conflict in the Middle East.” Make a sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on individuals boycotting brands that support Israel?
  2. How might the effectiveness of the boycott be measured, and what challenges might arise in assessing it?
  3. Are there alternative methods of protest or activism that individuals could pursue instead of boycotting brands?
  4. Have you personally considered participating in the boycott of US brands or brands supporting Israel in response to the Gaza conflict?
  5. How can individuals best support humanitarian causes like those affected by the Gaza conflict, beyond consumer activism?

Soda Wars as Subway Switches to Pepsi over Coke

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the constantly changing world of what consumers like and the partnerships between brands, the competition among big soda companies has always been exciting to watch. But lately, things have gotten even more intense because Subway, the famous sandwich chain, has decided to switch from serving Coca-Cola to Pepsi.

Watch the video and take a closer look at this cola clash and how it might affect the soda business.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to tug at the heartstrings” mean? “Pepsi tapping into star power. While Coca-cola tugs on [sic] heartstrings.” Use the idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to bubble up” mean in this sentence? “The battle between Coca-Cola and Pepsi has been bubbling up for two decades.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to ramp up” mean? “The clash of colas ramping up as they try to prevent business from going flat.” Give one sentence using this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, which soda brand—Coca-Cola or Pepsi—holds greater influence over consumer preferences and brand loyalty in today’s market? Why do you think so?
  2. Do you believe Subway’s decision to switch to Pepsi will have a significant impact on its customer base and overall sales? Why or why not?
  3. As a consumer, would Subway’s choice of soda supplier influence your decision to visit their restaurants? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think Subway’s switch from Coke to Pepsi will spark similar changes in other fast-food chains’ beverage partnerships? Why or why not?

How Crocs Became a Fashion Statement

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the last few years, a unique type of shoes called Crocs has become really popular in fashion. At first, Crocs were known for being really comfortable and practical. But now, they’re seen as a symbol of being stylish and expressing your own personality.

Watch the video to know more about how Crocs went from just being comfortable shoes to being a big fashion trend.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to make a name for (oneself)” mean? “How did Crocs make a name for itself during the pandemic?” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to make a name for oneself’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “on one’s feet” mean? “When Crocs was first released, they were intended for a consumer that was looking at them as a functional thing, so probably gardeners, people that were on boats, people that work all day on their feet, people that worked on a line at a kitchen.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘on one’s feet’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “simmer” mean in this sentence? “Though the initial craze had simmered, the brand still managed to hang on to a relatively large customer base.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘simmer’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about Crocs?
  2. How has the marketing strategy of Crocs contributed to their transformation from practical shoes to a fashion statement?
  3. What do you think has been the biggest factor contributing to Crocs’ success?
  4. Do you believe that Crocs are a passing trend in fashion, or do you think they will remain popular for years to come? Share your insights.
  5. Do you think the comfort of Crocs outweighs their unconventional appearance when it comes to making a fashion statement? Share your opinion.

McDonald’s Respond to Backlash Over Rising Prices

B2 – Upper Intermediate

McDonald’s and other fast-food chains have recently become focal points of controversy as they wrestle with the consequences of raising prices on their menus. This backlash has ignited extensive discussions and examination regarding the affordability and availability of fast food, a sector traditionally linked with convenience and budget-friendly choices.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to leave a bad taste in the mouth of someone” mean? “Prices at the Golden Arches leave a bad taste in the mouth of consumers who just want value.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to leave a bad taste in the mouth of someone’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “foot traffic” mean? “At Chipotle, sales and foot traffic rose in the quarter despite that 3% hike in menu prices in October.” Make a sentence using this term.
  3. What does the word “leeway” mean, “That’s one store on the Connecticut turnpike. These franchisees have a lot of leeway.“? Use the word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors do you believe have contributed to McDonald’s decision to raise prices, and do you think these reasons justify the backlash from consumers?
  2. In your opinion, how might the rising prices at McDonald’s impact consumer behavior and their perception of the brand?
  3. Do you think McDonald’s has a responsibility to provide affordable options for consumers, or is it acceptable for them to adjust prices in response to economic factors?
  4. How could McDonald’s effectively regain consumer trust and loyalty following the negative reaction to its price adjustments?

Things Starbucks Won’t Tell You

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Starbucks is found everywhere in cities worldwide and they want you to feel happy with what they offer. But there’s more to know behind their friendly atmosphere and tasty menu. Even though Starbucks shares a lot about what they do, there are some things they don’t always tell their loyal customers.

Watch the video to know the five things that Starbucks might not openly talk about.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to take a hard look at something” mean? “A blogger called the Food Babe has taken a hard look at a pumpkin spice latte.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “hyped-up” mean? “There’s something called a fruity pebbles frappuccino, it’s a sort of a hyped-up version of strawberry frappuccino.” Make one sentence using the phrase.
  3. What does the word “by-product” mean? “She finds a lot of things she doesn’t like in it. Particularly, caramel coloring which is a known carcinogen, or at least one of the chemical by-products of caramel coloring is a known carcinogen.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the importance of transparency in the food and beverage industry, particularly for companies as large and influential as Starbucks?
  2. Do you think Starbucks has a responsibility to disclose all aspects of their products and practices to consumers, or are there valid reasons for them to keep certain information hidden? Share your thoughts.
  3. How much does transparency about ingredients and sourcing affect your decision to purchase from Starbucks? Would you be more or less likely to visit if they were more open about these aspects? Why or why not?
  4. How much do you trust Starbucks as a company to provide accurate and honest information about their products and business practices?

Emojis in Business Communications

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Emojis add humor and spirit to digital communications. It expresses happiness, laughter, anger, fear, etc. However, in business, a more traditional approach using formal language in plain text has been the norm. The question is whether to use emojis or not in business communications.

Get further insight from the article below.

https://www.business.com/articles/put-an-emoji-on-it-should-you-use-emojis-in-business-communication/

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does the idiom “to break down barriers” mean in the sentence, “Emojis in a business setting break down barriers in formal communication and bring conversations down to a personal level.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to get lost in translation” mean in the sentence “Emojis can get lost in translation.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “launchpad” mean in the sentence, “Emojis should serve as a launchpad for more in-depth conversations.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you like using emojis when having a digital conversation? If so, describe one emoji that you frequently use.
  2. Do you work in a formal or informal industry? Are employees allowed to use emojis? Tell me more about it.
  3. How can adding emojis change the way you communicate with your colleagues, superiors, clients, or customers?
  4. Cite situations where using emojis might be considered inappropriate.
  5. Do you think emojis will evolve in the future? If so, how?

Disabled Traveller Market

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Traveling has never been the most favorite pastime until now. Everyone just seems to be so engaged in this activity.

However, for people with disability, these sightseeing activities are usually short and inconvenient as most places do not exactly have inclusive designs.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, one in six people in the world have a significant disability. The tourism industry needs to recognize that this represents a significant number of an underserved segment and billions in untapped revenue.

Read the article about the untapped disabled traveller market. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240116-the-disabled-traveller-market-represents-billions-in-untapped-revenue

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “revenue-driving” mean, “Trentino for All aims to make the province’s experiences accessible for as many people as possible – and simultaneously create a popular, revenue-driving destination for inclusive tourism.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “revenue-driving” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “bottom line” mean here, “Making upgrades that increase the bottom line.”? Use this term in your own sentence.
  3. What does “the power of the purse” mean, ”They’ve become very demanding of equally good service, and aren’t afraid to exercise the power of the purse.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “the power of the purse” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think that recreation areas or points of interest in your city/country are PWD-friendly or have inclusive design? If not, should they be upgraded? Share your thoughts.
  2. “Destinations are making substantial investments in accessible attractions and programming.” Is this a worthwhile business venture? Explain your opinion.
  3. What challenges might PWDs and their companions have when travelling?
  4. Share what you know about the European Accessibility Act or some benefits and privileges disabled people enjoy in your country.
  5. What else can be done to advocate for disability inclusion?