Tag: business and business english

War in Middle East Creating Fertilizer Shortage

B1 –  Intermediate 

The war in Iran has raised fertilizer prices. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. About 30–40% of fertilizer trade is affected. Farmers now pay more and may grow fewer crops. The United Nations warns of higher food prices and possible shortages.

Read the article about how the war in Middle East is creating fertilizer shortage.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260330-fertilizer-shortages-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “yield” mean here, “In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “input cost”? “In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “dual cost shock” mean? “Farmers are facing a dual cost shock.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain how the conflict in the Middle East affect global food prices.
  2. What could the United Nations or governments do to reduce the impact of this crisis?
  3. How can countries reduce their dependence on imported fertilizers?
  4. How could rising fertilizer prices affect farming in your country? 
  5. Do you think food prices will continue to rise in the future? Why or why not?
  6. Do you think consumers in your country would change their eating habits if food prices increase? Why or why not?

The Shoe Business Is Changing

B1 –  Intermediate 

The shoe market is changing quickly. Big brands now have strong competitors.

Nike is still the biggest. But it has problems. It focused too much on online sales. It did not make enough new products. Because of this, they lost some customers who looked for other brands.

All shoe brands have a new problem. High tariffs on shoes made from Vietnam could make the prices of sneakers much higher.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about how the shoe business is changing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-shoe-business-is-changing-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rival” mean? “The footwear market is changing fast as big brands like Nike and Crocs face new rivals.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to make a comeback” mean? “Meanwhile, Crocs has made a huge comeback.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “clever marketing” mean? “People used to think Crocs were ugly, but clever marketing and colorful charms called Jibbitz made them cool for young people.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, why are Nike and Crocs struggling?
  2. How can they recover from these problems?
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Nike made a mistake by focusing too much on selling online and not enough on making new, exciting products.“
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “All these brands face a new problem: high tariffs on shoes made in Vietnam, which could make sneakers much more expensive for everyone.”
  5. Give an example of a product or brand that you think uses clever marketing.
  6. What are some of the most important footwear brands in your country? Why are they very popular?

The Eden Project

B1 –  Intermediate 

The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK is 25 years old. It was built in an old clay pit. Now it has big domes with a rainforest inside.

Many people visit to learn about nature. The site uses energy from underground to keep plants warm.

Now, it has money problems. Fewer people visit after the pandemic. The project lost money and had to cut jobs. Its future is uncertain.

But the founder is still hopeful. The site offers new activities to bring in visitors. It wants to stay open for the future.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problems that the Eden Project is facing.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eden-project-is-having-problems-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “world-class attraction” mean? “This famous destination transformed an old clay pit into a world-class attraction with domes that house a giant indoor rainforest.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is “geothermal energy”? “The site even uses geothermal energy from deep underground to keep the tropical plants warm and healthy. ” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to put something in jeopardy” mean? “Because of these problems, the organization had to cut many staff positions to save money. This situation puts the future of the famous greenhouses in jeopardy.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is the Eden Project so popular place for visitors, especially school children?
  2. Talk about a similar place in your city or country.
  3. What are the effects of the pandemic on the Eden Project?
  4. Do you think adding attractions like a zip wire is a good way to bring more visitors? Why or why not?
  5. How can we protect important places like the Eden Project?

Europe Without Visa and Mastercard

B1 –  Intermediate 

A big part of Europe’s payment system depends on Visa and Mastercard which are both American companies.

European leaders think it is risky that Europe depends on foreign companies for an essential part of its economy. It is now Europe’s objective to build its own payment system.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about Europe’s dependence on American companies for their payment system.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/can-europe-be-without-visa-and-mastercard-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “digital wallet”? “One new solution is Wero, a digital wallet created by European banks and payment companies.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “middleman” mean here, “It uses instant bank transfer to remove the middleman, reduce fees, and keep data inside Europe.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “political pressure” mean? “The European Central Bank warns that strong reliance on a foreign system can lead to political pressure or a sudden problem.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss the reasons Europe wants their own payment system.
  2. What do you think about Europe’s payment system being dependent on foreign system? What problems can originate from this?
  3. What is your opinion about Europe building its own independent payment system? Talk about its advantages and disadvantages.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “EU leaders say the payment system is key infrastructure, and infrastructure gives power.”

Why We Can’t Have Nice Things

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you’ve owned antique or vintage furniture or appliances, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed how durable these old items are. And when compared to modern devices, the difference is night and day—newer technology breaks and bends as easily as paper, while older stuff sometimes feels as durable as tanks. But how can it be possible for newer items to be worse than older ones? Shouldn’t newer technology create better and more durable items? But in reality, most of the appliances, furniture, and tools being sold to us now are specifically designed to be weak and frail.

To find out more about planned obsolescence, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “fringe idea”? “Now, this might sound like a wild, fringe idea, but people were clearly afraid of being put out of work by technological progress and products that were too good.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “overnight sensation” mean? “In the 1940s, the synthetic nylon replaced silk in stockings and it was so durable that the products became an overnight sensation.”  Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to get one’s hands on something” mean? “There were riots when women tried to get their hands on the synthetic nylon stockings.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why have companies made their products intentionally worse even though technology has improved?
  2. Discuss the pros and cons of planned obsolescence.
  3. What is your opinion about dynamic obsolescence?
  4. Have you noticed examples of planned and dynamic obsolescence on some products around you before? If so, give details on what you’ve noticed.
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “The only type of obsolescence we should support is technological.“

Oil Prices Soar as War Escalates in Iran

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When conflicts happen around the world, they can affect energy markets. Oil prices often rise quickly, and this impacts economies everywhere. It shows how closely global security is linked to everyday economic life.

Let’s read the article to understand the current situation better and explore how these global events shape our daily lives.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/08/business/oil-prices-war-iran-trump

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does a “protracted war” mean? “But investors are growing increasingly worried about a protracted war that delivers a sustained hit to energy supply and prices, particularly following Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as its next supreme leader. ” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the term “hardline approach“? “It’s a sign of continuation of Iran’s hardline approach and indicates that the war will be more prolonged than financial markets had assumed last week” Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define the word “assuage“. “The Trump administration on Sunday tried to assuage fears that the US and Israeli-led military campaign against Iran would have long-term effects at the pump.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways might rising energy prices change the lifestyle or spending habits of ordinary families?
  2. How do local industries that depend on fuel (like shipping, agriculture, or manufacturing) cope with sudden price increases?
  3. What steps is your government taking to manage the effects of rising oil prices?
  4. How should governments balance short‑term relief (like subsidies) with long‑term energy strategies (like renewable energy investment)?
  5. What are the humanitarian consequences of protracted wars on civilians in oil‑producing regions?

Organic Caviar

B1 – Intermediate 

Caviar is considered a high-value luxury when it comes to gastronomy. 

There is a farm of sturgeon fish in Riofrío, Spain that makes the first organic caviar in the world. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about organic caviar from Spain.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/organic-caviar-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “organic” mean? “A sturgeon farm in Riofrío, southern Spain, produces what it calls the world’s first organic caviar.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is an “additive”? “The product contains only sturgeon eggs and salt, with no additives, and is made entirely in the European Union.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “sustainably sourced” mean? “The fish are raised in natural spring water and are fed organic vegetables and sustainably sourced fishmeal.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is so special about the caviar made in Riofrío, Spain?
  2. Are you interested in trying the organic caviar from Riofrío? Have you tried caviar? What do you think about it? 
  3. What is your opinion about more restaurants in Spain putting caviar in their menus?
  4. What are your thoughts about caviar becoming more affordable?
  5. Do you prefer food with organic certification? Why or why not?

UK Stores Locking Up Chocolates to Stop Theft

B1 – Intermediate 

They are creamy and sweet. They make people feel happiness and pleasure. These things make chocolates a popular choice of sweets. 

In the UK, it seems chocolates have become a favorite item of thieves. Store owners have to find a way to stop this problem.

Read the article UK stores locking up chocolate to stop theft.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2603/260309-chocolate-shoplifting-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “shoplifter”? “Shops in the UK are going to extreme lengths to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to go to extreme lengths” mean? “Shops in the UK are going to extreme lengths to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to end up in court” mean? “In London, only five per cent of these ended up in the courts.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chocolate theft a “massive issue” for shops in the UK?
  2. What do you think about the solution to put products that thieves commonly steal in plastic security boxes? How can it affect sales?
  3. How would you feel if you have to ask a store staff to unlock the box to buy an item at a store? Do you think it will affect your interest in buying that product?
  4. Why do you think chocolate is now a target by thieves and has become high value product especially in the black market?
  5. “There were more than 5.5 million reported incidents of shoplifting in the UK last year. In London, only five per cent of these ended up in the courts.” What do you think should the punishment for shoplifting?
  6. What are your thoughts on this, “There are 1,600 violent attacks against shop workers every day.“?

Humanoid Robots at Hyundai Factories  

B1 – Intermediate 

Hyundai, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, prepares to gradually employ 30,000 humanoid robots in its car factories in the next decade. 

It’s true that many people will lose their jobs, but Hyundai said they will still need people who will train the humanoid robots.

Read the article about humanoid robots at Hyundai car factories.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260112-hyundai-humanoid-robots-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “subsidiary”? “The humanoids called Atlas are being made by a Hyundai subsidiary.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “amplify” mean? “Hyundai said Atlas would advance human-robot collaboration, and assist in “evolving hardware-driven robotics designed to amplify human potential”.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “convergence” mean? “The robot’s maker said: “The convergence of robotics and AI will make human life safer and more enriching.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction to this news.
  2. What comes to your mind when you hear “humanoid” and why?
  3. What are the pros and cons of using humanoids at factories?
  4. Are factories in your country using robots more these days? Talk about it.
  5. What is your opinion about this, “The convergence of robotics and AI will make human life safer and more enriching.”
  6. What do you think about this, “Hyundai acknowledged that people could lose their jobs to Atlas, but some people would be needed to train it.”?

How AI Is Making Everything More Expensive

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Are you familiar with the cost of surveillance? where your personal consumption habits and demographics decide prices. By simply altering the costs of essentials like food, clothing, and services, many companies have been said to employ this pricing strategy to increase their profits in the face of minimal regional competition.

To find out more about surveillance pricing and AI price gouging, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “estimated conversion probability”? “Between 2000 and 2010, the massive collection of data such as cookies, IP location, and purchase frequency transformed how online retailers tracked consumers. Using this information, they developed models that adjusted prices based on each user’s estimated conversion probability.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What is “surge pricing”? “Powered by algorithms and artificial intelligence, surge pricing is now being used across a growing number of consumer industries, from theme parks to restaurants, retail outlets, and rock concerts.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What is “take rate”? “Research showed that the system significantly increased fares without an equivalent increase in driver earnings. Uber’s take rate in the United States rose from 32% to 42%.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on surveillance pricing? As a consumer, what is your reaction to how many companies practice personalized pricing?
  2. Does this pricing strategy make sense for a large number of customers who are unaware that their purchasing patterns determine the costs of the products they purchase? Share your thoughts.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Companies defend these models as mechanisms of efficiency and optimization. Critics, on the other hand, argue that they deepen economic inequalities.“
  4. How can we control this price structure to prevent deception of customers?
  5. What benefits and risks does dynamic pricing have for customers?