Tag: business and business english

Robots and the US Economy

B1 – Intermediate

The more modern the society and technology become, the more we make use of machines and robots in every industry. 

In the US, more and more companies rely on robots for better and more efficient operations.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about robots and their impact on businesses and ultimately, on the US economy. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/robots-and-us-economy-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do more businesses in the US use robots?
  2. Is this a good or bad thing? Explain your opinion.
  3. How is your job easier because of machines/programs?
  4. What are the pros and cons of using robots/machines/programs instead of humans in your own sector/industry?
  5. Will robots replace humans one day? Explain your thoughts.

Fast Food

B1 – Intermediate

Fast-food restaurants are in almost every country of the world now. They are popular because they are served quickly, convenient to find, and relatively cheap.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about fast food.

https://listenaminute.com/f/fast_food.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Compare and contrast fast food and real restaurants.
  2. What is your least favorite fast food restaurant and why?
  3. How often do you eat fast food? What do you usually eat?
  4. Which fast food is the most unhealthy? Why do you think so?
  5. Are there any healthy fast foods? What are they?

Advertising

B1 – Intermediate

Advertising is the way to sell products or goods to customers. It’s a creative way to communicate and to publicly promote products, brands, and services with potential buyers.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about advertising.

https://listenaminute.com/a/advertising.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you define advertising?
  2. Do you think advertising is an art? Explain.
  3. What do you think of the ads in other countries?
  4. Is advertising a good or bad thing? Explain.
  5. What would the world be like without advertising?
  6. Do you think you are easily persuaded to buy things after seeing or hearing an ad? Why / Why not?

Solar Panel Sales Boom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the saying goes, “When one man fails, another man rises in his shadows”. As the whole world falls to its knees due to the sharp increase in energy prices, the solar industry booms.

Read the article about the boost in solar panel sales. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62524031

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What might be the good and bad things about using solar energy?
  3. Do you think solar panels are good investment? Why or why not?
  4. How does the solar energy sector fare in your country and why is this the case?
  5. What are your thoughts on using solar panels to generate energy in homes and buildings more in the foreseeable future?

Chip Shortage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Technological products run because of computer chips, also known as semiconductors. However, there has been chip shortage nowadays. Because of this, there is a problem with the supply of some popular tech items.

Read the article to find out the reasons for this chip shortage, how tech firms are addressing this crisis, and how it affects us. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58230388

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is there a chip shortage? What is reaction to/thoughts on this?
  2. How are tech firms dealing with this problem?
  3. How does this impact us? How does this affect you?
  4. Some tech firms stockpiled and ordered the chips in advance as the pandemic was beginning in 2020 which lead to the other companies to have problems acquiring the components. Share your opinion on what big tech firms did back there.
  5. How often do you buy new electronic gadgets or appliances?

Industrial Zones in Egypt

B1 – Intermediate

The Suez Canal in Egypt is an important way that connects Asia and Europe. Egypt is developing four new industrial zones along the canal and in one of them, a new city where workers can live and so they don’t have to travel far to get to work.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new industrial zones in Egypt. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/new-industrial-zones-in-egypt-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of all the developments they are planning for the canal?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a new city near the industrial zones?
  3. Talk about the most important industrial area/s in your city/country. 
  4. How do these areas help your country’s economy?
  5. What are other things you know about the Suez Canal and Egypt?

Dollar Stores Are Full of Toxic Products

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As many people struggle to make ends meet, they try to find solutions to the rising household costs. Consequently, dollar stores have become popular nowadays. However, evidence shows that the chemicals present in products that can be found in such shops are harmful to the environment and endangering human health.

Read the article to learn more about how dollar stores are full of toxic products and be able to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.treehugger.com/dollar-stores-toxic-products-5235538

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you have dollar stores in your country? What do you think about these stores?
  2. Why do you think they are as popular as they are in your country?
  3. Have you ever bought anything from a dollar store before? Why or why not?
  4. Would you change your mind about or habit going to dollar stores after reading this article? Why or why not?
  5. What are your priorities and standards as a shopper? Explain why each factor matters to you.

Shrinkflation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

During times of inflation, companies usually increase the price of their products, but some don’t. They choose to sell the product at the same price, but with less contents inside of their containers or packaging. This is colloquially known as “shrinkflation”.

This might sound like a normal thing for companies to do, but after the periods of inflation are over, companies typically don’t go back to their old ways.

To find out more, let’s watch this video about shrinkflation.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on shrinkflation?
  2. In the long run, do you think that this practice would be a problem? If so, how could we spread awareness?
  3. Have you personally experienced shrinkflation? How did you feel about it?
  4. Are you meticulous/savvy when it comes to the products you buy? What are some things you do to make sure you are getting value for your money?
  5. Now that you have heard of this practice, would you be a bit more mindful about buying products, their prices and contents? Why or why not?
  6. What are other ways to help companies deal with inflation without passing the burden to their customers too much?
  7. How did companies you have worked for in the past try saving money?

Netflix Reaches Almost All Countries in the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in the whole world today. It was once only accessible in 60 countries. But more recently, it has expanded to over 130 countries worldwide. Millions of additional subscribers are expected to join the company in the near future.

Read the article about Netflix.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/entertainment/netflix-reaches-almost-all-countries-in-world.htm

  1. Do you use Netflix? Why or why not?
  2. What is the most used streaming platform in your country?
  3. How would you compare Netflix to the other platforms that you use?
  4. China is the only major country, where Netflix has not yet made its services available. What is your opinion on this?
  5. How can Netflix maintain its popularity?

Instagram Celebrates 5th Anniversary

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Instagram, the world’s most popular photo-sharing app, is five years old. Instagram’s success can be attributed to a variety of factors. For starters, you can publish photos and videos on other social media platforms. Facebook paid a billion dollars for Instagram in 2012. As a result, the social media behemoth has poured millions of dollars into making Instagram even more appealing to users.

Read the article about Instagram and how it was founded.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/entertainment/instagram-celebrates-5th-anniversary.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you use Instagram? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think of this app?
  3. What changes did you notice after Facebook bought Instagram?
  4. In your opinion, what factors led to the success of Instagram?
  5. Do you think Instagram will eventually lose its importance and appeal to its users? Discuss your opinion.