Tag: business and business english

China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles

B2 – Upper Intermediate

China has decided to ban hidden door handles after several deadly accidents. In some crashes, passengers and rescuers had difficulty opening car doors. These handles are common in modern electric cars because of their sleek design and aerodynamic benefits. The decision highlights growing concerns about balancing modern design with passenger safety and may influence safety standards in other countries.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “deem” mean? They simply deem these concealed door handles to be too unsafe. Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What is a “high-profile case“? There are a number of high-profile cases where an electric vehicle crashed in which the doors weren’t able to open because of these concealed doors. Make one sentence using the word.
  3. What does the idiom “to drive someone nuts” mean? Trying to figure out how to open the hidden door handles in a Tesla for the first time can really drive someone nuts. Use the idiom in your sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think banning hidden car door handles is the right decision to improve passenger safety? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, should car design focus more on safety than appearance and modern features?
  3. How can car manufacturers balance innovative design with safety requirements?
  4. Do you think other countries should follow China’s decision to ban hidden car door handles? Why or why not?

OpenAI Sora to Generate AI Videos of Disney Characters

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Disney’s new deal with OpenAI has caused concern in Hollywood. The agreement will allow OpenAI to use many of Disney’s famous characters in its AI tools to create videos and images.

While Disney says this partnership will bring new creative opportunities, many writers and actors are worried. They believe AI could reduce job opportunities and change the way movies and shows are made.

The deal has started an important discussion about the future of creativity and technology in the entertainment industry.

Read this article or watch the video to learn more.

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/openai-disney-sora-ai-videos-rcna248617

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “to play whack-a-mole” in this context. “With OpenAI, Disney would be creating a legitimate avenue through which a generative AI program could deploy its characters, rather than playing whack-a-mole with every AI company, as Disney has done with other kinds of media in the past.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “sprawling portfolio” mean? “The deal is notable in part because Disney is famously protective of its sprawling portfolio of intellectual property, from the animated shorts of the 1920s to modern superhero and fantasy franchises.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What is the meaning of “to close the avenue for someone/something“? “As Disney seeks to open the path to copyrighted usage of its characters by OpenAI, it simultaneously appears to be trying to close the avenue for a top competitor: Google.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are writers and actors worried about this deal?
  2. Why do you think Disney decided to partner with OpenAI?
  3. Is this partnership more exciting or more dangerous for the entertainment industry? Explain your opinion.
  4. Should companies ask for permission before using characters or creative work in AI tools?
  5. Would you feel comfortable watching a movie mostly created by AI? Why or why not?

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Lately, some restaurants are trying new ways to change how we think about hospitality. Instead of focusing only on perfect service, they show the importance of kindness, inclusion, and accepting mistakes. These efforts remind both workers and customers that mistakes can bring connection and understanding, not just problems.

Let’s read the article and know more about how restaurants are redefining service, building empathy, and creating new experiences for everyone.

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders: Celebrating a Language of Inclusion in Tokyo’s Kitchen

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to go astray” mean? “Orders may go astray, but the purpose is never lost.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to raise one’s eyebrows at” mean? “Why raise our eyebrows at the difference between sizzling steak and gyoza?” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to soften the pitch“? “The website doesn’t soften the pitch: “You may think it’s crazy.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think the concept of the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders reveals about how society views mistakes and imperfection?
  2. How does this restaurant challenge traditional ideas of what “good service” means?
  3. What does this project suggest about the abilities of people with dementia that society often overlooks?
  4. How could similar initiatives help reduce stigma around dementia in other countries?
  5. If you visited the restaurant, how do you think you would react to receiving the wrong order?

Consumer Attitudes Toward AI-Generated Ads 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way companies connect with consumers, especially through advertising. While AI promises efficiency and personalization, not everyone is convinced. Many people feel uneasy about ads created by machines, raising questions about trust, authenticity, and the future of marketing.

Let’s read the article and know more about how AI in advertising is being received, what challenges it faces, and what this means for the future of consumer engagement.

NIQ research uncovers hidden consumer attitudes toward AI-generated ads 

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to push the boundaries of ” mean here? “As Gen AI continues to push the boundaries of creative industries, NielsenIQ (NIQ), the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, unveiled groundbreaking new research on how the consumer brain processes AI-generated advertisements—with critical implications for advertisers navigating the opportunities and challenges of this emerging technology.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the phrase “halo effect” mean? “These sentiments suggest that AI-generated ads may create a negative halo effect that could dampen consumer perceptions of both the ad and the brand.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of the idiom “fine line between“? “Our neuroscience-driven approach reveals how consumers nonconsciously process AI-generated content and highlights the fine line between innovation and discomfort.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many consumers feel turned off by AI-generated ads?
  2. In what ways could companies make AI-generated ads feel more authentic or trustworthy?
  3. How might cultural differences affect how people perceive AI-generated advertising?
  4. What ethical concerns arise when businesses use AI to personalize ads?
  5. How might AI-generated ads “give themselves away” compared to human-created ads?

Samsung to Double AI Mobile Devices

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Samsung plans to add artificial intelligence (AI) to about 800 million devices around the world. These devices include smartphones, TVs, and home appliances. With AI, devices can become smarter and easier to use. Samsung’s goal is to make AI a normal part of daily life, helping people at home, at work, and on the go.

Watch the video to learn about Samsung’s plan to use AI in its devices.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to give someone a major boost in the race” mean? “Samsung could give Google a major boost in the AI race.” Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define “roll out“. “Samsung already rolled out Gemini-backed AI features to about 400 million mobile product last year.” Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “fend off“? “Samsung seeks to reclaim its lost crown from Apple in the smartphone market and fend off competition from Chinese rivals not only in mobile telephones, but televisions and home appliances, all overseen by Roh.” Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which device do you use most in your daily life, and in what specific ways could AI improve your experience with it?
  2. How might widespread use of AI change the way people interact with technology on a daily basis?
  3. If your phone or TV became significantly “smarter” with AI, which task would you want it to handle first, and why?
  4. In your opinion, is Samsung’s plan mainly focused on improving user experience, or on staying competitive in the global market? Support your answer with reasons.
  5. How could AI-powered home appliances influence family life or everyday routines, both positively and negatively?

How Circular Deals Are Driving the AI Boom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence is attracting massive investment from some of the world’s biggest companies. Billions of dollars are being poured into data centers, energy infrastructure, and advanced chips, with many investors treating AI as a growth engine that cannot fail. At the same time, questions are growing about profitability, rising costs, and whether this surge could turn into another tech bubble similar to the dot-com crash.

Watch the full video to explore how money is moving through the AI industry, why some experts are worried, and what’s at stake if expectations don’t match reality.

Vocabulary Questions

  1. What does “circular deal” mean in the sentence, “A precarious investment strategy is emerging multi-billion dollar circular deals.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to bank on something” mean in the sentence, “Investors are really banking on incredible growth”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “canary in the coal mine” mean in the sentence, “And these AI data center companies, they are the kind of canary in the coal mine”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think so many investors are willing to spend billions on AI even though many projects are not yet profitable?
  2. How is the current AI boom similar to the dot-com bubble, according to the video?
  3. What risks do ordinary people face if an AI bubble were to burst?
  4. Do you think large technology companies are becoming “too big to fail”? Why or why not?
  5. In your opinion, can AI still succeed as a technology even if some companies fail along the way?

Brand Name vs. Generic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Strolling through the grocery aisles, we tend to see millions of different products, all with different brands. Most of us tend to trust in the more well-known brands like Coca-Cola, Pringles, Oreos, and so much more, perceiving these products as high-quality and worth their price. However, all across the aisles are dozens upon dozens of rip-off brands, emulating their well-known counterparts but at a much cheaper price.

Could there be a difference between the two types of brands?

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to give someone a sense of something” mean?  “Even if they aren’t identical, which they sometimes are, it will give you a sense of how similar they can be.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “bioequivalence” mean?  “The generic drugs go through a series of stringent regulatory testing to prove their bioequivalence to the brand name.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “counterpart”? “
    Next time you are at the grocery store, try and compare the ingredient list and nutritional information of a generic item with its brand counterpart.”     Use this word to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, is there a quality difference between store brand and name brand products?
  2. What makes a product stand out to you in the grocery? Is it the brand or something else?
  3. Has your perception of product brands influenced your decision-making before? If yes, how so?

ChatGPT to Carry Adverts

B2 – Upper Intermediate

AI tools are becoming central to daily life, and companies are exploring new ways to keep them accessible and sustainable. One approach is adding advertising, which raises important questions about user experience, business models, and the future of digital interaction.

Let’s read the article together to explore this new approach in AI services.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgjn012k3do

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “subscription tier” mean? “In addition to the new Go subscription tier, it already has Plus and Pro tiers, which cost $20 and $200 respectively per month in the US.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “last resort“. “OpenAI isn’t the only AI firm considering this business model, despite boss Sam Altman once saying he hated ads and describing them as “a last resort“.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “synthetic media“. “Henry Ajder, an expert in AI, Deepfakes and synthetic media, said OpenAI’s decision to explore ad revenue was not a surprise.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about advertisements appearing in ChatGPT?
  2. Share your insights on this, “AI sector has been over-valued by keen investors and hype, and has yet to actually demonstrate much in the way of profit.“
  3. What is your opinion on this, “OpenAI says they [the ads] will not influence ChatGPT’s responses and the firm will not share data about conversations with advertisers.“?
  4. Are you currently using ChatGPT, and if so, what subscription tier do you have?
  5. If given the option, would you consider paying extra to use ChatGPT without ads? Why or why not?
  6. In your opinion, will other tech companies adopt a similar approach to ads in AI tools?

Spain’s First Quantum Computers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Telefonica (TEF) has teamed up with IQM and CESGA to bring Spain its first quantum computers, including a 54‑qubit system for advanced research and a 5‑qubit system for education and training. This marks a major step for Spain in joining the global quantum computing landscape.

The partnership aims to provide researchers and industry with access to hybrid quantum‑classical computing, accelerating innovation in science, technology, and AI. It also positions Spain as a growing hub for quantum technology development in Europe.

Read the article to know more.

https://www.tradingview.com/news/zacks:e2a292356094b:0-tef-ties-up-with-iqm-cesga-to-deploy-spain-s-first-quantum-computers

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to underscore” mean? “Telefonica’s involvement underscores the growing importance of quantum computing beyond academia.” Give a synonym. Use ‘underscore’ in a sentence.
  2. What is “free cash flow (FCF)”? “Financial goals include 1.5–2.5% revenue and EBITDA CAGR through 2028, accelerating to 2.5–3.5% from 2028–2030, alongside stronger, de-risked free cash flow and continued investment-grade strength.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “dividend”? “The company has confirmed a dividend of €0.30 per share for 2025, set a dividend of €0.15 per share for 2026, and plans to allocate 40–60% of free cash flow to dividends for 2027–2028.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts and reaction to this, “Scheduled for delivery by June 2026, the deployment positions CESGA among Europe’s most advanced high-performance computing (HPC) centres and significantly strengthens Spain’s role in next-generation computing technologies.“
  2. How do you think quantum computing could change the way companies like Telefónica operate in the next 5–10 years, and do you think Europe can become a global leader in this technology?
  3. Why is it important for Europe to achieve technological autonomy in telecom and computing?
  4. How might combining quantum computing with AI and high-performance computing change research or everyday life?
  5. “IQM Spark system for education” Should schools and universities focus on teaching emerging technologies like quantum computing?

iCloud Costs Too Much

B1 – Intermediate 

If you own any Apple device, then you are familiar with iCloud. iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based storage service where your data like photos, files, notes, and passwords are stored and synced across all your devices.

As of 2025, the price plan on iCloud is somewhere around € 0.99 for 50 GB of cloud storage to € 59.99 for 12 TB. 

In 2024, the UK consumer group, Which? filed a £3 billion class-action lawsuit against Apple accusing the company of making it difficult for its customers to use other third-party cloud storage services. They get trapped in Apple’s ecosystem  and continuously have to pay for additional storage every time.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Which?’s collective claim against Apple, alleging that the company overcharges for iCloud storage.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/icloud-costs-too-much-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “payout” mean? “Which? estimates the claim could lead to a 3-billion-pound payout, with individuals possibly receiving around 70 pounds each.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “discourage” mean? “The consumer group ’Which?’ argues that Apple’s actions violate competition laws by limiting customer choices and discouraging alternatives.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “collective claim” mean?  “This lawsuit, along with others targeting tech giants like Facebook and Google, uses a newer legal mechanism allowing collective claims.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this lawsuit?
  2. Do you think Apple’s actions violate competition laws? Explain.
  3. What do you think about iCloud’s prices?
  4. Share your opinion about having to pay for cloud storage every month.
  5. Talk about your devices’ storage.