Tag: business and business english

Airline Pays Staff Bonus for Spotting Oversized Bags

B1 – Intermediate 

In an attempt to solve the problem with passengers’ oversized carry-on suitcases, the Irish budget airline Ryanair plans to give its staff a bonus they call “gate bag bonus”. Essentially, it is an incentive that the airline employees receive for intercepting bags that are bigger than what is stipulated in the airline’s bag policies.

Read the article about Ryanair’s “gate bag bonus” for its staff and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250724-oversized-luggage-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “budget airline”? “The budget airline Ryanair has a plan for the problem of oversized luggage.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “spot” mean here, “The airline will increase the bonus it pays to staff for spotting bags that are too big. Staff currently get a “gate bag bonus” of $1.75 a passenger.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “cap” mean here, “This is capped at about $95 a month. Ryanair’s CEO wants to remove this cap.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the “gate bag bonus” from a business standpoint? 
  2. How about as a passenger?
  3. Why do you think airlines like Ryanair want the problem of oversized luggage to disappear?
  4. “Passengers must pay a fee of up to $88 for oversized bags.” Is this reasonable? Share your opinion.
  5. Have you ever had problems with excess baggage or problems with your suitcases before or after a flight? Talk about your experience.
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “Ryanair’s CEO said stricter rules were necessary, even though most people follow the rules.” 

Big Beautiful Bill

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How much do American CEOs make compared to their employees in a year? The reasonable answer would be twenty times, fifty times, or maybe even a hundred times. In truth, these big CEOs can make a thousand times what their employees earn in a year. And worse, this gap will only widen with the advent of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

To find out more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the floor” mean in this context, “All these companies are super profitable. Wouldn’t it make sense for them to just have enough staff scheduled on the floor?” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What is a “corporate raider”? “Danny Lovito plays a corporate raider who is trying to convince the shareholders of a small New England cable company to sell him their shares so that they can cash out when he liquidates the company.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to turn the bull loose” mean? “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, why does the Big Beautiful Bill reduce the taxes of powerful companies?
  2. What is your opinion on the “Big Beautiful Bill”? Do you think it will worsen or improve the gap between the rich and the working classes?
  3. Do you think that the current systems that allow companies to earn big profits should be reformed? If so, why?
  4. If you were given the opportunity, how would you try to fix the money gap between the working and the CEOs of these big companies?

Nvidia First to Reach Four Trillion in Market Value

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nvidia just made history, it’s now the first company ever worth $4 trillion. Known for making super-powerful computer chips, Nvidia is a big reason why artificial intelligence (AI) is growing so fast. Its technology powers tools like chatbots, smart cars, and massive data centers.

Let’s read the article to learn more about how Nvidia rose from a gaming chipmaker to the world’s most valuable company.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/09/nvidia-first-company-4-trillion

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “volley” mean here, “Nvidia has rebounded about 74% from its April lows, when global markets were jolted by Donald Trump’s tariff volley.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the word “unabated“. “Nvidia achieved a $1tn market value for the first time back in June 2023 and the surge continued unabated with its market value – the total value of its shares – more than tripling in about a year, faster than Apple and Microsoft, the only other US firms with a market value of more than $3tn.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does the term “poster child” mean? ““The poster children for the AI revolution are led by Nvidia and Microsoft as both are foundational pieces of building on the biggest tech trend we have seen in our 25 years covering tech stocks on the Street.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you make of Nvidia becoming one of the most valuable companies in history?
  2. Where is Nvidia’s stratospheric rise attributed to?
  3. If you had some spare money lying around, which tech giants would you invest in? Why?
  4. How has AI reshaped the landscape of companies in your field?
  5. Which businesses are scaling quickly within your country’s market?

Pop Mart Turned Collectible Dolls into an Empire

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pop Mart, a Chinese collectibles company, has surged in popularity by turning mystery into a business model. Its blind box toys—where buyers don’t know what figure they’ll get—drive most of its revenue and have sparked a global craze. Exclusive collaborations with artists like Kasing Lung (creator of Labubu) have helped the brand expand rapidly, with overseas sales tripling in 2024 and plans to nearly double its U.S. store count by 2025.

The model’s surprise-and-collect appeal draws comparisons to gambling, prompting new regulations in Asia. In response, Pop Mart is diversifying into plush toys, accessories, and digital content to sustain growth.

Watch the video to learn how Pop Mart blends art, scarcity, and retail strategy to build a booming global collectibles empire.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “splurge” mean? “When you decide to splurge on a Pop Mart blind box, which could cost around 20 to $30, you don’t go in totally blind.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “lean into” mean? “Pop Mart didn’t invent blind box packaging. But it is successfully leaning into what customers like about it.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to double one’s footprint” mean? “The company plans to open more than 20 stores in the US by the end of 2025, nearly doubling its footprint in the country.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever bought something just for the surprise or emotional thrill, like a blind box or loot crate? What drew you to it?
  2. Why do you think people are so willing to spend money on collectibles they don’t necessarily need?
  3. Do you think the appeal of mystery in products like blind boxes enhances the experience—or encourages impulsive spending?
  4. How do you feel about the comparison between blind box shopping and gambling? Where would you draw the ethical line?
  5. Do you think this kind of trend-driven consumerism can last, or will people eventually lose interest as the novelty fades?
  6. How would you personally balance collecting for fun versus spending wisely in today’s economic climate?

The Battle to Own 7-Eleven in Japan

B2 – Upper Intermediate

7‑Eleven in Japan is different from a typical convenience store. It serves fresh, high-quality meals like bento boxes, fruit smoothies, and onigiris. It also offers services like package delivery and banking, thanks to an advanced supply chain system. Other countries haven’t managed to copy this model, which is why 7‑Eleven remains especially popular in Japan.

To learn more about what makes 7‑Eleven in Japan unique, and why a big takeover bid from Circle K’s parent company matters, watch the full video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to struggle to replicate” mean? “Unlike in the US … 7‑Eleven perfected its model in Japan, it struggled to replicate it overseas.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to make a bid to do something” mean? “Circle K operator Couche‑Tard making a bid to take over rival and 7‑Eleven owner Seven & I (Holdings).” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “revamp” mean? “In the US, 7-11 has been revamping their stores, introducing new products, improving the food quality, as well as improving the supply chain.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes 7‑Eleven in Japan different from convenience stores in your country?
  2. Why do you think 7‑Eleven’s model worked so well in Japan?
  3. How does a good supply chain help stores offer fresh food every day?
  4. What do you think will happen if Couche-Tard successfully buys 7‑Eleven’s parent company Seven & I?
  5. Would you return to a store if it offered fresh meals and services like package delivery? Why or why not?

Disney Cuts Hundreds of Jobs

B1 – Intermediate 

Disney is a company that is very famous all over the world. Aside from the theme parks in different countries, they also own other companies including Pixar, Marvel Studios, ESPN, National Geographic, and ABC News. 

The Walt Disney Company needs to fire hundreds of their employees worldwide. Disney’s is cutting jobs in order to reduce their costs by $7.5 billion annually.

They have already laid off more than 8,000 workers since 2023.

Read the article about Disney’s job cuts.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2506/250605-disney-job-cuts.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to cut jobs” mean? “The Walt Disney Company is cutting hundreds of jobs.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “at a rapid pace” mean? “As our industry transforms at a rapid pace, we continue to evaluate ways to efficiently manage our businesses, while fuelling the…creativity and innovation that consumers value  and expect from Disney.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “household name” mean? “ It owns the animation companies Pixar and Marvel Studios, as well as household names like ESPN, National Geographic, and ABC News.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “Disney”?
  2. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  3. What do you think is the indication of Disney doing a lot of job cuts?
  4. The CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, said the cuts would keep the company healthy. What is your opinion on this?
  5. Have you ever experienced job cuts in the companies that you’ve worked for? Share something about that situation.

Airbnb Facing Trouble in Spain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb has sparked growing debate across Europe, especially in countries like Spain where tourism plays a major economic role. While these platforms offer convenience for travelers, they are also blamed for driving up housing costs, displacing local residents, and transforming authentic neighborhoods into tourist zones.

As cities like Barcelona and Madrid push back with new rules and license bans, the challenge is balancing tourism with residents’ rights to affordable, livable communities. This reveals an underlying struggle between profit-driven tourism and the long-term well-being of urban life.

Read the article to see how Spain is dealing with the impact of short-term rentals on local housing.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/30/travel/why-airbnb-facing-trouble-spain

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “blight” mean here? “While Airbnb is appealing the move, it can’t come soon enough for some in Spain who say their lives have been blighted by the lack of affordable living accommodation.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does the phrase “to tip the balance” mean? “And not everyone is convinced it will tip the balance in favor of those struggling to find long-term accommodation.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does the idiom “in the grip of someone/something” mean? “A surge in homes being listed on platforms like Airbnb means Spain’s main urban centers like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia are now in the grip of a housing rental crisis that has, in recent months, become Spaniards’ primary worry, according to the Spanish Center for Sociological Research.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does short-term rental tourism (like Airbnb) affect housing availability in major cities like Barcelona or Madrid? What are the pros and cons?
  2. What do you think about Barcelona City Council’s plan to stop renewing licenses for tourist apartments after 2028, forcing more than 10,000 apartments to become available for locals?
  3. Should cities limit the number of Airbnbs to protect local communities, even if it means losing tourist income?
  4. How do you feel about this quote from the article:
    “…cities are turned into theme parks for the excessive profit of a few investment funds”? Do you think profit should ever outweigh community needs?
  5. What would you do if you had to share a flat in your 30s or 40s because of rising rental prices? Would you stay in the city or move away?
  6. Is tourism-based housing making your city or country less livable for residents? Explain why or why not.

Trump-Musk Feud Slams Stocks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

On June 5, 2025, global financial markets reacted sharply to a public dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Trump’s threat to cut off government contracts with Musk-owned companies led to a 14% drop in Tesla’s shares, dragging down Wall Street indices. This incident overshadowed positive developments, such as a phone call between Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping aimed at easing trade tensions.

Read the article to know why despite some recovery in stock prices since April, investor sentiment remains fragile amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

https://www.investopedia.com/tesla-stock-sinks-as-trump-musk-relationship-falls-apart-in-public-spat-11748777

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get one’s teeth into something” mean? “There was plenty of meaty news for investors to get their teeth into on Thursday – U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping’s long-awaited phone call, a rate cut and guidance from the European Central Bank, and more soft U.S. labor market data. “ Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “headwind” mean? “The headwinds haven’t gone away, but the ‘hopium’ rally could still have room to run. More on that below, but first, a roundup of the main market moves.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “thin gruel” mean? “The more optimistic take, which investors initially adopted, is that the talks were constructive and cordial, evidenced by the tone of Trump’s social media post and the fact that the two invited each other to visit. But that’s pretty thin gruel, and it wasn’t enough to support Wall Street’s initial gains.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think political figures should be more cautious when publicly criticizing business leaders, considering how it affects the stock market?
  2. How much influence do you believe Elon Musk has over investor confidence compared to political leaders like Trump?
  3. If you were an investor, would a public feud like this make you sell, hold, or buy more shares of a company like Tesla? Why?
  4. Do you think the market overreacts to high-profile drama, or is it justified given the financial risks involved?
  5. How should companies like Tesla respond when political leaders threaten their government contracts publicly?

Dubai Chocolate Won Over American Businesses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Dubai Chocolate craze began as a local treat from Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2022 and quickly gained international fame, thanks to its rich pistachio-filled flavor and viral exposure on TikTok and Instagram.

Its limited availability only fueled demand, turning it into a status symbol. Major brands like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Crumbl soon launched their own versions, showing how a regional dessert can influence global food trends and retail strategies.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “homegrown” mean? “We’re a small homegrown brand. We had just enough chocolate just to serve the community.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to shoot at the gut“? “We’re kind of shooting at the gut here and hoping that this works.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is “price point“? “The price point of the Kataifi and shipping that from another country to the US and with it being so nationally recognized and utilized right now, it was hard to source because we have so many stores across the nation.” Make a sentence using the term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the global popularity of this product.
  2. Do you think social media has too much influence over what becomes popular in the food industry? Share your thoughts.
  3. Should major retailers create their own versions of viral products like Dubai Chocolate, or is that unfair to the original creators? What is your opinion?
  4. Would you buy a product just because it went viral online, even if it’s expensive or hard to find? Why or why not?
  5. What factors do you think contributed most to the global success of Dubai Chocolate—its flavor, its origin, or its social media presence?
  6. Talk about a global food trend that has become famous in your country and a local dish from your nation that won over the world.

Airline Fees Turned Baggage into Billions

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Back in the days, check-in luggage, seat selection, and meals were free on commercial flights. That was until the UK low-cost carrier FlyBe started charging for check-in baggage. Then, the other airlines started doing the same thing.

Fast forward to today, Air Canada and Southwest added to the list of airlines that charge passengers for check-in luggage. 

From extra fees including checked baggage, seat selection, wifi and lounge access, upgrades, and food and drink alone, airlines are expected to generate $145 billion this year. This constitutes to 14% of the sector’s total revenues.

Read the article about how airlines are now making billions from charging passengers for check-in luggage and other ancillary fees.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qg3ylx2g9o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “grey area” mean? “However, what determines “reasonable requirements” continues to be a grey area in need of an official ruling.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “ancillary” mean? “With Air Canada and Southwest the latest airlines to charge passengers for check-in luggage, the ballooning cost of such ancillary fees is provoking anger among politicians and consumer groups.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “to follow suit” mean? “Other budget carriers then quickly followed suit, with the so-called flag carriers or established airlines then also doing so, at least on shorter flights.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion to airlines charging passengers for check-in luggage? Also, share your opinion on airlines making billions from check-in baggage and other extra fees.
  2. Are junk fees from airlines also very common in your country? Talk about it.
  3. Share your thoughts on how the rise of the budget airlines contributed to the ballooning of junk fees from airlines.
  4. Do you think checked bags, seat selection, and meals should be for free on commercial flights? Explain.
  5. Share your opinion on the huge boom in the sales of carry-on luggage as a result of passengers’ refusal to pay for check-in bags.