Tag: business and business english

Heineken Sells Less Beer 

B1 – Intermediate 

Heineken, is one of the biggest brewing companies in the world. Due to the continuing lower demands for beers in Latin America and Europe, the brewer foresees a significant decrease in their sales for 2025.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about lower sales of Heineken beers.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/heineken-sells-less-beer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain “market share gain”. “Despite facing challenges such as lower beer consumption, competition from alcohol alternatives, and growing health awareness, Heineken reported market share gains in Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “revenue” mean? “The company’s revenue fell 0.3% in the third quarter, but that was still above expectations.” Give a synonym and use ‘revenue’ in a sentence.  
  3. What does “to struggle with something” mean? “Overall, the results show that while Heineken continues to struggle with slow sales, investors remain cautiously optimistic about future recovery.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons Heineken’s sales is decreasing?
  2. How can Heineken recover from this?
  3. Do you think Heineken’s situation will improve once economic conditions stabilize? Share your insights.
  4. Why do you think there is lower demand for beer in Latin America and Europe?
  5. How popular is beer in your country and why is this?

Digital Price Tags Are Changing Food Shopping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the world continues developing in this day and age, digital devices and tools become more and more common. Recently, electronic shelf labels have begun spreading more rapidly in North American grocery stores, increasing consumers’ concerns about dynamic pricing.

If companies can change the price of their products easily with digital price tags, will prices of products become higher for certain individuals, or will it be used to lower the prices of products near expiry?

To learn more, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dynamic pricing” mean? “Some lawmakers fear that electronic shelf labels (ESLs) will lead to dynamic pricing that could hurt consumers.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “year over year growth” mean? “It’s definitely an industry that is looking at significant double digit year over year growth for the foreseeable future.”  Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What is “a devil’s advocate”? “There’s definitely a strong devil’s advocate argument to be made that having some sort of surge pricing in those kind of contexts would actually be useful because it discourages hoarding.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the promises and pitfalls of electronic shelf labels? Do you believe that electronic shelf labels and digital price tags will influence companies to use dynamic pricing?
  2. How is dynamic pricing good and bad? You may cite examples.
  3. Do you think consumers are more likely to benefit or suffer from ESLs? Share your insights.
  4. In your opinion, should more big companies be switching to electronic shelf labels? Why or why not?

Zara Ads Banned for Unhealthily Thin Models

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fashion giant Zara is facing backlash after several of its advertisements were banned for featuring models described as “unhealthily thin.” The decision, made by advertising regulators, has reignited debates about body image and the fashion industry’s responsibility to promote healthy beauty standards.

Read this article to learn more about the controversy and its impact on fashion advertising.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp941z3nnnxo

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “gaunt” mean? “The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said shadows and a slick back bun hairstyle made one model appear “gaunt” while the pose and low cut design of a shirt in another image showed the model’s “protruding” collarbones.” Give 2 synonyms and make a sentence with this word.
  2. What is a “focal feature“? “The other banned advert was for a shirt and the model was said to be in a position that made “protruding” collarbones a “focal feature” of the advert.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. Define “carousel of images“. “The two banned adverts previously appeared on the retailer’s app and website in a carousel of images showing clothes on and off models.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about these bans on some brands’ adverts with seemingly “unhealthily thin models”.
  2. What impact might these bans on these brands’ adverts have on their business and their image?
  3. How can advertising influence people’s ideas about beauty and body image?
  4. What impact can unrealistic body images have on young people?
  5. Have you ever seen an advertisement that made you feel uncomfortable or unrealistic? Why?
  6. What changes would you like to see in fashion advertising in the future?
  7. Do you think fashion brands should be responsible for promoting healthy body standards? Why or why not?

Labubu Maker Pop Mart Learns from Disney

B1 – Intermediate 

The collectible plush toys Labubu has become a global phenomenon over night. It is interesting how a character could become a viral trend worldwide.

Everyone wants a piece of this toy. It doesn’t matter that they are expensive and sometimes hard to come by. Many have become a fan and wish to collect every piece of Labubu.

Pop Mart, the maker of Labubu, learned a thing or two about their business strategy from Disney.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about what Labubu maker Pop Mart learned from Disney’s business strategy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/labubu-maker-learns-from-disney-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “intellectual property”. “Like Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Labubu is becoming a strong intellectual property with potential for theme parks, entertainment, and merchandise.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “one big hit” mean? “Pop Mart doesn’t want only one big hit. Instead, it hopes to create five to ten characters with similar global potential.” Use the idiom in a sentence.  
  3. What does “to enter the market” mean? “Labubu’s success has also increased competition in China’s art toy industry, where many new companies and artists are trying to enter the market.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Pop Mart has what it takes to stay relevant long-term? Share your thoughts on Pop Mart Labubu’s global success.
  2. Pop Mart’s strategy is inspired by Disney, aiming to turn short-term popularity into long-term growth. What is your opinion about this business strategy?
  3. Talk about another company/business/brand that you know used the same strategy.
  4. What is your reaction to this: Pop Mart is now more valuable than major toy makers like Hasbro, Mattel, and Sanrio.
  5. Do you know any famous toy makers from your country? Talk about their business. How well do you think they do in the global market?

China New Rules on EU Brandy

B1 – Intermediate 

China is going to take some temporary anti-dumping actions on importing EU brandy. This comes as a result of EU voting to put tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China. This new measure will definitely impact famous French brands of brandy such as Hennessy and Remy Martin.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about China’s new rules on EU brandy.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-has-new-rules-on-eu-brandy-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “anti-dumping” mean? “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “measure” mean here, “China has introduced temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU, especially affecting famous French brands like Hennessy and Remy Martin.”? Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “trade tension” mean? “These actions are seen as part of growing trade tensions between China and the EU, particularly targeting France, which has supported the new EV tariffs.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal opinion about this move by China?
  2. Do you think this will have a big effect on EU brandy industry? Share your insight.
  3. What is your opinion on EU voting to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs? What impact do you think this will have on the growing China and the EU’s trade tensions? 
  4. Share your opinion about EU-China trade tensions.
  5. Give another example of anti-dumping that you know of.

Musk Firms X and xAI Sue Apple and OpenAI Over AI Competition

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Elon Musk’s firms X and xAI has filed a lawsuit claiming that the Apple-OpenAI deal has no valid business reason to be exclusive.

According to the filing, this exclusive arrangement blocks threats from potential competitors, which allegedly violates competition laws.

Read the article about X and xAI filing a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI over AI competition.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly6xjg9nnyo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to join forces” mean? “Two Elon Musk-backed businesses have officially sued Apple and OpenAI, accusing them of joining forces illegally to block threats from potential competitors.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to make good on something” mean?  “The filing makes good on a threat Musk had lobbed against the two tech giants earlier this month, when he alleged that Apple favoured OpenAI in its app store rankings.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is the meaning of “to foreclose competition”. “The Apple-OpenAI arrangement has foreclosed competition among generative AI chatbots, deprived competing generative AI chatbots of scale, and reduced quality and innovation.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this lawsuit? 
  2. What are your thoughts on Apple and OpenAI’s exclusive deal? Do you think it is a form of monopoly? Explain.
  3. Share your thoughts on OpenAI’s statement regarding the lawsuit, “The filing was consistent with Mr Musk’s ongoing pattern of harassment.”
  4. Talk in details about another anti-monopoly lawsuit you know of.
  5. Share your thoughts on Apple’s talks with Google over using Gemini chatbot to help power Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.

Chinese Baby Companies Have Problems

B1 – Intermediate 

From 1980 to 2015, China used to have the one-child policy. Even when they allowed couples to have up to three children in 2021, many couples still decide to delay having children, have less kids, or even not have children at all.

As a direct result, the population is declining. At present, some Chinese companies that produce children’s products have to continue thinking of ways to diversify their product lines as the birth rate in their country continue to go down which only means a smaller and smaller market for their products.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about companies that produce children’s products having problems due to declining birth rates in China.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/chinese-baby-companies-have-problems-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “margin” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “margin”.
  2. What does “stock” mean here, “Market analyst Shaun Rein warns that companies in the baby industry will face declining margins, bad revenues, and falling stock prices.”? Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “stock”.
  3. What does “reluctant” mean? “While the limit has been raised to three children in 2021, couples are still reluctant to have babies.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about children products companies’ problems in China?
  2. What solutions do you think companies can come up with to deal with this problem?
  3. How has your company diversified its products/services over the years?

Matcha in Short Supply

B1 – Intermediate 

As matcha became a popular favorite all around the world, the demand for the tea has also increased a lot in the recent years.

However, due to high temperatures, there have been lower harvests of the matcha tea in Japan where most of it is grown and the global matcha supply comes from.

And because of this, the price of matcha also had to be increased.

Read the article about the problem with short supply of matcha and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250728-matcha-shortage-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “niche product” mean? “Matcha was once a niche product.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “out of stock” mean?  “The tea store Tealife said demand increased ten-fold. It is always out of stock.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “pluck” mean? “Last year’s summer was so scorching that it damaged the bushes, so we couldn’t pluck as many leaves.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is matcha popular in your country? Why do you think that is?
  2. Do you like matcha? Why or why not? 
  3. How can the short supply of matcha affect the businesses that use this tea?
  4. What are the impacts of rising temperature on agriculture in your country?
  5. How does the “Matcha mania” affect Japan’s traditional tea ceremonies? 

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.” 

How the Big Beautiful Bill Will Transfer Trillions From Workers to Wall Street

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. Do you think that the Big Beautiful Bill will worsen or improve the gap between the rich and the working classes? Share your thoughts.
  3. Do you think that the current systems that allow companies to earn big profits should be reformed? Share your insights.
  4. How can the pay gap between the workers and the CEOs be fixed?