Tag: business and business english

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We all know prices are rising—but what if the true cost of living is climbing even faster than it appears? Hidden inflation is quietly draining our wallets, not just through sticker shock but through shrinking product sizes, sneaky fees, and downgraded quality. Companies are finding clever ways to give you less for more, without officially raising prices.

Watch the video to uncover the tactics behind hidden inflation—and how it’s reshaping our everyday spending without us even noticing.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “rip-off” mean? Hidden inflation is the ultimate rip-off—you’re paying more for less, and most people don’t even realize it’s happening. Make a sentence using this phrase.
2. What does the word “recoup” mean? “Companies shrink product sizes but keep prices the same to quietly recoup rising costs—leaving consumers ripped off by hidden inflation.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does the phrase “rake in” mean?” While consumers struggle with shrinking product sizes and rising prices, big corporations continue to rake in record profits.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some common examples of hidden inflation that people encounter in everyday life?
2. How do companies justify practices like shrinkflation or added fees without losing consumer trust?
3. Should governments or consumer protection agencies do more to regulate or expose hidden inflation tactics? Why or why not?
4. Do you think hidden inflation is more harmful than traditional price increases? Why or why not?
5. Would you rather see a clear price increase or experience subtle cost-cutting measures like smaller portions or lower quality?
6. Is it the consumer’s responsibility to stay informed, or should companies be more transparent about changes?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Airlines around the world are investing billions of dollars to expand and upgrade their first-class cabins, signaling a shift in strategy as they cater to growing demand for premium travel experiences. This trend reflects changing passenger expectations, the rise of luxury tourism, and increased profitability in the high-end travel segment. As competition intensifies, carriers are betting that enhanced comfort, privacy, and exclusivity will win over affluent travelers and boost long-term revenue.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “to bet on someone or something” mean? “Airlines are betting on the idea that growing demand for comfort and exclusivity will make first-class cabins a major source of future profits.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does the word “tailwind” mean in this sentence, “The airline industry is experiencing tailwinds from increased demand for luxury travel.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
3. What is the meaning of “overhead cost“? “The global aviation industry has about $900 billion in annual expenses, largely fuel, labor, equipment and various overhead costs.” Make a sentence using the word.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think investing in first-class cabins is the best way for airlines to increase profits? Explain.
2. Would you personally pay more for a first-class experience if given the option? Why or why not?
3. Is it fair for airlines to focus more on luxury travel rather than improving economy class? Share your thoughts.
4. Do you believe the rise in first-class spending reflects growing inequality in air travel? What is your opinion?
5. What factors are driving airlines to invest more in first-class rather than economy or business class?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Costco’s Kirkland brand is a strategic success, built on aligning low prices, quality control, and member loyalty. By consolidating its private labels under a single brand, Costco has strengthened its ability to negotiate with suppliers while consistently delivering high-quality products at competitive prices.

Despite the risk of using a single brand, this approach has boosted customer loyalty and now accounts for over a third of Costco’s sales. With limited product options and strict quality oversight, Kirkland thrives in Costco’s membership-based model, setting it apart from other retailers with multiple store brands.

Watch the video to learn more about the innovative approaches that have allowed Costco to thrive in a competitive market and be prepared to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. .What does “profit margin” mean? “That opportunity came down to profit margins.“ Use this term in a sentence.
2. What does “commodity input” mean? “Our buyers are very aware of the commodity inputs, the raw ingredients that go into something.” Use this term in a sentence.
3. What does the idiom “hit someone right in the face” mean? “because everything that’s presented at Costco is presented pretty big, hitting you right in the face whenever you walk in there.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. As a buyer, which type of product do you prefer: name brands or private label brands? What influences your decision?
2. What factors might influence shoppers to choose a private label product over a name brand?
3. How does placing a private label product beside a name brand item shape perceptions of quality and value? Provide examples of how this tactic might backfire or succeed.
4. How does the perceived risk associated with different product categories (e.g., low-risk staples vs. high-risk electronics) influence trust in private labels? What could retailers do to bridge this trust gap?
5. Does a membership model inherently create a sense of exclusivity or loyalty that enhances trust in private labels? How might this differ from non-membership retailers?
6. Can a single bad experience with a private label product damage a retailer’s reputation more than a similar experience with a well-known brand? Why do you think that is? What strategies can retailers use to reduce this risk?

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Tesla, once the golden child of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, is facing mounting challenges that threaten its dominant position in the market. From falling sales and aggressive price cuts to rising competition and internal turmoil, the cracks are starting to show. And if recent trends are any indication, things at Tesla aren’t just bad — they’re on the verge of getting much worse.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the verb “tank” mean here, “It’s stock has tanked, dropping 34% this year.“? Use the word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
2. What does “on pace to leave someone/something in the dust” mean? “The Chinese EV and battery maker, for the first time, top Tesla in revenue in 2024 and is on pace to leave it in the dust as the global leader in electric vehicle sales this year.” Use the idiom in a sentence.
3. What does the phrasal verb “flat out” mean in this sentence, “Robin Zang said in an interview that he would flat out tell Elon Musk that Tesla’s new battery cell is going to fail and never be successful.“? Use the phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you believe Elon Musk’s leadership style is helping or hurting Tesla in the current climate? Share your point of view.
2. In your opinion, is Tesla still the leader in innovation within the EV industry? Explain.
3. Should Tesla focus more on new products or fixing its current business and production issues? Share your insights.
4. What factors do you think are contributing most to Tesla’s recent struggles — internal decisions or external competition?
5. What is your opinion about what China did allowing Tesla to have a fully owned factory in their country? Do you think they did that intentionally to take US brand’s technology and build theirs better?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Airlines are enhancing their first and business class cabins with luxurious features, such as heated seats and privacy doors, to attract high-spending customers. However, the certification process for these new seats is delaying aircraft deliveries from Boeing and Airbus, contributing to ongoing supply chain issues. Despite these challenges, the increase in premium passenger revenues indicates a strong demand for improved travel experiences. Airlines are making significant investments in cabin upgrades, expecting continued growth in premium seating, but they are encountering hurdles in getting these innovations approved.

Watch the video to explore more about airline innovations and challenges, and be prepared to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “bottlenecks” mean? “The bottlenecks are bad news, not just for airplane makers, but for airlines trying to grow profits.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.
2. What does “outfit” mean here, “That means outfitting their planes with first and business class pods and suites that are more luxurious than ever.”? Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.
3. What does the phrase “to skate to where the puck is going to be” mean? “For premium, we think that, that’s going to continue to grow, and we’re skating to where the puck is going to be.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give two (2) synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever flown in business class? What was it like? If you haven’t had the chance to experience it yet, what is your impression of flying in business class, and would you want to try it if given the opportunity? Why or why not?

2. What do you think are the main reasons airlines are investing heavily in premium seating? Give specific examples of features that might attract big spenders.
3. In what ways do you believe the pandemic has changed the airline industry’s approach to customer service and luxury? Can you provide examples of how airlines have adapted their services post-pandemic?
4. What are your thoughts on the price differences between premium and economy class tickets? Do you believe these differences are justified, or do you think that practicality should take precedence in today’s travel market? Please explain.
5. How do you envision the future of air travel in terms of luxury and technology? Can you elaborate on what advancements you think will be made in aircraft design and passenger experience?
6. Do do you think it’s important for airlines to continue innovating premium seating and overall passenger experience? Why or why not? Explain.