Tag: Business English

Costco Went All in on Kirkland and It Paid Off

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?

Things Are Bad at Tesla

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?

Airlines Demand for First-Class Seats Delayed Production

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?
  1. 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.
  2. 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?
  3. 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.
  4. 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?
  5. Do do you think it’s important for airlines to continue innovating premium seating and overall passenger experience? Why or why not? Explain.

Fear of Flying is Pushing Ticket Sales Down

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Flight anxiety has soared, causing a nosedive in sales. Since the beginning of the year, a series of fatal accidents and alarming incidents have shaken Americans’ confidence in air travel, leading some passengers to reconsider their travel plans, according two airlines involved in crashes.

Let’s read the article to explore how fatal plane crashes influence people’s decisions about flying.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/11/business/passengers-air-travel-crashes-fear

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “consumer confidence” mean? “Consumer confidence and certainty in air travel started to wane a little bit as questions of safety came in.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “regulatory filing” mean? “On Monday the company revised its expected revenue growth for the quarter down by half in a regulatory filing.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “closed door meeting“. “CNN has not confirmed that exchange at the closed door meeting.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways have recent crashes influenced airline ticket sales?
  2. Have the recent crashes affected your confidence in air travel? Why or why not?
  3. Are you someone who carefully listens to the safety briefing before flying? If yes, why do you tend to so?
  4. What do you find most stressful about flying?
  5. What’s the roughest turbulence you’ve encountered during a flight? Did it make you reconsider flying?

Tesla’s Challenges Run Deeper than Toxic Controversy around Elon Musk

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s controversial views and actions as of late have not been taken all too well by many. From Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s  radical reforms and axing to a video appearance at a far-right Alternative für Deutschland party rally, and some online attacks on British politicians, Musk has been in the center of everything.

All this is causing a huge public backlash against Tesla. This may have contributed in the company’s decline in sales. 

Read this article about how Tesla’s problems run deeper than the controversies revolving Elon Musk.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz61vwjel2zo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “unequivocal” mean? “Musk has also been unequivocal in his response. “This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong,” he said in a recent interview with Fox News. “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “at the helm” mean? “And if that is the case, can Tesla really build on its past success with Musk remaining at the helm?” Use this idiom in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What is a “figurehead”? “Musk, the figurehead of the company, has driven this all forward, since he joined Tesla in 2004 as its chairman and principal funder.” Use this term in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think Tesla will be affected by Musk’s views and involvement in the Trump administration?
  2. How can Tesla retain its position as the world’s best-selling maker of electric vehicles (EVs)?
  3. This violence against US showrooms should be treated as “domestic terrorism”. What is your opinion on this?
  4. If you were an EV enthusiast, would you stop supporting TESLA because of these controversies Musk have been entangled with recently? Explain.
  5. Does the company leaders or businesses’ views and actions affect your support of or loyalty to a brand? Why or why not?

CEO Tells Parents to Keep Kids Off Roblox

B2- Upper Intermediate 

Roblox is an online game platform that was created in 2004 and released in 2006. In the UK, the site is the most popular among gaming enthusiasts from ages eight to 12.

Amidst allegations that children using the platform are constantly exposed to explicit or harmful contents, the company’s CEO Dave Baszucki advised parents to keep their children off the site if they have concerns over their safety.

Read this article about Roblox CEO’s message to parents.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yrjkl7dd6o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “dogged” mean? “The site, which is the most popular in the UK among young gamers aged eight to 12, has been dogged by claims of some children being exposed to explicit or harmful content through its games, alongside multiple reported allegations of bullying and grooming.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  2. What does “counter-intuitive” mean? “That sounds a little counter-intuitive, but I would always trust parents to make their own decisions.” Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
  3. What does “with the best will in the world” mean? “There are parental controls, and our users would urge constant parental supervision. But we all know that with the best will in the world, life sometimes gets in the way.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this statement by Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki? “My first message would be, if you’re not comfortable, don’t let your kids be on Roblox.” 
  2. How do you think this statement could affect the company? 
  3. What can companies and parents alike do to ensure children’s safety on gaming platforms?
  4. Do you agree or disagree with what Ellie Gibson said that Mr. Baszucki’s message risked sounding “a bit of a get out”? Share your thoughts.
  5. If a site or app a child is using is dogged by claims of kids’ exposure to explicit or harmful contents, what should their parents do?

Singapore’s Sewage Beer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When it comes to creative beverages, Singapore has taken things to a whole new level with its unconventional yet sustainable drink — sewage beer. This innovative brew is crafted using recycled wastewater, turning what might seem unappealing into a clean, safe, and environmentally friendly product.

Read this article to know how this unusual idea came about.

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/11/21/sewage-is-the-secret-ingredient-in-singapores-beer-a-country-with-no-natural-water-resourc

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ramp up” mean? “Authorities have said they need to ramp up all water sources, as demand is expected to double by 2065.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. What’s the meaning of “hail from“? “Rummel told onlookers he was in a good position to judge beer, as he hailed from Munich, Germany, home to the Oktoberfest beer festival.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. Define “biennial“. “The idea was to showcase treated wastewater at the country’s biennial International Water Week.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about this type of beer? Would you try it? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think other countries should try this idea? How could it help them?
  3. How does this type of beer help the environment?
  4. Share your thoughts on this statement, “It’s important not to use the term ‘wastewater’ and instead call it ‘used water.‘“.
  5. Have you heard of any other drinks or products made using recycled water? What do you think about them?

Skype Shutdown

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Skype is known for revolutionizing internet-based communication. It was founded in 2003 offering free voice calls between PCs and economical rates for calling landlines and mobile phones.

However, this legendary service is scheduled to be retired on May 5, as Microsoft transitions its focus to the more up-to-date Microsoft Teams Free platform.

Let’s read the article and know more about this iconic application shutting down.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/software/skype-is-shutting-down-after-two-decades/ar-AA1zZV5l?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “free tier” mean? “Skype will “no longer be available” to use starting in May, the company confirmed on X, telling users that their log-in information can be used on Microsoft Teams’ free tier in the “coming days.”” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “ill-fated” mean? “Microsoft integrated the service into its other products, such as Office and its ill-fated mobile operating service Windows Phone.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
  3. What does “catch on” mean? “Skype launched in 2003 in Estonia and quickly caught on as a way to make free calls worldwide, a notable perk considering international calling on traditional phones used to be expensive.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Skype shutting down?
  2. Have you had much experience with Skype? What are your thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses?
  3. What video calling apps do you use most often? And why is it your call app of choice?
  4. Can you think of any apps that were once staples in your routine, but have since fallen out of favor? What lead to it becoming less popular than before?
  5. Which of your frequently used apps would you be most upset to lose access to? And why?

US Health Insurance Company Wants Too Much Money

B1 – Intermediate 

UnitedHealth is under investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) for their billing practices for extra payments for Medicare Advantage plans.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about an investigation on UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/us-health-insurance-company-wants-too-much-money-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “billing” mean? “According to the Wall Street Journal, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “wrongdoing” mean? “UnitedHealth claims it is unaware of the investigation and denies wrongdoing.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “buyout” mean? “Meanwhile, the company is also offering buyouts to employees in its benefits unit.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on UnitedHealth’s billing practices.
  2. How is this investigation affecting UnitedHealth?
  3. If you are an investor in this company are you also going to sell your shares? Why or why not?

How Coca-Cola Used You To Win

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign brilliantly transformed a simple idea—printing popular names on Coke bottles—into a viral marketing phenomenon. By making the experience personal and shareable, Coca-Cola not only boosted sales, but also reconnected with young adults, turning an ordinary product into a social experience.

Watch the video to know more about it and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “fizzle out” mean? “In early 2010, Coca-Cola’s sales were fizzling out particularly in Australia where young adults weren’t drinking Coke.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “cherry on top” mean? “Every single word was reviewed and approved by Senior Management and the cherry on top, they had to design a brand new font specifically for this campaign.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “strike gold” mean? “Among young adults, consumption of Coke jumped by 7%. It wasn’t long enough that Coca-Cola realized they had struck gold.” Use it in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the success of the “Share a Coke” campaign was primarily due to personalization, or were other factors equally important? Why?
  2. Some critics argue that Coca-Cola’s campaign was clever but didn’t lead to long-term brand loyalty. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  3. In your opinion, should more brands adopt similar personalized marketing strategies, or does this approach lose its impact when overused?
  4. How did the “Share a Coke” campaign change consumer behavior, and what lessons can other brands learn from it?
  5. What role did social media play in making the campaign go viral, and do you think it would have been as successful without it?