Tag: Business English

Chaos Packaging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chaos packaging is a new design trend that uses bold, unusual elements to make packaging stand out and surprise people. With bright colors, mixed-up patterns, and unpredictable fonts, chaos packaging aims to break the rules and create eye-catching designs through intentional disorder. This style appeals to people who like unique and expressive looks, helping products stand out on busy store shelves.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “press for more” mean in this sentence? “Those creative containers along with their delicious product are keeping consumers pressed for more.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does ‘hit the sweet spot‘ mean? “Creativity with a little side of chaos and some advertising that experts say, could hit the sweet spot in sales.” Make one sentence using this expression.
  3. What does “gold” mean in this sentence? “If you have an interesting packaging that people are willing to take a photo and post and do the advertising for you, that’s gold for marketers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think chaos packaging helps products stand out in a positive way, or does it create too much visual noise?
  2. In your opinion, does the use of chaotic design elements make a product seem more appealing or less trustworthy?
  3. How might chaos packaging influence the way consumers perceive a brand or product?
  4. What are some potential downsides to using chaos packaging, especially in terms of readability and clarity?
  5. How does chaos packaging compare to more traditional, minimalist packaging in capturing consumer interest?

Hoax Bomb Threats Hurting Air Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A spike in hoax bomb threats is causing widespread disruption in India’s air travel, with numerous flights being delayed, diverted, or canceled.

Passengers are left anxious and frustrated as these false alarms continue to target both domestic and international routes. Airlines are struggling to manage the operational and financial fallout.

Meanwhile, authorities are working to track down the individuals responsible, but the rising number of incidents poses significant challenges.

Learn more about the impact of these hoax bomb threats on air travel in India.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2kz84kgj0o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “rash of something” mean? “In 2018, a rash of jokes about bombs by airplane passengers in Indonesia led to flight disruptions.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What does “to wreak havoc“. “These hoaxes end up wreaking havoc in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “to throw off balance” mean? “Delays lead to cancellations, and schedules are thrown off balance.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever experienced a flight delay or diversion? How did it make you feel?
  2. Do you think hoax bomb threats are a serious issue? Why or why not?
  3. How do you think technology, like social media, impacts travel safety today?
  4. How do you feel about traveling by air in light of recent news about hoax bomb threats?
  5. What do you think airlines should do to ensure passengers feel safe during their flights?

Corporate Real Estate on Cliff Edge

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

As companies strive to do anything in their power to make hybrid setup work, it poses imminent consequences on the corporate real estate sector. Companies are now opting for more compact office spaces. As leases expire, this could leave many office buildings empty. 

To cope with this new trend in real estate, mixed-use development could possibly be one solution.

Read the article about the impact of corporate downsizing on the real estate industry.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20240509-corporate-real-estate-on-cliff-edge-to-rethink-communal-spaces

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “retrofit” mean in business? “Not all vacant buildings can be updated to meet new market demands, nor retrofitted into residential units.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “gravitational pull” mean here, “As companies pay top dollar for quality, the gravitational pull to newer, higher-quality offices leaves behind a vacuum for lower-grade buildings.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to be on a cliff edge” mean, “Developers might be forced to the cliff edge to be creative, but they have around five years to prepare, mobilise and get ready for the future that’s coming.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What problem is being talked about in the article and what are some possible solutions?
  2. What might be some things businesses consider in selecting where to base their headquarters if they want to attract their staff to the office?
  3. What do you like the least and the most about your office?
  4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of mixed-use neighborhoods?
  5. Do you believe you will see multifunctional areas in your city/country more soon? Why or why not?

Americans Tip Less

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, Americans have been tipping less, a trend influenced by various factors including economic pressures and changing attitudes toward gratuity. This decline in tipping can significantly impact workers, particularly in service industries where tips often supplement low wages.

As employees rely on these additional earnings for their livelihood, reduced tipping not only affects their financial stability but also raises questions about the future of tipping culture in the U.S. Understanding this shift is crucial for both workers and consumers.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “fed up” mean? “In the U.S, a growing number of folks are fed up with tipping.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘fed up’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “hassle” mean? “61% of the consumers would just rather pay higher prices on the menu as they don’t want the hassle of the tipping.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘hassle’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “stingy” mean? Ex. People are a little worried about inflation so some people are getting cheaper and stingier. Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘stingy’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think tipping should still be a common practice, or should businesses increase wages to reduce the reliance on tips? Explain.
  2. Should taxes on tips be eliminated? Share your point of view.
  3. How do you feel about the expectation to tip in situations where service fees are already included?
  4. Do you believe that tipping less is justified given the rising costs of living and inflation? Share your opinion.
  5. How does the cultural perception of tipping in the U.S. compare to that in other countries, and what can Americans learn from those differences?

“Pop-up” Restaurants Are Everywhere

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everyone knows that the pandemic presented difficulties for most businesses across the globe, and the restaurant industry is among those struggling to survive.

However, a lot of owners of food-related businesses shifted their focus to tools that could be utilized for business during the most difficult times, and that’s when they turned to the internet and opened “pop-up” or transient restaurants.

To learn more about “pop-up” restaurants, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “untenable” mean? “…it was incredible to do it for as long as they’ve done it, but it’s untenable to kind of grow until they decide what the next step is going to be.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of “limited run“? “In some cases the limited run is the goal.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘limited run’ in your own sentence.
  3. Explain “brick and mortar”. “The future of Border Town is definitely a restaurant, you know, definitely a brick and mortar.”  Create a sentence using this term.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of “pop-up restaurants’?
  2. Do “pop-ups” have a similar following in your nation? If yes, which is the most well-liked and why did it become successful?
  3. What is your opinion on the sustainability of “pop-ups”? Justify your position.
  4. How do you think humans get motivated to venture into new things amidst crucial times? 
  5. Under difficult economic circumstances, are people in your nation more optimistic or pessimistic when it comes to their business ventures? Explain your stance.

People Need a Hundred Thousand Dollars to Stop Money Worries

B1 – Intermediate 

We need to make a certain amount of money to be able to live the life we want. However, are people earning enough money to say that they are happy and financially secure these days? And another question is, how much money do we really need to be able to live without having money worries?

Read the article to know more about the amount people need to stop worrying about money.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2409/240926-money-worries.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “money worries” mean? Give a synonym of this term and use it in a sentence. “Researchers asked more than 3,000 adults over the age of 30 about their money worries.”
  2. What does “financially secure” mean? “Surprisingly, the researchers reported that just 33 percent of millionaires in the study said they felt financially secure.” Use the phrase in your own sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “a sign of something” mean? “It said $100,000 was no longer a sign of financial success and wealth.” Give a synonym and use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal definition of a “stable lifestyle”?
  2. In your opinion, how much money should someone have to be able to say they are financially secure in your country?
  3. In America, “$100,000 was no longer a sign of financial success and wealth.”. Is it the same in your country? Is €100,000 does not mean financial security anymore?” Explain.
  4. Do you think people have more money worries now more than before? Elaborate.
  5. How can a person be very confident about their financial situation?

German Carmakers Have Problems

B1 – Intermediate

Germany is famous for making cars and is seen as a world leader in car design and technology. For more than 100 years, it has been home to top car brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. The car industry in Germany focuses on high quality and new technology, including electric and self-driving cars. Germany’s central location in Europe, along with its skilled workers and good infrastructure, helps make it a strong player in the world car market.

Although Germany is a global leader in the car manufacturing industry, its car makers are currently facing challenges.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problems that German carmakers have.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/german-carmakers-have-problems-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “job cut” mean? “Volkswagen, Germany’s largest employer, is facing the possibility of making significant job cuts due to declining car sales.” Use this term in your own sentence.
  2. What is “acknowledge”? “The company acknowledges that it must find ways to reduce costs.” Use this verb in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “lay off” mean? “Volkswagen denied reports that it was planning to lay off up to 30,000 workers, which would be around a quarter of its workforce in Germany.” Use this phase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are of the causes of the problems that German carmakers have?
  2. What was your reaction that according to reports, Volkswagen was planning to lay off up to 30,000 workers?
  3. How does the government in your country help companies that are struggling?
  4. Share your opinion about the sales of electric cars dropping in Europe.

Sustainable Cork

B1 – Intermediate 

Cork is used to so many things. For example, as alcoholic beverage bottles stopper or a material for insulation. 

Portugal produces and exports the highest amount of cork in the world. It is a very important part of their economy.

However, despite its many purposes, there had been some problems with growing cork trees.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about sustainable cork.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/sustainable-cork-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pass down through generations” mean? “In Portugal, cork harvesting is a skilled tradition passed down through generations.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “sustainable alternative” mean? “Researchers, like Miguel No at the University of Aveiro, are exploring cork as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “eco-friendly” mean? “The long growth cycle of cork trees shows the patience required in this eco-friendly industry.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘eco-friendly’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the problem in the cork industry in Portugal? What is a solution to it?
  2. What do you suppose will happen to the cork industry in Portugal in the future?
  3. What do you think about a cork harvesting job?
  4. Give benefits and uses of cork.
  5. In Portugal, cork harvesting is a skilled tradition passed down through generations. In your country, what is a skilled tradition that is passed down from generation to generation? Are there less people interested in joining this industry, too? Talk all about it.

7-Eleven Reinventing Its Food Business to Be More Japanese

B2 – Upper Intermediate

7-Eleven, a global convenience store giant, is undergoing a significant transformation by reinventing its $17 billion food business to align more closely with its Japanese origins. This strategic shift aims to enhance the brand’s culinary offerings and customer experience by incorporating the successful and distinctive elements of its Japanese operations.

Watch the video to learn more about it and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “double down” mean? “But now, as cigarette sales continue to decline and many expect gas sales to slow, many are racing to find other sources of revenue and doubling down on food.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘double down’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “major undertaking” mean? “Shifting a business this massive is a major undertaking.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘major undertaking’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does the term “wide array” mean? “7-Eleven Japan is known for its wide array of meal options.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the “tanpin kari” business model.
  2. What specific elements of Japanese 7-Eleven stores could be most successfully integrated into other international markets, and why?
  3. Do you think the introduction of Japanese-inspired food will significantly improve 7-Eleven’s appeal and sales in your local area? Why or why not?
  4. In your opinion, what other international food practices could 7-Eleven adopt to further enhance its food business?
  5. Do you believe that the higher cost of sourcing better ingredients for Japanese-inspired food will be justified by increased customer satisfaction and sales? Why or why not?

Boomerang CEOs

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Several chief executive officers or CEOs of some of the biggest companies have stepped down from their position. In some cases, they come back or get reinstated after a while.

Is this move advantageous for the company that they work for though? Could it really be that ‘second time’s the charm’ for these CEOs?

Watch the video and find out more about the boomerang CEOs.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0h9q7kj/boomerang-ceos-do-they-ever-succeed-

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “boomerang CEO” mean? “We looked at over 6,000 CEO succession or turnovers. There are less than 200 of them that were boomerang CEOs.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “product line” mean? “Steve Jobs innovated. He came out with all these new products and recreated the company with new product lines.” Use this term in a sentence
  3. What does “to bring the magic back” mean? “When Howard Schultz came back that first time, he brought some of that magic back.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the general trend among boomerang CEOs when they come back?
  2. What is your opinion about the boomerang CEO trend?
  3. What can boomerang CEOs do in order to ensure success upon their comeback?
  4. Talk about a boomerang CEO from your country. Why did they have to step down before and what are some of the things they did upon returning to their position? Was it a good thing for the company in the end? Elaborate.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Founders just have this huge attachment that other people do not to the companies that they started and created. And so there is this protectiveness.”.
  6. Share your insights on the ‘founder CEO’s shelf life’ and that “For most people, there’s going to be a time where it outgrows your skill set in terms of your ability to manage it. Be willing to let go of your ‘baby’ and to step down when the time is right.”