Tag: Business English

Store Sells Only Expired Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A nonprofit community grocery store called The Daily Table, founded by Doug Rauch, sells discounted food past its sell-by date. It aims to provide food to communities most in need at prices that are affordable to everyone thereby finding solutions to food waste and hunger.

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

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of stores selling out-of-date food?
  2. Do you think this is a solution to reduce food waste and hunger?
  3. Do you think expired food is edible and safe to consume?
  4. What do you usually do with food past its expiration date?

Company Bankrupt

B1 – Intermediate

One objective companies’ have is to make loads of profit. However, they sometimes also face problems with money. When they go bankrupt, it can be a big problem for the company and their workers too.

Read the transcript and listen to the audio from the link below.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/company-bankrupt-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What usually cause companies to go under?
  2. What happens when a company goes bankrupt?
  3. How can companies stay profitable?
  4. In your country, what kind of help does the government give to companies that are about to go bankrupt?
  5. Do you know any companies that went bankrupt? Talk about what happened.

Hand Sanitiser by Louis Vuitton

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Events all over the world have been cancelled in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 virus. Life seems to have stopped and the same can be said for the business of luxury brand companies. Fortunately, some of these luxury brands are stepping in to help fight this pandemic.

Read the full lesson for more information on this brands’ plans in producing anti-viral products.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2003/200318-hand-sanitiser.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What will the luxury goods maker Louis Vuitton do to help fight the COVID-19 virus? How will they do it?
  2. Do you think it is a social responsibility for these companies to provide their services and products for free?
  3. Did local companies in your country do the same thing? Give examples.

Creating a Dream Team

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you ever wonder why a team consisting of very talented employees usually do not perform to their maximum capacity? Is there really a way to create a ‘dream team’ in the workplace? If so, how is it done?

Read the article and find out more about the up and coming science of collective intelligence and learn some tips on how to boost team performance — dream team or not.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190807-the-science-of-creating-a-dream-team

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are factors affecting a team’s success?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that team members’ IQ have something to do with their success/excellent performance?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that too much talent can be counterproductive?
  4. Describe your team at work, your team dynamics, and talk about how each member contributes in making the team perform to its best potential.
  5. What was the biggest challenge that your team ever had to face and how did you overcome it?

The Rise of Virtual Restaurants

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Much commerce is being done through the Web these days. This is particularly evident in the food industry. The Internet is offering exciting new possibilities for sellers and foodies alike.

The following audio and text will deepen our understanding of this matter.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/online-food-ordering-gives-rise-to-virtual-restaurants/5137728.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Nowadays, people either order in or eat out. What makes either option appealing?
  2. Which apps have you already used to have food delivered? Was it a convenient or cumbersome means of ordering food?
  3. Why have some restaurateurs decided to take the “virtual” route in doing business? What keeps some of them from fully embracing the idea?

Why McDonald’s Failed In Iceland?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

McDonald’s famous golden arches seem ubiquitous the world over, but in one European country, it eventually closed shop. What led to the fast-food giant’s downfall in this part of the world? Will it make a comeback?

The video that follows provides, pardon the pun, food for thought.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like fast food fare? Why or why not?
  2. Which fast-food restaurants thrive in your country? What do you think contributed to their success?
  3. What restaurant franchises failed to gain a foothold where you live? Why do you think this happened?

Forever 21’s Downfall and Bankruptcy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Forever 21 made billions in revenue and was one of the fastest-growing fashion empires. Now, the owners have filed for bankruptcy after struggling to keep up with the rise of e-commerce. As one of the largest occupants of American shopping centers, a massive shutdown of Forever 21’s stores could aggravate the ongoing retail apocalypse.

Watch the video about how Forever 21’s success and downfall.

Discussion Questions:

1. In your opinion, where did Forever 21 go wrong?

2. What can filing for bankruptcy do to a company? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

3. In your opinion, what can the retailers do to save Forever 21?

4. What can Forever 21’s bankruptcy mean for the future of fast fashion?

5. Talk about some of the most popular fashion companies in your country?

Why Appraisals Are Pointless?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In so many ways, whether the company would thrive or fail relies on employee quality. Hence, many companies resort to appraisals in order to sort the good apples from the bad ones.

Read the full article and discover why the dreaded appraisals just don’t work and what might be the better way to boost employee productivity.

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20190501-why-appraisals-are-pointless-for-most-people

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the pros and cons of employee performance ratings?
  2. What are your thoughts on performance reviews?
  3. Talk about the performance review process of your company.

Why you should know your coworkers salary?

C1 – Advanced

It’s cringe-worthy to ask your colleagues how much they earn, and the same goes for telling them your salary. Hence, knowing how much they make causes curiosity among employees. According to a new study, salary and pay are now more openly discussed among coworkers in the U.S. and there is a good reason to do so.

Watch the video to know why salaries should be shared and why it actually makes business sense.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. How does salary transparency benefit a company?

2. Do you agree or disagree with the speaker?

3. Are you confident to share how much your salary is?

4. What do you think are the risks of discussing your salary with your colleagues?

How to Get a Raise

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our boss should notice our accomplishments and give us a raise. But in the real world, that is rarely the case. If you want a raise or promotion you have to ask for one. Question is, how do you ask for a raise and get it?

Watch the video for some tips.

Discussion Questions:

1. When and how to ask for a raise?

2. Why do you think women are reluctant to ask for a raise?

3. Do you think you need a raise?

4. Talk about your experience asking your boss for a higher salary.

5. If you were an employer, what would you consider before giving your employees a raise?