Tag: Business English

Disabled Traveller Market

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Traveling has never been the most favorite pastime until now. Everyone just seems to be so engaged in this activity.

However, for people with disability, these sightseeing activities are usually short and inconvenient as most places do not exactly have inclusive designs.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, one in six people in the world have a significant disability. The tourism industry needs to recognize that this represents a significant number of an underserved segment and billions in untapped revenue.

Read the article about the untapped disabled traveller market. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240116-the-disabled-traveller-market-represents-billions-in-untapped-revenue

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “revenue-driving” mean, “Trentino for All aims to make the province’s experiences accessible for as many people as possible – and simultaneously create a popular, revenue-driving destination for inclusive tourism.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “revenue-driving” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “bottom line” mean here, “Making upgrades that increase the bottom line.”? Use this term in your own sentence.
  3. What does “the power of the purse” mean, ”They’ve become very demanding of equally good service, and aren’t afraid to exercise the power of the purse.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “the power of the purse” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think that recreation areas or points of interest in your city/country are PWD-friendly or have inclusive design? If not, should they be upgraded? Share your thoughts.
  2. “Destinations are making substantial investments in accessible attractions and programming.” Is this a worthwhile business venture? Explain your opinion.
  3. What challenges might PWDs and their companions have when travelling?
  4. Share what you know about the European Accessibility Act or some benefits and privileges disabled people enjoy in your country.
  5. What else can be done to advocate for disability inclusion?

Revolutionizing Marketing with Artificial Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Welcome to the forefront of marketing evolution, where data transforms into actionable insights through the lens of artificial intelligence.

Read the article as it showcases how AI is reshaping and empowering businesses to make informed decisions and stay ahead in the dynamic realm of modern marketing.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/revolutionizing-marketing-artificial-intelligence-miguel-n-monzones-dqh6c

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “finely tuned” mean, “By leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms, AI can produce content that is not only grammatically sound but also finely tuned to resonate with the intended audience.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “brand voice” mean, “AI’s impact on content generation is especially noteworthy in its ability to maintain brand voice consistency while delivering diverse content formats, from articles and social media posts to ad copy.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “conversion rate” mean? “This level of insight allows marketers to devise highly targeted campaigns that resonate individually, significantly enhancing engagement and conversion rates.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does artificial intelligence play a pivotal role in deciphering and understanding consumer behavior, enabling marketers to tailor their strategies more effectively?
  2. In what ways does AI revolutionize campaign optimization, and how can businesses leverage machine learning algorithms to enhance the efficiency and impact of their marketing initiatives?
  3. How does the integration of AI in marketing provide businesses with actionable insights, transforming raw data into strategic decision-making tools that contribute to overall success?
  4. As AI reshapes the marketing landscape, what key strategies can businesses adopt to stay ahead of the curve and harness the full potential of artificial intelligence for sustained competitive advantage? Share your insights.

McDonald’s Flopped In Vietnam

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the global landscape of fast-food giants, McDonald’s has managed to establish an iconic presence in numerous countries.

However, its venture into Vietnam, a nation renowned for its rich culinary traditions, presented a unique set of challenges leading to a less-than-successful outcome.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to get one’s hands on” mean? “The launch drew crowds of locals who waited hours to get their hands on a Big Mac.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “rock-bottom “mean? “For the Vietnamese, we have our banh mi sandwiches and those sandwiches are sold on the streets at rock-bottom prices compared to McDonald’s and Burger King.” Make one sentence.
  3. What does the idiom ” mend fences” mean? “It wasn’t until that the United States and Vietnam mended fences and opened the door for trade.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, how much of McDonald’s struggle in Vietnam can be attributed to cultural differences, and to what extent should multinational companies adapt their strategies to fit local cultures?
  2. Do you believe McDonald’s could have succeeded in Vietnam with a different menu tailored specifically to Vietnamese tastes, or was the issue more deeply rooted in other factors? Share your thoughts.
  3. How did changing consumer trends towards healthier eating impact McDonald’s in Vietnam, and what lessons can other international fast-food chains learn from this experience?

Gucci Knockoff Is Totally Legal

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the ever-evolving landscape of consumerism and global markets, the issue of knock-offs, or imitation products resembling popular brands such as Gucci, has sparked considerable debate.

While the term “knockoff” often carries a negative connotation, it is essential to recognize that not all imitations fall into the realm of illegality.

Surprisingly, in certain contexts and under specific conditions, knockoffs can be legally produced and distributed.

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

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knockoff” mean? “New technology and the speed of production have amplified the two views on knockoffs.” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “knockoff” in your own sentence.
  2. What does “battleground” mean in this context? “In fashion, the main battleground is copyright.” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “battleground” in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “at stake” mean? “It’s hard to protect fashion designs because it’s not obvious that protecting them promotes progress. And from a legal perspective, that’s all that matters. Even though to the artists, that’s not the only at stake.” Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “at stake” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your stance on the legality of Gucci knock-offs? Do you believe it is fair for these imitation products to be considered legal under certain circumstances? Explain.
  2. Do you think the legality of Gucci knock-offs promotes healthy competition in the fashion industry, or does it undermine the efforts of genuine designers and brands? Share your thoughts.
  3. How does the legal status of Gucci knock-offs impact the broader conversation about intellectual property rights and the balance between consumer choices and brand protection?
  4. How does the existence of legal knock-offs be seen as a positive aspect, providing more affordable alternatives for consumers who aspire to the luxury brand but cannot afford the original products?

Popular Water Bottle

B1 – Intermediate 

In the middle of many environmental problems we have today, people are becoming more and more sustainability-conscious. One of things we want to reduce is the single use of plastics. A solution is using less plastic cups and bottles for drinks or water. 

Then, a new trend started with people using reusable tumblers. 

One of the most famous water tumbler brands is Stanley that is well-known for its durability and double-walled vacuum insulation.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the popular water bottle brand Stanley cups.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/popular-water-bottle-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sought-after” mean, “Stanley cups, particularly limited editions, have become highly sought after and are re-selling for hundreds of dollars.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use the word ‘sought after’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “word-of-mouth” mean, “Marketing expert Camille Moore emphasizes that Stanley succeeded by creating a great product, relying on word-of-mouth and social media rather than traditional advertising.”? Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the verb “to skyrocket” mean? “Despite being around since 1913, Stanley’s fortunes skyrocketed after the introduction of the 1.2-liter ‘Quencher’ tumbler in 2016.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are Stanley cups very popular?
  2. What is your opinion about Stanley’s strategy to promote its products/brand by creating a great product, using word-of-mouth and social media instead of traditional advertising? 
  3. Do you own a reusable water bottle? Why or why not?
  4. What are the good things about using reusable water bottles?
  5. Do you think that they are a solution to our environmental problems? Explain.

What is Accounting?

B1 – Intermediate

In simple terms, accounting refers to recording and reporting financial information. It often involves measuring, summarizing, and analyzing a business or corporation’s sales figures and communicating them to tax authorities. 

Watch the video to know more about accounting and how it keeps a systematic and accurate record of company’s activities.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “challenging”? “I think you could see that could be quite challenging“. Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “proficiency”? “However, if you had some proficiency in the foreign language your trip would likely be enjoyable”. Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “immersion”? “So, how do students study for language classes? With practice and immersion.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the speaker, how should students study both languages and accounting?
  2. What is accounting for?
  3. Do you agree with the speaker when he said, “Accounting is really a foreign language class?” What do you think he meant by this? Share your points of view.
  4. How is accounting similar to any other subjects?
  5. Why is accounting important in a business?

TV Dinners Changed American Cooking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the mid-20th century, a culinary revolution quietly unfolded in American homes, transforming the way families approached mealtime. Enter the TV dinner—a convenient, pre-packaged meal that brought together elements of innovation, efficiency, and, well, a dash of nostalgia.

No longer bound to the traditional confines of home-cooked dinners, Americans found themselves embracing the futuristic appeal of neatly compartmentalized trays filled with a medley of flavors. These frozen delights not only saved time, but also mirrored the changing dynamics of American life, where convenience became a key ingredient in the recipe for success. The TV dinner era not only changed the way America cooked, but also left an indelible mark on the cultural menu of the nation.

Watch the video to know how TV dinner changed the American cooking and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is flash frozen meat? “Imagine opening a box of TV dinner and marveling at the flash frozen meat, perfectly preserved to retain its flavor and texture as if it was just prepared in a chef’s kitchen.” Make a sentence using this term.
  2. What does “pitch” mean in this sentence? “Borrowing from the concept of the ‘Strato-Plate’, Swanson salesman Gerry Tomas pitched an idea – preserve the turkey through flash freezing and sell it to consumers as a meal in a box.” Make a sentence using this word.
  3. What does expression “lauded” mean? “The innovation of TV dinners deserves to be lauded with praise for revolutionizing the way we approach mealtime, providing a quick and easy solution for busy households. Make a sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think the advent of TV dinners impacted family dynamics around mealtime?
  2. In your opinion, do TV dinners represent a positive or negative shift in our approach to cooking and dining as a society? Explain your answer.
  3. What are your thoughts on the cultural significance of TV dinners and their influence on American culinary habits?
  4. How have TV dinners influenced the way we perceive and value traditional cooking skills in contemporary culture?
  5. In your opinion, do TV dinners promote a healthy or unhealthy relationship with food and eating habits?

Penny Supermarket Charges True Cost of Foods

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Food is an ultimate essential for humans. Perhaps most of us do not pay so much attention to it, but agriculture and food production contribute a great deal to greenhouse emissions.

The German-French discount supermarket chain Penny wants their customers to pay extra for certain food items in order to cover for their true climate/environmental costs. This initiative from Penny also aims to make grocery shoppers aware of the impact of food production on the environment.

Read the article about Penny’s “True Cost” campaign.

https://www.dw.com/en/true-food-prices-germany-penny/a-66422126

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”greenwashing” mean? “Bernhard Krüsken, the general secretary of the German Farmers’ Association, called the campaign a “greenwashing project of a discount supermarket that otherwise has little interest in fair pricing.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”markedly” mean? “Almost all of the products that the German discount supermarket Penny is now selling at the “true cost” of their environmental impacts are markedly more expensive.” Give 2 synonyms and use “markedly” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to be reflected in something” mean, “These impacts are not yet reflected in sales prices, but they cost our society money indirectly.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Penny’s campaign? Do you believe it is just greenwashing? Why or why not?
  2. How will this campaign affect Penny?
  3. Will this initiative really make consumers consider the environmental consequences of their purchases? Explain.
  4. What are some things you do as a consumer to minimize the impact of your purchases on the environment?
  5. “Germans paid only 11.1% of their household budget for food, less than people in the EU usually pay.” How much do you think a household in your country typically spends on food? Is it a very high or very low budget in your opinion?

China’s Economy a Ticking Time Bomb

B2 – Upper Intermediate

China is considered the world’s second-largest economy. With the recent economic crises that the economic powerhouse is confronted with, US President Joe Biden described its economy as a ‘ticking time bomb’.

On contrary, Chinese President Xi Jinping believes their country’s economy has “strong resilience, tremendous potential, and great vitality”.

Read this article to learn more about China’s economic problems.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66636403

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ticking time bomb” mean? “US President Joe Biden described the world’s second-largest economy as “a ticking time bomb, predicting growing discontent in the country.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to ride a wave of something” mean? “For two decades, the sector boomed as developers rode a wave of privatization. But crisis struck in 2020.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “meltdown” mean here, “The government, fearing a US-style 2008 meltdown, then put limits on how much developers could borrow.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, discuss China’s economic crisis.
  2. How do you think China’s economic crisis could affect the world economy?
  3. What are some economic crises that your country is facing right now and what do you think caused it.
  4. “A change of economic direction requires a change of political ideology.” Do you think China should consider changing some of its political ideologies? Talk about your opinion.
  5. “There could be a danger that Mr Xi is prioritizing ideology over effective governance, or control over pragmatism.” Share your thoughts on this.

Child-Free Zones on Planes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For some people, flying on a plane could be a stressful experience by itself. The fear of flying, missing a connecting flight, or misrouted luggages are some of the reasons for this anxiety. Apart from these, another reason a plane experience could be stressful is if you are sitting close to a disruptive child. A few airline companies have taken the initiative to launch child-free zones in their flights.

Let’s read the article and find out more about this “quiet zones” on the plane.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/child-free-flights/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “within earshot” mean?”I know how stressful it can be for the parents and how disruptive it can be for passengers within earshot.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the word “shriek“. “One airline, though, has devised a plan to separate silence-seeking adults from the wails and shrieks that so often find their way out of a baby’s surprisingly strong lungs.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the word “a pretty penny? “I’m kidding (or am I?), but my point is that unless you pay a pretty penny, flying — like life — has its inconveniences.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are child-free zones on a plane? Where can they be found and what is the passenger age requirement?
  2. Do you think child-free zones is a win-win solution or a form of alienation? Explain your stand.
  3. Should passengers pay extra to be in these quiet zones? Explain.
  4. Do you think it’s worth the added cost? Why or why not?
  5. Have you ever been disrupted by a child on a plane? If yes, how did you handle it?
  6. In your opinion, should there be child-free zones in other public places and transportation too?