Tag: Business

Factory Decorates 8 Cakes a Minute

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Baking a single-tiered cake at home takes about 25-30 minutes. However, decorating it is another story. It usually takes about 4 hours or longer to make one cake. However, one factory manages to decorate eight cakes in a minute.

Here’s a full video and watch how the workers do it.

Vocabulary Discussions

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. Start by scraping the icing to make sure that the icing goes into the holes of the stencil.

2. My handmade snowflakes are finally getting their starring role.

3. 480 cakes are boxed and conveyed towards the end of the line.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the video make you feel?

2. Discuss how the cake assembly lines in the video make it possible to decorate eight cakes a minute.

3. The workers use stencils to decorate cakes at a fast pace. Can you think of other tools or methods that help to speed up tasks?

4. Do you like decorating things? Talk about the best decoration you have ever made.

5. Have you ever witnessed a high-speed production process like the cake assembly lines in the video? If so, share your experience and impressions.

The Mini Cooper

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Mini Cooper, a car that is not longer than 10 feet but can fit four people. This quirky piece of machine has its interesting history.

Discover how Mini Cooper came to be in a short video below.

Vocabulary Discussions:

Explain the meaning of the highlighted words below and make some sentences.

1. The Mini Cooper is a quirky machine that’s unapologetically British.

2. However, in 1956, Egypt nationalized the canal.

3. Its distinct British sensibility still sets it apart from other cars.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the video say about the Mini Cooper’s design?

2. “The Mini Cooper is a quirky machine that’s unapologetically British.” Talk about something from your country and what makes it distinctively from your country.

3. The Mini Cooper was invented in response to the oil crisis. Think of other products that have emerged as solutions to address social issues.

4. How have cars influenced our daily lives and transportation options in modern society?

5. Talk about a product or service your company sells or offers and what sets it apart from others.

Upcycle Leftover Food

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Food waste is an all too common problem in households and among food establishments. Leftover food at home are more often thrown away after some time. Fortunately, more and more people and businesses are using leftover food in another dish in the name of environmental sustainability and additional profits.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the ways some US companies are upcycling their leftover food.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/us-restaurants-companies-upcycle-leftover-food-/7150515.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “upcycling“. “Malek’s ice cream company is among those at the start of a movement called upcycling.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “seal” mean in this sentence, “The Upcycled Food Association gives out an official “Upcycling Certified” seal to qualifying products.”? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. Define the idiom “to gain ground“. “The movement is gaining ground as buyers want to know what is in their food, where their food comes from, and how it affects the environment.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is upcycling?
  2. What leftover food can be upcycled?
  3. How do you feel about restaurants upcycling their food? Would you buy them?
  4. Do you think upcycled food should cost less? Why or why not?
  5. What are other ways to fight food wastage?

Creating An Effective Ad

B2 – Upper Intermediate

“A good advertisement is one which sells the product without drawing attention to itself.” – David Ogilvy, known as the “Father of Advertising”.

We can see advertisements on television, on trains, and they are constantly popping up on our computer screens. We are so used to ads that we hardly pay them any attention anymore. 

Read the article and find out 11 simple tips on how to create an effective ad.

https://targetpublic.com/11-simple-tips-creating-effective-ad/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “puffery” mean? “Each advertisement must make a proposition to the consumer-not just words, product puffery, or show-window advertising.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “right off the bat” mean? “Get out a pad of paper and some pens and have fun with this. I am sure you will start coming up with brilliant ideas right off the bat!” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “eye-catching” mean? “You will be able to make eye-catching ads that will get people excited about what you have to offer.”. Give a synonym and use ‘eye-catching’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about the 11 tips mentioned in the article on how to have an effective advertisement. Which ones do you think your company employs in their advertising campaigns?
  2. What is your company’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?
  3. Do you think that there are advertisements that do not draw attention to themselves? If so, can you think of some examples?
  4. Do you remember any advertisements that made you buy something? What kind of advertising was it?

The Cost of Fast Fashion

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The throwaway culture has meant an unprecedented number of people purchase clothes, wear them just once, and then discard them. It leads to fast fashion, where consumers seek less expensive clothing, which drives up sales globally, but has a significant negative impact on the environment.

Watch the video below to learn more about the true cost of fast fashion.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “castoff“. “This is where wardrobe castoffs end up.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “swanky” mean, “Today she’s looking for a new outfit for a swanky industry event.” Could you think of an antonym and construct a sentence using the word “swanky”.
  3. What does “to get mileage out of” mean? “Rent the Runway is getting more mileage out of items of clothes, it’s also helping tackle an increasing number of throwaway culture.” Think and make your own sentence using the idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is fast fashion a trend in your country? Talk about it.
  2. What effects do you anticipate it will have on the environment and the economy?
  3. Would it be preferable to stop this expanding industry? Explain your stance.
  4. How else can the throwaway culture be tackled?
  5. What do you think of Patagonia’s philosophy, “To buy once, buy well, and mend clothing”? Share your thoughts on this.
  6. What are your thoughts on Rent the Runway’s business model?

Chinese Airliner’s First Commercial Flight

B1 – Intermediate

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is a state-owned aerospace company in China. It has recently made history with their first commercial airplane C919’s first flight. C919 was built in hopes to compete with other aerospace manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus.

Its first commercial flight is said to be China’s “symbol of industrial skill and national pride”.

Read this article about the Chinese-made airplane C919’s first commercial flight.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230601-comac-china-airline-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the definition of the phrase “national pride”. “Newspapers called it “a symbol of skill and national pride“.”. Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “triumph” mean? “China’s president called the C919 aircraft a “triumph of Chinese innovation”.” Give a synonym and use “triumph” in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fondly” mean? “I’ll remember it fondly for some time to come.” Give a synonym and use “fondly” in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction now that China is also manufacturing planes?
  2. What is your opinion on this, “COMAC hopes to compete with airline industry giants, like Boeing and Airbus.”?
  3. Do you think COMAC will get a lot of international orders soon? Why or why not?
  4. Talk about any recent milestone in any industry in your country.
  5. Talk about one of your country’s national pride.

Chile’s Lithium Industry 

B1 – Intermediate

Chile is a country that is known for its rich mineral deposits. It has become a key player in the global lithium industry.

With increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics, Chile’s lithium reserves have become a very important asset for a greener and more sustainable world.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the lithium industry in Chile.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/chiles-lithium-industry-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take control of” mean in this sentence, “Chile’s president Gabriel Boric wants to take control of the country’s lithium industry. Lithium is a metal used in electric car batteries.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “take over” mean in this sentence, “The government will take over their lithium factories and run a new company. This will make it harder for electric car makers to get the materials which they need.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. “Other countries are also trying to protect their resources. Mexico, Argentina, and Bolivia are working together to use lithium and other minerals well.” What does “resources” mean? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the global demand for electric vehicles impact Chile’s lithium production and exportation?
  2. What are some future developments or opportunities for Chile’s lithium industry?
  3. What are some common uses of lithium in everyday life apart from batteries?
  4. What are other materials or technologies being developed that could potentially replace lithium in batteries? Talk about them.

Manuka Honey Trademark Battle

B1 – Intermediate

Manuka honey is premium quality honey made from bees that only pollinate manuka or tea trees which are native in Australia and New Zealand. 

For years, the two countries have had some disputes on who owns the right to manuka honey’s trademark.

Read this lesson about the manuka honey trademark battle between Australia and New Zealand.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2305/230525-manuka-honey-trademark-2.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the definition of the word “trademark”. “The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand decided that no one could trademark the word “manuka”.”. Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “treasured” mean here, “They said manuka was a “treasured” NZ species.”? Give 1-2 synonym/s of ‘treasured’ and use the word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “long history” mean, “Our product has a long history of being recognized as manuka honey.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand’s decision to not let anyone trademark the word “manuka”?
  2. Are there any products from your country that became controversial due to its trademark? Talk about them.
  3. What are some products that your country is well-known for? Why are they world-famous?

Themed Restaurants

B1 – Intermediate

Themed restaurants have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing diners with a unique and immersive dining experience that goes beyond simply enjoying a meal. They are designed around a particular concept or theme, ranging from historical eras to popular movies or television shows.

Themed restaurants can be a fun and engaging dining experience for diners of all ages. They offer a break from the mundane dining experiences and transport diners to a different time and place.

Let’s read the article below.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-mini-lessons/202-themed-restaurants

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. “Successful restaurants not only rely on great food and superior service, but they also rely on the atmosphere.” What does “rely on/upon” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  2. “Other such restaurants may look like a prison. Customers are locked in cell-like rooms with “guards” serving as waiters.” What does “look like someone/something” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  3.  What does “tie together” mean in this sentence, “The decoration, music, and food all tie together to create a unique and unusual dining experience.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the décor in a themed restaurant contribute to the dining experience?
  2. Do you think themed restaurants are popular in your country? Why / Why not?
  3. Have you ever been to a themed restaurant? If so, what was the theme and what was your experience like?
  4. What do you think are the benefits of going to a themed restaurant?
  5. Are themed restaurants more expensive than regular restaurants? Why / Why not?
  6. What are some challenges that themed restaurants may face?

Coca-Cola

B1 – Intermediate

Coca-Cola is a well-known and loved beverage all over the world. Their mission, as stated, is to refresh the world in mind, body, and spirit, inspire moments of optimism and happiness through their brands and actions, and to create value and make a difference.

Coca-Cola takes pride in their product and it is shown through their values: leadership, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and quality.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the company Coca-Cola.

https://businessenglishmaterials.com/coca-cola.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “catchy” mean in this sentence, “Another is its catchy advertising slogans, such as “Coke Is It”.” Give 2 synonyms for this word and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “phenomenal success” mean in this sentence, “One secret to the company’s phenomenal success is what it calls the ‘Coca-Cola system’ – the more than 300 worldwide bottling partners that work together to distribute its products.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “strive” mean in this sentence, “Its mission is to strive to refresh the world, inspire moments of optimism and happiness, create value and make a difference.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you tell me about the history of Coca-Cola and how it came to be such a popular brand?
  2. How has Coca-Cola’s marketing strategy evolved over time?
  3. What do you think about the Coca-Cola system?
  4. What is your company’s mission and what do you think about it?
  5. Which beverages do you think are the most popular in the world and in your country? And what makes them so well-known?