Tag: video

Koreans Cut Spending on Eating Out and at Home

B2 – Upper Intermediate

South Korea is witnessing an unprecedented trend as consumers sharply reduce spending both on dining out and at home. Driven by rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and changing lifestyle habits, this shift marks a significant change in the country’s consumption patterns and raises concerns about broader impacts on the food and restaurant industries.

Watch this video and more about how Koreans are cutting corners.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “frugal” mean? “Amid rising living costs, many Koreans have adopted a more frugal lifestyle, cutting back on both dining out and home food expenses.” Use the word in your sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the word “sluggish” mean? “The sluggish economy has further pushed many Koreans to embrace a frugal lifestyle, reducing spending on both dining out and meals at home.” Make a sentence using the word.” Give a synonym.
  3. What does “at play” mean? “There’s a wider issue at play too with the sluggish economy creating job uncertainty and financial challenges causing people to spend less.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.


Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the main factors causing Koreans to cut back on both dining out and home meals?
  2. How might this shift affect small restaurants, grocery stores, and food producers?
  3. Could this trend lead to long-term changes in Korean eating habits and culture? Explain.
  4. Do you think cutting back on food spending is a wise way to handle financial pressure? Share your opinion.
  5. Would you personally reduce eating out and cooking at home if prices kept rising? Explain.

Airlines Betting Billions on First-Class Flights

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Airlines around the world are investing billions of dollars to expand and upgrade their first-class cabins, signaling a shift in strategy as they cater to growing demand for premium travel experiences. This trend reflects changing passenger expectations, the rise of luxury tourism, and increased profitability in the high-end travel segment. As competition intensifies, carriers are betting that enhanced comfort, privacy, and exclusivity will win over affluent travelers and boost long-term revenue.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “to bet on someone or something” mean? “Airlines are betting on the idea that growing demand for comfort and exclusivity will make first-class cabins a major source of future profits.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does the word “tailwind” mean in this sentence, “The airline industry is experiencing tailwinds from increased demand for luxury travel.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is the meaning of “overhead cost“? “The global aviation industry has about $900 billion in annual expenses, largely fuel, labor, equipment and various overhead costs.” Make a sentence using the word.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think investing in first-class cabins is the best way for airlines to increase profits? Explain.
  2. Would you personally pay more for a first-class experience if given the option? Why or why not?
  3. Is it fair for airlines to focus more on luxury travel rather than improving economy class? Share your thoughts.
  4. Do you believe the rise in first-class spending reflects growing inequality in air travel? What is your opinion?
  5. What factors are driving airlines to invest more in first-class rather than economy or business class?

Amazon Will Not Disclose US Tariffs Cost on Its Website

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

There were talks that Amazon would display the costs of the US tariffs on its products on their website.  

However, Amazon has denied this and said that they never considered listing tariffs on their main retail website, but did on their low-cost Amazon Haul Store. They considered the idea, but it was never approved and implemented in the end.

Watch this video about Amazon and US tariffs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “on-shoring”. “It’s another reason why we are on-shoring critical supply chains here at home to shore up our own critical supply chain and boost our own manufacturing here.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “duty” mean here, “This month, Trump signed an executive order that closes a trade loophole that has allowed low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the United States free of duties.”? Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to trade near flat” mean? “The comments by the White House sent Amazon shares down more than 2% in pre-market trading, but they rebounded and were trading near flat by midday.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is Amazon affected by the growing political and trade tensions between the US and China?
  2. Amazon decided not to display the costs of tariffs on products on its website. What is your opinion on this?
  3. Do you agree or disagree that “Amazon should be more transparent about tariff costs.” What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
  4. The White House accused Amazon of a hostile political act. Share your insights on this.
  5. What are your thoughts on low-value packages from China and Hong Kong entering the United States not duty free anymore? What impact could this have on China and Hong Kong and on the US?

The Great Depression


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Global economic conditions have been profoundly impacted by US tariffs. One significant outcome that many people worry about is a major depression, which is the worst economic collapse in modern history. People would go from lavishly celebrating to losing everything, including their life savings.

Watch the video below to learn more about the great depression.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “snowball effect”. “As the public learned about these incredible returns from the stock market, everyone began putting money in it and talking about it more. This created a snowball effect.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fill the air” mean? ” “Extreme greed and unrealistic fantasy filled the air.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. In business, what does it mean “to close the doors“? So if a local bank closed its doors, people lost their money.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think another Great Depression will begin in this century? If so, why?
  2. How would a Great Depression affect your life right now?
  3. What lessons have we learned from the Great Depression?

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?

How Americans Are Spending Their Retirements at Sea

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, a growing number of Americans have chosen to spend their golden years not on land, but at sea. Trading traditional retirement homes for cruise ships and long-term sailing adventures, retirees are embracing a lifestyle of exploration, comfort, and convenience. Whether drawn by the appeal of seeing the world or the surprisingly cost-effective amenities, this unconventional retirement trend is reshaping the way we think about life after work.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “golden years” mean? “America is seeing a boom in retirements as baby boomers sail into their golden years.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does the phrase “rolled into one” mean? “On board, the 69-year-old gets everything rolled into one: meals, travel, entertainment and housing.” Make a sentence using the phrase and give a synonym.
  3. What does the phrase “kick off” mean? “A loyal following is one reason why Holland America has kicked off two of these cruises simultaneously for the first time.” Use it in your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think retiring at sea is a practical and sustainable lifestyle choice? Why or why not?
  2. Would you personally consider living on a cruise ship during retirement? Why or why not?
  3. Is it better to spend retirement exploring new places or staying close to family and home? Share your perspective.
  4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of retiring on a cruise ship compared to a traditional retirement home?
  5. How might this trend impact the cruise industry and retirement planning in the future?

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?

What OpenAI’s New Image Generator Means for Our Future

B2 – Upper Intermediate

OpenAI’s new image generator is getting a lot of attention because it can create very realistic images based on what people ask for. This tool could change the way we create art, design, and media. It gives people more ways to be creative, but it also brings up some serious concerns.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tweak” mean? “There has been an improvement in the quality of the image and it becomes conversational so you can tweak and make adjustments.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the word in your own sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “to scream at the top of the mountain” mean? “I’ve been screaming at the top of the mountain that AI is here to stay and it’s not going anywhere and can’t be eliminated at this point.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “too good to be true” mean? “If an AI image is too good to be true, it’s more likely not true.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI-generated images should be considered original art? Why or why not?
  2. Should there be limits on how people can use image generators like OpenAI’s?
  3. In your view, does this technology do more good or harm for society?
  4. How might AI image generation affect jobs in creative fields like illustration, design, and photography?
  5. How can we make sure AI image generators are used ethically and not for spreading fake or harmful content?

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.

Gen Z is Quitting Alcoholic Beverages


B2 – Upper Intermediate

For at least a century, alcoholic beverages have been an important part of social events, rites of passage, and the economy. However, the consumption of alcoholic beverages has gone down significantly amongst Gen Z.

To find out more about this topic, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “designated driver”. “Since when did Gen Z become the designated driver of society?” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “cornerstone” mean? “For generations, drinking has been a cornerstone of social life, adulthood, and even celebrations.” Use this word to make your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is the meaning of “on the rage“? “Yes, I did say mocktails because that is what’s all on the rage.” Use this idiom to make your own sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Gen Zs dropping alcoholic beverages?
  2. What is your opinion on the current state of the alcohol industry? Is it going in a positive direction because of Gen Z’s preference to ditch drinking alcohol?
  3. Do you think that Gen Z’s awareness of alcohol has a positive effect on their health? Explain.
  4. How is the economy affected by less consumption of alcohol?