Netflix’s charge increases

Pre-reading questions:

  1. Are you familiar with Netflix? Are there other popular apps in your country similar to Netflix?
  2. What is your favorite movie/TV show? Why is it your favorite movie/TV show?

 

Vocabulary:

  1. existing users – current customers
    The company takes good care of its existing users.
  2. exclusive – only available to a specific group
    I was invited to join an exclusive club for soccer players.
  3. invest – to use money for profit gain
    I want to invest in a new house.
  4. prime – a subscription plan higher than the standard
    A prime membership in the country club has a lot of benefits.

 

Netflix has decided to increase its price plan for the third time. The company will raise its price for its standard plan from $9.99 to $10.99 monthly, and its prime plan from $11.99 to $13.99 per month. However, the basic service will remain at $7.99 a month. For existing members, the price change will take effect 30 days after they receive their notice. For new members, the price changes took effect last month.

This is not the first time Netflix has adjusted its price plans. They adjust as they add more exclusive movies and shows on their growing list. The increase comes as the company invests in developing “Netflix Originals”, which have been popular for the past year. Netflix promises its viewers to deliver an improved product with features that will make the Netflix experience better than ever.

 

Comprehension Questions:

  1. What is the new price of a standard Netflix subscription?
  2. What is the new price of a prime Netflix subscription?
  3. When will the existing users be affected by the new pricing plan?
  4. Why did Netflix adjust its prices?
  5. What did Netflix promise to deliver to its viewers?

Express Your Opinion:

  1. Do you think a Netflix subscription is worth it? Please explain your answer.
  2. Is the price increase fair to the users? Discuss.
  3. Do you prefer watching movies in the cinema to watching movies online? Why or why not?
  4. What is your opinion on movie piracy?
  5. What is the best solution against piracy? Discuss.