©AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Have you heard of a company splitting into two smaller businesses?
- Do you know any food brands that are very popular worldwide?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- prominent /PROM-uh-nuhnt/
[adjective] – very well known and important
The city has many prominent buildings near the river. - essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/
[adjective] – necessary or needed
Water is essential for all living things. - capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee/
[noun] – the total amount that can be contained or produced
The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000 people. - illustrate /IL-uh-streyt/
[verb] – to explain or make something clear by giving examples
The teacher used pictures to illustrate the lesson. - influence /IN-floo-uhns/
[noun] – the power to have an effect on people or things
The movie had a strong influence on young viewers.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
Kraft Heinz announced that the company will split into two independent businesses in the second half of 2026. The decision came after a review in May 2025, ten years after the prominent merger of Kraft and Heinz. The new company named Global Taste Elevation Co. will manage popular products such as Heinz ketchup, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. Another group called North American Grocery Co. will handle slower-selling brands, including Oscar Mayer, Maxwell House, and Lunchables. Company leaders said the change was essential because of a steady decline in sales and stronger demand for healthier foods. Experts explained that store brands showed the capacity to challenge well-known names, pushing the company to act.
The restructuring aims to improve focus and efficiency. Analysts noted that this major move may illustrate how big companies adapt in a changing market. The 2015 merger, once praised, soon faced issues like rising costs and weak innovation. Observers warned of risks for employees, but others said the brands could maintain stability. Experts believed the influence of this action may open new growth chances under fresh management.
The restructuring aims to improve focus and efficiency. Analysts noted that this major move may illustrate how big companies adapt in a changing market. The 2015 merger, once praised, soon faced issues like rising costs and weak innovation. Observers warned of risks for employees, but others said the brands could maintain stability. Experts believed the influence of this action may open new growth chances under fresh management.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- Kraft Heinz will split into two independent businesses in 2026.
- The decision was made in July 2025.
- Global Taste Elevation Co. will manage Heinz ketchup and Kraft Mac & Cheese.
- North American Grocery Co. will focus on the fastest-selling brands.
- Leaders said the split was not essential for the company.
Fill in the Blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| prominent | essential | capacity | illustrate | influence |
- Her teacher’s advice had a big ______ on her choice.
- She wore a ______ red dress at the party.
- Helmets are ______ when riding bicycles on the road.
- The bottle’s ______ is one liter of water.
- The guide will ______ how to use the machine.