Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What drinks do people in your area buy often? If so, what drink is popular? If not, what drink do people enjoy?
- What food or drink prices have you seen increase recently? If so, when did you notice it? If not, which prices do you usually check?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- methodical /muh-THOD-i-kuhl/
[adjective] – done in a careful and organized way
The teacher used a methodical plan to help the class understand the task. - ramification /ram-uh-fi-KEY-shuhn/
[noun] – a possible result of an action, especially one that is bad
The late report had a serious ramification for the workers in the office. - formidable /FAWR-mi-duh-buhl/
[adjective] – causing fear or difficulty because of size, strength, or importance
The mountain looked formidable, so the group prepared carefully. - fortify /FAWR-tuh-fahy/
[verb] – to strengthen something
Extra lessons can fortify skills before a big test. - misaligned /mis-uh-LAHYND/
[adjective] – not correctly positioned or not matching something else
The picture on the wall looked misaligned, so the staff fixed it.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Coffee prices in the United States increased in September, according to new government data released that month. The average price of a pound of ground coffee rose to $9.14, up from $8.87 in August and much higher than the level recorded one year earlier. This change became noticeable because food prices for home meals and restaurant items also went up by around 3%. A national index that followed many types of coffee products showed a 19% rise from September of the previous year. The situation also influenced small cafés, including one shop in Chicago that raised drink prices after bean costs increased by about 15%. Higher spending on cups, sleeves, and a new minimum wage of $16.60 per hour made businesses adjust their pricing in a more methodical way.
Import conditions further shaped the market. Around 99% of all coffee consumed in the United States came from major suppliers in Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam. Tariffs placed on these countries limited shipments and created a supply imbalance, adding another ramification for customers. Weather risks such as heat, drought, and La Niña threatened production and placed farms under formidable pressure. Researchers studied new coffee varieties to help fortify crops against climate change. Lawmakers introduced a proposal in September to remove all tariffs on imported coffee, saying the current policy stayed misaligned with consumer and business needs.
Import conditions further shaped the market. Around 99% of all coffee consumed in the United States came from major suppliers in Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam. Tariffs placed on these countries limited shipments and created a supply imbalance, adding another ramification for customers. Weather risks such as heat, drought, and La Niña threatened production and placed farms under formidable pressure. Researchers studied new coffee varieties to help fortify crops against climate change. Lawmakers introduced a proposal in September to remove all tariffs on imported coffee, saying the current policy stayed misaligned with consumer and business needs.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What product became more expensive in September?
- How much did the price of ground coffee reach in September?
- What percentage did food prices increase by around September?
- What did the national index show about coffee products?
- Which city had a café that raised drink prices after bean costs increased?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever noticed a drink becoming more expensive in your area? If so, when did you see the change? If not, what drink do you check often?
- Have you ever visited a café with higher prices than before? If so, what changed in the menu? If not, which café do you usually visit?
- Do you agree that rising import costs can influence local coffee prices?
- What could happen to customers if coffee prices continue to rise each month?
- How might removing tariffs help both businesses and customers in simple ways?