Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are some of your favorite TV shows?
- What online video services do you use?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- rate /reyt/
- standard /STAN-derd/
- utilize /YOOT-l-ahyz/
- committed /kuh-MIT-id/
- variety /vuh-RAHY-i-tee/
[noun] – an amount or level of payment
We sell these high-quality products at reasonable rates.
[adjective] – usual rather than special, especially when thought of as being correct or acceptable
Let’s just avail of the standard room package for our hotel stay to save money.
[verb] – to use something in an effective way
The team utilized an effective marketing strategy to improve company sales.
[adjective] – having promised to be involved in a plan of action
The police officers are committed to maintaining peace and order.
[noun] – a different type of something
The salad bowl contained a variety of vegetables.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Netflix has announced last week that it will increase its monthly rates in the United States and Canada by $1 to $2 per month. The last time it hiked its prices was in October 2020.
In the U.S., the standard high-definition plan rises from $13.99 to $15.49 (from ¥1591.52 to ¥1762.16) per month, while Canada’s price increases from C$14.99 to C$16.49 (¥1348.61 to ¥1483.56). The online service explained in a statement that the price jumps will be utilized to pay for new programming in order to compete with other crowded streaming programs like Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Sling TV, and Peacock. “We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members,” a Netflix spokesperson said. “We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer a wide variety of quality entertainment options. As always, we offer a range of plans so members can pick a price that works for their budget.” About 74 million users between the U.S. and Canada are expected to see a hike in their next bill or the one after (depending on what day the billing cycle falls).
In the U.S., the standard high-definition plan rises from $13.99 to $15.49 (from ¥1591.52 to ¥1762.16) per month, while Canada’s price increases from C$14.99 to C$16.49 (¥1348.61 to ¥1483.56). The online service explained in a statement that the price jumps will be utilized to pay for new programming in order to compete with other crowded streaming programs like Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Sling TV, and Peacock. “We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members,” a Netflix spokesperson said. “We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer a wide variety of quality entertainment options. As always, we offer a range of plans so members can pick a price that works for their budget.” About 74 million users between the U.S. and Canada are expected to see a hike in their next bill or the one after (depending on what day the billing cycle falls).
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- In what countries has Netflix increased its monthly rates?
- When was the last time Netflix rose its prices?
- What is the current rate for a standard Netflix plan in the U.S.? (Answer may be either in yen or US dollar.)
- According to Netflix, what is the reason for its price hike?
- Aside from Netflix, kindly give at least three (3) video streaming platforms mentioned in the article.
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How much time do you spend watching movies or series?
- Does your country have a streaming platform similar to Netflix? How much does its service cost?
- Suppose you are a Netflix user, would you switch to another platform due to the current price hikes? Why or why not?
- For you, are streaming services like Netflix better than your local TV channels?
- Could streaming services eventually replace traditional media? Please explain your answer.