Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- masterclass /MAS-ter-klas/
- upskill /UHP-skil/
- consultation /kon-suhl-TEY-shuhn/
- cost of living /kost ov LIV-ing/
- expire /ik-SPAHYUHR/
[noun] – a class taught by someone who has an expert knowledge or skill in a particular area
She was at the village to teach aspiring young players in a masterclass.
[verb] – to learn new skills or to teach workers new skills
If the employees are going to take over the project, we need to upskill them.
[noun] – a meeting to discuss something or to get advice
The fee for a 30-minute consultation is $60.
[noun] – the amount of money that a person needs to live
Low-wage employees frequently struggle to pay for the high cost of living in the city.
[verb] – if something that lasts for a fixed length of time expires, it comes to an end or stops being in use
The contract will expire by the end of this year.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Several free masterclasses have been presented by the South Yorkshire Council to small business entrepreneurs. In order to increase efficiency, manage finances, and upskill workforces, Doncaster Council announced it would provide expert guidance. All neighborhood businesses were encouraged by Councilman Glyn Jones to accept the offer. The past few years, according to a council official, have been “tough on small, local businesses.” “It is fantastic that our local businesses are being given the opportunity to benefit from these sessions, all delivered by business advisers that have years of experience across a range of sectors,” said Mr. Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Business. Small business owners in Doncaster are eligible for five free consultation sessions.
The five free sessions, which start at the end of January and run through February, are being offered in response to the present cost-of-living crisis, the weak economy, and prior COVID-19 lockdowns, which have made it difficult for many people to start or run enterprises. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, business experts would attend the meetings and provide assistance during or after them. Business organizations anticipate that government assistance with their energy costs will be cut in half after March, when the current package of support expires. The support will be at a “lower level,” Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told business groups on January 4, to shield the state finances from fluctuating energy prices.
The five free sessions, which start at the end of January and run through February, are being offered in response to the present cost-of-living crisis, the weak economy, and prior COVID-19 lockdowns, which have made it difficult for many people to start or run enterprises. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, business experts would attend the meetings and provide assistance during or after them. Business organizations anticipate that government assistance with their energy costs will be cut in half after March, when the current package of support expires. The support will be at a “lower level,” Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told business groups on January 4, to shield the state finances from fluctuating energy prices.
Discussion Questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you taken any masterclasses? If so, please tell me more about them. If not, which masterclass would you like to take, and why?
- What existing skill would you like to improve?
- If you were a small business owner, would you take the masterclasses? Why or why not?
- Should business owners be required to take masterclasses?
- What are the advantages of taking masterclasses?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- efficiency
- adviser
- eligible
- crisis
- fluctuate