Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you usually look for when you go to a coffee shop or cafe?
- What kind of drink or food would you like to see in a coffee shop? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- strategy /STRAT-i-jee/
- operate /OP-uh-reyt/
- partnership /PAHRT-ner-ship/
- expand /ik-SPAND/
- beverage /BEV-er-ij/
[noun] – a plan or method used to achieve a goal
The company developed marketing strategies to reach more young people.
[verb] – to work or function in a particular way
The restaurant will operate with fewer staff during the holiday.
[noun] – a business relationship where two or more people or companies work together
The school started a partnership with a local farm to provide fresh food.
[verb] – to make something larger or to increase its range
The store plans to expand into other cities next year.
[noun] – a drink of any type
The party had many cold beverages, like juice and soda.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Starbucks has announced new strategies to improve its struggling U.S. market. The company plans to introduce new drinks and improve how stores operate. This comes after Starbucks released its third-quarter report, showing a 4% rise in revenue to $9.5 billion, which was higher than Wall Street’s expectations. However, same-store sales in the U.S. dropped by 2% from April to June. This was the sixth straight quarter of falling sales at existing U.S. locations. Although customers spent more per order, the number of visits decreased by 4%. Meanwhile, Starbucks stores in China saw sales growth. The company is reviewing around 20 partnership offers to expand into smaller Chinese cities, said CEO Brian Niccol.
To address problems in the U.S., Starbucks will launch the “Green Apron Service” across its stores starting mid-August. It was tested in 1,500 stores and is designed to improve service and staff productivity during busy times. New software also helps complete 80% of orders within four minutes. Starbucks is also simplifying its menu to make service faster. New items will include cold foam protein drinks, energy beverages, gluten-free food, and coconut water products. Niccol stressed that involving employees in product development helps maintain quality. The company is also investing in store design, including drive-thrus and seating areas. These steps aim to bring back customers and stay competitive.
To address problems in the U.S., Starbucks will launch the “Green Apron Service” across its stores starting mid-August. It was tested in 1,500 stores and is designed to improve service and staff productivity during busy times. New software also helps complete 80% of orders within four minutes. Starbucks is also simplifying its menu to make service faster. New items will include cold foam protein drinks, energy beverages, gluten-free food, and coconut water products. Niccol stressed that involving employees in product development helps maintain quality. The company is also investing in store design, including drive-thrus and seating areas. These steps aim to bring back customers and stay competitive.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What did Starbucks say it will do to help its U.S. market?
- How much did Starbucks earn in the third quarter?
- How many times in a row have U.S. store sales fallen?
- What is the name of the new service Starbucks will start in the U.S.?
- What kind of new drinks or food will Starbucks offer?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever waited a long time for your order at a shop or restaurant? If yes, how did you feel, and what made the wait better? If not, what do you think would help people feel good while waiting?
- Have you ever worked in a busy store or restaurant? If yes, what was the hardest part of the job? If not, what do you think would be difficult about working there?
- Do you agree that new drinks and foods can help a store get more customers?
- Why is it important for companies to try new things, even if the old way worked before?
- Do you think it is better to have many choices on a menu or just a few? Why?