
©AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do discounts influence restaurant choices? Why?
- Do seasonal promotions affect shopping habits? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- confidence /KON-fi-duhns/
[noun] – the feeling of trust or belief in something
Discounts helped build confidence in the brand. - reduce /ri-DOOS/
[verb] – to make something smaller or less
Cold weather may reduce restaurant visits. - expand /ik-SPAND/
[verb] – to increase the size or range of something
The brand plans to expand its drink menu. - growth /grohth/
[noun] – an increase in size, number, or importance
Sales growth surprised many analysts. - focused /FOH-kuhst/
[adjective] – giving attention to a specific goal
The company remained focused on affordability.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
McDonald’s announced strong global results after focusing on affordable meals and marketing campaigns. The company said same-store sales rose 5.7% from October to December, beating expectations from analysts. Revenue reached $7.01 billion, and profit also increased. The company lowered prices on some combo meals and continued offering discounts from its McValue menu. The return of Snack Wraps also helped improve the company’s image among customers looking for cheaper dining options. Executives said the goal was to attract households earning less than $45,000 a year, many of whom had started spending less at fast-food restaurants.
Marketing campaigns also helped bring more customers into restaurants. The Monopoly game returned in October, and a Grinch-themed meal in December became extremely popular. The company even sold millions of pairs of themed socks in the first days of the promotion. Leaders said these campaigns increased restaurant visits and strengthened customer confidence in the brand. Similar value strategies were employed in international markets, including the introduction of lower-priced snack items in Germany. However, company leaders warned that winter weather may reduce customer visits in the next quarter. The company is now preparing new drinks such as iced coffee, energy drinks, and fruity beverages to expand its menu and maintain growth. Executives said the company remains focused on offering affordable meals while keeping customers interested.
Marketing campaigns also helped bring more customers into restaurants. The Monopoly game returned in October, and a Grinch-themed meal in December became extremely popular. The company even sold millions of pairs of themed socks in the first days of the promotion. Leaders said these campaigns increased restaurant visits and strengthened customer confidence in the brand. Similar value strategies were employed in international markets, including the introduction of lower-priced snack items in Germany. However, company leaders warned that winter weather may reduce customer visits in the next quarter. The company is now preparing new drinks such as iced coffee, energy drinks, and fruity beverages to expand its menu and maintain growth. Executives said the company remains focused on offering affordable meals while keeping customers interested.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What increased by 5.7%?
- Why were prices lowered?
- Which menu item returned?
- Which customers did the company target?
- Which promotion happened in October?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What value menus have been seen in the community, if any? If so, which ones? If not, what could restaurants offer?
- What holiday promotions have been seen in the community, if any? If so, which ones? If not, what ideas would work?
- Do affordable meals help families manage budgets?
- Why are seasonal promotions effective?
- How can new drinks attract more customers?