
©(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- retailer /REE-teyl-er/
[noun] – a person or business that sells goods to customers
The small retailer offers school supplies at a low price. - expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/
[noun] – an increase in size, number, or area
The company announced an expansion of its delivery service to more cities. - convenience /kuhn-VEEN-yuhns/
[noun] – a state of being easy and helpful to use or do
Online banking gives convenience to busy workers. - innovation /in-uh-VEY-shuhn/
[noun] – a new idea, method, or product
The company shows innovation by creating eco-friendly bags. - notable /NOH-tuh-buhl/
[adjective] – important or easy to notice
The team made a notable effort to finish the project on time.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Amazon has introduced faster delivery services in the United States to meet growing demand for quick shipping and rising competition from major retailers. The expansion, announced in early 2026, now covers more than 2,000 cities, towns, and suburban areas. The service allows delivery of selected items, such as food, clothing, medicine, and electronics, within three hours for an added fee. One-hour delivery is also available in large cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago. The company explained that the decision reflects changing consumer expectations for speed and convenience. Industry analysts described the move as a significant development in online retail. Amazon also noted that the service supports the continued growth of its Prime program, which offers wider product access and faster delivery options.
The system operates through advanced logistics using robotics and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and reduce delays. The company reorganized its delivery network into regional areas to strengthen operations. Experts stated that this reflects a progressive approach to supply chain management, although higher costs may limit use for some customers. Amazon is also testing deliveries within 30 minutes in selected areas. Competitors such as Walmart and Target are expanding similar services, including drone delivery and same-day shipping. Analysts consider this competition an essential driver of innovation. However, infrastructure demands and costs remain critical concerns. Overall, the change represents a notable shift in delivery services.
The system operates through advanced logistics using robotics and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and reduce delays. The company reorganized its delivery network into regional areas to strengthen operations. Experts stated that this reflects a progressive approach to supply chain management, although higher costs may limit use for some customers. Amazon is also testing deliveries within 30 minutes in selected areas. Competitors such as Walmart and Target are expanding similar services, including drone delivery and same-day shipping. Analysts consider this competition an essential driver of innovation. However, infrastructure demands and costs remain critical concerns. Overall, the change represents a notable shift in delivery services.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used a fast delivery service to receive something on the same day? If yes, what item did you receive and how fast was the delivery? If not, would you like to try fast delivery in the future? Why or why not?
- Do you usually prefer buying items online or in a physical store? If online, what do you like about it? If in a store, why do you prefer that instead of delivery?
- Do you agree that companies should invest more in technology like robots and artificial intelligence for delivery?
- What are the possible advantages of having delivery within one hour?
- What problems might companies face when offering very fast delivery services?
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.
- delivery service
- competition
- analyst
- cost
- customer