Author Archive: admin

McDonald’s sells off over 2,000 outlets in China, HK

  Citic group and Carlyle group will take over 80% of McDonald’s enterprise in Asia. The newly-signed deal dictates the firms’ domination over 2,000 McDonald’s outlets across China and Hong Kong. The said undertaking conforms to the US chain store’s plan to establish more international franchises. Under the $2.1 billion deal, China’s state-owned investment group, Citic acquires a 52% stake. The US private equity firm, Carlyle, picks up a 28% holding. The 20% remainder of the share is then kept by McDonald’s. Coincidentally, the owner of KFC and Pizza Hut, Yum brands, realigns business as both competing companies intend to bounce back after the recent food scare reports in Asia….
Read more

McDonald’s sells off over 2,000 outlets in China, HK

Business - I

  Pre-reading questions: How often do you eat burgers? Do you like McDonald’s? Do you visit other foreign fast food chains in your area?   McDonald’s has handed 80% of its operations worth $2.1 billion to Citic group and Carlyle group. The two firms will take over 2,000 McDonald’s outlets in China and Hongkong. Under the new partnership, Citic takes a 52% stake while Carlyle handles 28% of the share. The American fast food chain keeps the remaining portion of 20%. This step is in line with the company’s goal to add more outlets in China, Hongkong and South Korea in the next 5 years.Yum brands, the owner of KFC…
Read more

McDonald’s sells off over 2,000 outlets in China, HK

Business - B

  Pre-reading questions: What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Do you like burgers and fries?   McDonald’s lets Chinese businessmen control 80% of its business. China’s Citic group and US’s Carlyle group will manage 2,000 McDonald’s outlets in China and Hongkong. After five years, the food company will add more restaurants in China, Hongkong, and South Korea. McDonald’s competitor in Asia, Yum Brands, is also coming up with new business strategies. Yum Brands is the owner of KFC and Pizza Hut. Both McDonald’s and Yum brands are trying to solve food safety problems in Asia, specifically, China.   Vocabulary: businessmen – [noun] people in business especially as owners or…
Read more

Tornadoes kill 18 in southern US

The relentless weather over the weekend brought powerful tornadoes and storms to the states of Georgia and Mississippi. The fast-moving storms caused relentless devastation to many homes. Tornadoes have killed at least 18 people and injured more than 50 others so far in southeastern part of the United States. A resident recalled the ghastly experience of large tree branches hurling in the air and water from a pond splashing everywhere. The Governor of Georgia declared a state of emergency in the affected area on Sunday to ease support for residents and to assess damage. US weather authorities are advising them to stay in a safe place in a sturdy building….
Read more

Tornadoes kill 18 in southern US

Pre-reading questions: Have you ever experienced a disaster? What are some kinds of disasters? What kind of disasters are common in your country? Areas in the southern part of the United States were hit by tornadoes causing 18 people to die while leaving 50 people wounded. The strong tornadoes and storms were brought by the severe weather in states of Georgia and Mississippi. These calamities caused casualties and damages in homes, roofs, cars, and trees. Some people shielded themselves in buildings which were left standing after the tornado. Georgia was declared under state of emergency in the badly affected area to give support to the residents and to evaluate the…
Read more

Tornadoes kill 18 in southern US

World News - Beginner

Pre-reading questions: Have you seen a tornado? What do you think causes a tornado? The states of Georgia and Mississippi were hit by powerful tornadoes. The tornadoes caused by severe weateher killed 18 people and injured at least 50 people. The tornadoes damaged homes, cars, and trees. Some people stayed in buildings which were still standing after the tornado. The government told its people to stay safe in a strong building. Vocabulary: powerful- [adjective] strong tornado- [noun] whirlwind injured- [verb] hurt damage- [verb] break government- [noun] the management or control of a political power True or False: The state of Chicago was hit by powerful tornadoes. The tornadoes killed 50…
Read more

Rural areas offer good life

Most people in their twenties and right after college have preferred to live in a hustle and bustle of a big city – eager to accomplish and achieve something. Facing a large amount of work load, working in a stable and secured company, and making friends with everybody everyday can be a lot of fun. But in Japan, this kind of notion is changing. Younger Japanese generation now opt to live in rural areas. A 29-year-old mother, Kanako Sato, is one of the many who have chosen to live in a slow-paced and secluded area. It all started back when she was doing her volunteer work – cultivating the land,…
Read more

Rural areas offer good life

Pre-reading questions: Have you visited other prefectures in your country? Do you have any favorite cities? Which is better, the urban life or the rural life? Why? Most retired people settle themselves in a rural area. They want to live in a secluded place. Nowadays, young people are considering to live in a slow life. Relocating themselves in a farm life and in fishing villages is a good start. A 29-year-old mother said that she can benefit a lot in slow living over the busy life of the city. People in rural areas can help villagers with their farming and fishing activities. Their culture comes from agriculture and from nature….
Read more