Tag Archive: Business & Economy – Intermediate

Amazon introduces faster delivery options amid rising competition

Amazon

©(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you prefer to shop online or buy in a physical store? Why? What is more important for you: low cost or fast delivery? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. electronic /ih-lek-TRON-ik/ [noun] – a device that uses electricity to work Many people use electronics in their daily lives. expectation /ek-spek-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a belief about what will happen There is an expectation that the event will start on time. logistic /loh-JIS-tik/ [noun] – the system of organizing and moving goods Good logistics help the…
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Oil shipments continue through the Strait of Hormuz amid changing global supply conditions

Brix-News (24)

©AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about oil transportation around the world? Why do countries need oil from other places? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. route /root/ [noun] – a way or course taken to get from one place to another The ship followed a long route across the ocean. export /EK-spawrt/ [verb] – to send goods to another country for sale The country exports oil to many nations. demand /dih-MAND/ [noun] – the need or desire for something There is high demand for fuel in winter. supply /suh-PLAHY/…
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Smaller portions become popular in restaurants

small portion food

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you usually think about when you choose food at a restaurant? Do you like to eat a big meal or a small meal during the day? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. selection /si-LEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a choice from a group of things The library has a good selection of books for children. moderate /MOD-er-it/ [adjective] – not too big, not too small; in the middle Some diners prefer moderate meal portions instead of very large servings. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] – a difficult situation that forces someone to…
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Japan economy grows 0.2% in fourth quarter

Brix-News (3)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What can happen when a country’s exports decrease? Why do governments try to increase spending during slow growth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. offset /AWF-set/ [verb] – to balance one effect with another effect Higher sales helped offset the loss in exports. reliant /ri-LAHY-uhnt/ [adjective] – needing something or someone in order to continue, work correctly, or succeed The country is reliant on trade with other nations. stimulus /STIM-yuh-luhs/ [noun] – something that helps an economy to grow The government announced a stimulus plan to support jobs. quarterly /KWAWR-ter-lee/ [adjective]…
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U.S. stocks rise as Nvidia leads rally after major AI chip deal with Meta

Brix-News (10)

©AP Photo/Richard Drew Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the stock market? Why do people invest in it? What is artificial intelligence? Where do people use it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. confidence /KON-fi-duhns/ [noun] – the feeling that something will be successful Strong earnings increased investor confidence. demand /dih-MAND/ [noun] – the desire for a product or service. Demand for chips grew quickly. concerned /kuhn-SURND/ [adjective] – worried about something Investors were concerned about high costs. change /CHAYN-jiz/ [noun] – situations where something becomes different Market changes happened quickly. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] –…
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More US employees seek caregiver benefits as the population ages

caregiver

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why might balancing work and family responsibilities be challenging? How can technology make daily life easier for busy workers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gap /gap/ [noun] – a missing part or difference between two things The study found a gap between city services and rural needs. introduce /in-truh-DOOS/ [verb] – to bring something new into use The government plans to introduce new traffic rules next year. flexible /FLEK-suh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to change easily to fit different needs The company offers flexible hours during busy seasons. productivity /proh-duhk-TIV-i-tee/ [noun]…
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Rising housing costs drive U.S. renters toward “rent now, pay later” options

Rent

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think paying in smaller amounts feels easier than paying one large amount? Why? What do you think makes money stressful for people today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unstable /uhn-STEY-buhl/ [adjective] – not steady or likely to change suddenly An unstable internet connection made online meetings difficult. installment /in-STAWL-muhnt/ [noun] – a single payment made as part of a series of payments The course fee was divided into several installment payments. advocate /AD-vuh-keyt/ [noun] – a person who publicly supports a cause or idea Health advocates asked for…
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China luxury car demand falls in 2025 as buyers shift to cheaper domestic models

Brix-News (72)

©AP Photo/Andy Wong Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do people avoid expensive items during slow economies? What features matter most when choosing a car today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. clear /KLEER/ [adjective] – easy to see or understand A clear trend appeared in sales. efficient /ih-FISH-uhnt/ [adjective] – working well without waste Efficient factories lowered costs. pressure /PRESH-e/ [noun] – strong influence or stress Brands felt pressure to adjust prices. practical /PRAK-ti-kuhl/ [adjective] – useful in real situations Practical pricing attracted customers. hesitant /HEZ-i-tuhnt/ [adjective] – unsure or slow to act Shoppers felt…
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China auto exports jump 21% in 2025 as EV shipments offset weak domestic demand

Brix-News (70)

©Chinatopix Via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have car exports increased in recent years? Why or why not? Are electric vehicles popular globally? What affects their adoption? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [adjective] – another choice or option The company looked for an alternative option. deliberate /di-LIB-er-it/ [adjective] – done with careful planning The firm made deliberate export decisions. stability /stuh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the condition of being steady or balanced Export sales improved financial stability. restriction /ri-STRIK-shuhnz/ [noun] – limits set by rules or laws Trade restrictions slowed exports. transition /tran-ZISH-uhn/ [noun]…
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September data show sharp rise in U.S. coffee prices amid import limits and inflation

Cris-News (48)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What drinks do people in your area buy often? If so, what drink is popular? If not, what drink do people enjoy? What food or drink prices have you seen increase recently? If so, when did you notice it? If not, which prices do you usually check? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. methodical /muh-THOD-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – done in a careful and organized way The teacher used a methodical plan to help the class understand the task. ramification /ram-uh-fi-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a possible result of an action, especially one that is…
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