Tag Archive: Business & Economy – Intermediate

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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©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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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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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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©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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©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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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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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What products do people use that come from oil, like gasoline or plastic? Why do you think oil prices can go up or down in different countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. volatility /vahl-uh-tTIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the quality of changing easily and suddenly The weather’s volatility made it hard to plan outdoor events. perspective /per-SPEK-tiv/ [noun] – a particular way of considering something The teacher shared her perspective on the new school rules. calculated /KAL-kyuh-ley-tid/ [adjective] – carefully planned to get what you want The company made a calculated move…
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©AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of buy now, pay later services? If so, where did you first hear about them? If not, what kind of payment methods are you more familiar with? Have you ever bought something by paying in several smaller payments? If so, was it easier or harder than paying the full price at once? If not, would you like to try this kind of payment in the future? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consequence /KON-si-kwens,/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or…
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