Tag Archive: Business & Economy – Intermediate

Starbucks aims to boost U.S. sales with new strategies and products

Starbucks

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you usually look for when you go to a coffee shop or cafe? What kind of drink or food would you like to see in a coffee shop? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a plan or method used to achieve a goal The company developed marketing strategies to reach more young people. operate /OP-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to work or function in a particular way The restaurant will operate with fewer staff during the holiday. partnership /PAHRT-ner-ship/ [noun] – a business relationship where two…
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Morocco’s argan forests face ecological and economic pressure

argan tree

©(AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think happens when many people want the same natural product? If you could help protect nature in your town, what would you do first? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of making or creating something The production of electric cars is increasing every year. industry /IN-duh-stree/ [noun] – a group of businesses that produce a certain product or service The fashion industry creates many jobs around the world. rural /ROOR-uhl/ [adjective] – related to the countryside, not the city…
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Coca-Cola plans cane sugar option as consumers shift to zero-sugar drinks

cocacola

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite drink? Why do you like it? If you could create your own drink, what special ingredient would you use? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. syrup /SUR-uhp/ [noun] – a thick, sweet liquid made from sugar or other sweeteners The bakery uses chocolate syrup to decorate cakes. analyst /AN-l-ist/ [noun] – someone whose job is to study information carefully to understand a situation or make predictions Analysts said the price of smartphones might go up next year. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a form of something that…
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$800,000 in dimes scattered after truck overturns on Texas Highway, raising concerns over cargo security

Brix-News (10)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen something strange happen on the road? If so, what happened? If not, what would surprise you on the road? Have you ever heard a news story about a road accident? If so, where did it happen? If not, where do you think accidents often happen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. approximately /uh-PROK-suh-mit-lee/ [adverb] – close to a particular time, number, or size but not exact The game starts at approximately 7 p.m. crash /krash/ [noun] – an accident in which a vehicle hits something The bus…
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Venezuela declares economic emergency as inflation soars and recession deepens

Brix-News (13)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about an economic crisis? What happens to businesses during an economic crisis? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering Many people struggled during the crisis when jobs were lost. economy /ih-KON-uh-mee/ [noun] – the system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought in a country or region A strong economy leads to more jobs and better wages. government /GUHV-ern-muhnt/ [noun] – the group of people who control and make decisions for a country,…
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China’s exports surge 8.7% in August amid sluggish domestic economy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes a weak economy? How might a weak economy affect people’s daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. export /ek-SPAWRT/ [noun] – The action of sending goods to another country for sale. The company handles the export of electronics to several countries. volume /VOL-yoom/ [noun] – the number or amount of something in general The volume of water in the tank is very high. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance The company plans to expand its operations next year. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a…
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Amazon’s Q2 profits surge to $13.5 billion

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common strategies companies use to increase their profits? How important is it for companies to share their profit increase information with their employees and customers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. profit /PROF-it/ [noun] – the financial gain made after subtracting expenses The bakery made a good profit this month, allowing them to buy new equipment. stock /stok/ [noun] – shares of a company that can be bought and sold She decided to buy more stock in the company after seeing its positive performance. advance /ad-VANS/ [noun] –…
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World Bank revises global economic growth forecast to 2.6%

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “global economic growth forecast” refer to? How might such forecasts impact different countries? Can you name any factors that could affect global economic growth positively or negatively? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. improvement /im-PROOV-muhnt/ [noun] – the act or process of making something better Despite the improvement in technology, there are still many challenges to overcome. barrier /BARE-ee-er/ [noun] – something that prevents movement or access; an obstacle Language barriers can make it difficult for people from different countries to communicate effectively. conflict /KON-flikt/ [noun] – a serious…
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Baltimore Port’s main shipping channel fully reopens after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the importance of shipping routes for global trade? Can you think of reasons why ports are crucial for local economies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. primary /prahy-MER-ee/ [adjective] – more important than anything else; main The primary reason for his success is his hard work. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to prevent something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected The sudden storm disrupted the outdoor concert. gradually /GRAJ-oo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – slowly over a period of time or a distance…
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Important summit brings together South Korea and African nations

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about summits? What kind of events or meetings are they? Why do you think countries hold summits with other nations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cooperation /koh-op-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of working together towards the same end The two companies decided to engage in cooperation to develop a new product. long-term /LAWNG-turm/ [adjective] – lasting for a long period of time Investing in education is a long-term strategy for a country’s development. strengthen /STRENGK-thuhn/ [verb] – to make something stronger or more powerful The government…
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