Tag Archive: Business & Economy – Intermediate

Companies to face clean-up costs for dumped litter

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you in favor of recycling? Why? What do you do when you see litter around you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something To increase profits, corporation executives disregard safety regulations. target /TAHR-git/ [noun] – a level or situation that you intend to achieve The government’s 3.5 percent annual growth target appears to be within reach. implement /IM-pluh-men/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system Changes to the national health system will be implemented the following…
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Japanese green tea leaves sell for nearly 2 million yen

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you prefer green tea to black tea? Why or why not? Where do you buy tea? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make something certain to happen We need to ensure that all attendees are at the venue by 7:00 p.m. provide /pruh-VAYD/ [verb] – to give someone something that they need Our company’s goal is to provide useful products for everyone. fair /fair/ [adjective] – If something is fair, it is reasonable and is what you expect or deserve The athletes would like a…
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Google plans to spend $9.5 billion to expand offices

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you find Google useful? Why or why not? Aside from Google, what are other popular search engines in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. invest /in-VEST/ [verb] – to put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage He invested $1.5 million in a milk tea franchise. campus /KAM-puhs/ [noun] – the buildings of a college or university, or of a large organization, and the land that surrounds them Anna visited several college campuses today. community /kuh-MYOO-ni-tee/ [noun] – the people living…
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Baskin-Robbins undergoes major rebrand

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat ice cream? What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. update /UHP-deyt/ [noun] – a more recent, and usually improved, form of something, especially something that is regularly changed I’m still getting used to Microsoft’s new update. attached /uh-TACHD/ [adjective] – feeling close to emotionally Bob is still attached to his old piano. childhood /CHAHYLD-hood/ [noun] – the time when someone is a child Sheena spent her childhood in Italy. relevant /REL-uh-vuhnt/ [adjective] – connected with what is happening or…
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IKEA to pay customers to return old furniture

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you shop for furniture? What are some popular furniture brands in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change My grandmother wants to alter our new sofa. stool /stool/ [noun] – a seat without any support for the back or arms They bought 10 stools for the office. participate /pahr-TIS-uh-peyt/ [verb] – to take part in or become involved in an activity Jenna will be participating in the planting activity….
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Ellesmere Port Plant to convert domestic garbage into aviation fuel

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does your country address the issue of garbage? Do you think it is a great idea to convert garbage to something else? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. facility /fuh-SIL-i-tee / [noun] – a place, especially including buildings, where a particular activity happens A nuclear research facility was built in the area. convert /kuhn-VURT/ [verb] – to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character Could the small bedroom be converted into a second bathroom? reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is…
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Starbucks plans to phase out its disposable cups by 2025

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you drink coffee or tea first thing in the morning? Why or why not? Do you prefer drinking coffee/tea in a mug or a cup? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. get rid of something /get-rid-of/ [phrasal verb] – to remove something that you do not want any longer You should get rid of all the things you no longer use. durable /DOOR-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to last and be used for a long time without becoming damaged This wooden chair is really durable. curious /KYOOR-ee-uhs/ [adjective] – interested…
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Wales to use electric buses to achieve zero-emission by 2035

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the benefits of electric cars? Would you like to have an electric car? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The findings reveal a substantial difference between men’s and women’s perspectives. strategy /SRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics, business, industry, or sports, or the skill of planning for such situations We’re developing new strategies to increase our market share. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such…
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Climate change: Key crops need dramatic adjustments as the planet heats

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think people like coffee? What are the benefits of consuming coffee, cashews, and avocados? Please elaborate on your answer. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dramatically /druh-MAT-ik-li/ [adverb] – suddenly or obviously When you have a baby to look after, your life changes dramatically. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn / [noun] – the process of making or growing goods to be sold We watched a video that showed the various stages of glass production. threat /thret/ [noun] – a suggestion that something unpleasant or violent will happen, especially if a particular…
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Coca-Cola releases a new flavor inspired by space

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©Coca-cola via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you drink soda? How do you stay cool in hot weather? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn / [noun] – the ability to feel something physically, especially by touching, or a physical feeling that results from this ability This spicy Thai dish gives you a burning sensation. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a person who buys goods or services for their own use Consumers of milk tea rose 18% this month. essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – necessary or needed This map is essential for traveling….
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