Tag Archive: Business & Economy – Intermediate

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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Justin Bieber’s Timbiebs donuts boost Tim Hortons sales

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who is your favorite celebrity? What do you like about him/her? What is your go-to snack? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. influence /IN-floo-uhns/ [noun] – the power to have an effect on people or things, or a person or thing that is able to do this Studio Ghibli had a huge influence on Laura’s life. upgrade /uhp-GREYD/ [verb] – to improve the quality or usefulness of something, or change it for something newer or of a better standard They need to upgrade the hotel…
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UK rental costs rise as employees return to the office

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©GETTY IMAGES via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is it like living in your city? What is the most popular rental website/app in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gradual /GRAJ-oo-uhl / [adjective] – happening or changing slowly over a long period of time or distance He saw a gradual improvement in his student’s performances last month. boost /boost/ [verb] – to improve or increase something The summer promotions boosted the sales of the store. privacy /PRAHY-vuh-see/ [noun] – someone’s right to keep their personal matters and relationships secret Laura values her…
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The New York Times acquires Wordle

The New York Times acquires Wordle

©Sarah Tew/CNET Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What word/puzzle games do you play? How would you describe yourself in a five-letter word? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. media /MEE-dee-uh/ [noun] – the internet, newspapers, magazines, television, etc., considered as a group The media has a powerful influence on public opinion. hit /hit/ [noun] – a thing or person that is very popular or successful The show quickly became a hit after its pilot episode. figure out /FIG-yer-out/ [phrasal verb] – to understand or solve something It took me the longest time to figure out how…
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Apple users can now use Face ID with a mask

Apple will let you use Face ID with a mask in the next iOS update

©Chaim Gartenberg/The Verge Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What security features does your phone offer? Do you trust a face recognition feature? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. buff /buhf/ [noun] – a person who knows a lot about and is very interested in a particular subject John is a huge jazz buff. function /FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a process that a computer or a computer program uses to complete a task Just enable this send-to-all function to deliver several e-mails by batch. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – absolutely necessary or important; essential Hard…
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