Tag Archive: Business & Economy – Intermediate

Argentines rely on cryptocurrency for their basic needs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important is it to invest? In what kind of things would you like to invest? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. repeat /ri-PEET/ [noun] – a situation in which something happens or is done more than once There will be a repeat of this event next year. debit card /DEB-it kahrd/ [noun] – a small plastic card that can be used as a method of payment, the money being taken from your bank account automatically I would like to pay with my debit card, please. affordable /uh-FAWR-duh-buhl/ [adjective] – not…
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MPs worry that a labor shortage in agriculture could lead to an increase in prices

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Does your country prioritize agriculture? Please elaborate on your answer. Why does labor shortage happen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. lead to /leed too/ [phrasal verb] – if an action or event leads to something, it causes that thing to happen or exist Reducing speed limits should lead to fewer accidents on the road. imported /im-PAWRT-id/ [adjective] – (of goods or services) brought into a country from abroad for sale The imported cigarettes were bought by my dad. seasonal /SEE-zuh-nl/ [adjective] – relating to or happening during a particular period…
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Twitter implements a “poison pill” against Elon Musk’s offer

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When did you first join a social media platform? Please tell me more about it. What do you think are the pros and cons of social media? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. billionaire /bil-yuh-NAIR/ [noun] – a person who has money, property, etc. that is worth at least 1,000,000,000 dollars, pounds, euros, etc. The newly appointed mayor is actually a billionaire. stake /steyk/ [noun] – a share or a financial involvement in something such as a business Charles holds a 10 percent stake of the company. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] –…
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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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