Tag Archive: Business & Economy – Intermediate

©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…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you drink coffee/tea? In your country, how much is a typical cup of coffee from the vending machine? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inflation /in-FLEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a general, continuous increase in prices The survey showed that 38% of Americans are worried about inflation. labor /LEY-ber/ [noun] – workers The newly elected senator addressed the labor concerns. chain /cheyn/ [noun] – a set of connected or related things Bea’s family owns a chain of computer shops. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to experience difficulty and make a very…
Read more

©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What business skills do you have? What mobile network operator is used by the majority 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 The company will invest $5 million in the project. acquire /uh-KWAHYUHR/ [verb] – to buy or take control of a company or part of a company, often by buying shares in it Jolly Food Corporation had just acquired shares from Mr. Dough’s Bakeshop. agreement /uh-GREE-muhnt/…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What images spring to your mind when you hear the country USA? What prices do you care about most and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. wage /weyj/ [noun] – a fixed regular payment earned for work or services, typically paid on a daily or weekly basis She works long hours to take home huge wages. industry /IN-duh-stree/ [noun] – the companies and activities involved in the process of producing goods for sale, especially in a factory or special area The electricity industry consumes large amounts of fossil fuels. expense…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of your favorite TV shows? What online video services do you use? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rate /reyt/ [noun] – an amount or level of payment We sell these high-quality products at reasonable rates. standard /STAN-derd/ [adjective] – usual rather than special, especially when thought of as being correct or acceptable Let’s just avail of the standard room package for our hotel stay to save money. utilize /YOOT-l-ahyz/ [verb] – to use something in an effective way The team utilized an effective marketing strategy to improve…
Read more

©BBC via GETTY IMAGES Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat fast food? Do you prefer dining in restaurants over takeout or delivery? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product My cousin finally launched her own clothing line. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable Kim noticed a significant difference in prices between the two stores. unsuitable /uhn-SOO-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – not acceptable or right for someone or something; not suitable Her clothes were unsuitable for…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is DNA important? What do you think about gene editing? 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 The bus driver violated the traffic regulation. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn / [noun] – the process of making or growing goods to be sold Coke is used in the production of steel. welfare /WEL-fair/ [noun] – the general state of health or degree of success of a person, business, country, etc. We are a company that cares about its employees’ welfare. commercial /kuh-MUR-shuhl/…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why did Tiktok become popular? What songs/kinds of music do you usually listen to? Could you tell me more about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something Several new features have been added to our most recent cell phone model. viewer /VYOO-er/ [noun] – a person who watches something Millions of viewers watched the Superbowl video online. statement /STEYtT-muhnt/ [noun] – something that someone says or writes officially, or an action done to express an opinion The government…
Read more

©BBC via GETTY IMAGES Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some trusted food brands in your country? Have you tried different Spam flavors? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. generate /JEN-uh-reyt / [verb] – to cause something to exist The mayor’s latest project generated 2,000 jobs. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance, or to make something increase in this way Rin would like to expand her restaurant business in New York. range /reynj/ [noun] – a set of similar things The boutique offers a range of jewelry from Europe. transform…
Read more