Tag Archive: Business & Economy – Intermediate

UK port delays cause a shortage of Harry Potter toys

harry-potter-gddd8ccc77_1920

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What toys did you play with as a child? What are some popular toy brands in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone or something We already expected that the weather would affect our flight. stock /stok/ [noun] – the total amount of goods or the amount of a particular type of goods available in a shop New stock of books will arrive next Tuesday. chain /cheyn/ [noun] – a set…
Read more

Fortnite banned from App Store as legal battle continues

Fortnite banned from App Store as legal battle continues

©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite online video game? On which device do you like playing video games: Android or Apple? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [verb] – to forbid (= refuse to allow) something, especially officially Smoking is banned at gasoline stations. legal /LEE-guhl/ [adjective] – connected with the law Mika will take legal action after the scandalous incident. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/ [verb] – to show or make something clear These problems demonstrate the effects of lack of communication between team members. sidestep /SAHYD-step/ [verb] – to…
Read more

Nike and Costco cite supply problems as the holidays approach

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is there a Costco warehouse in your city? Have you been to the grocery recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage His rudeness caused a strain on his relationship with his co-workers. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something Cora is struggling with her paperwork. panic /PAN-ik/ [noun] – a sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought and action:…
Read more

Microsoft now allows its users to sign in without passwords

cyber-security-3400657_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you experienced any software problems? Are you updated about cybersecurity news? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-muhnt/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system Most stores have implemented digital payment. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning Initially, Lora wanted to go to law school. generate /JEN–uh-reyt/ [verb] – to cause something to exist The store’s online app generates a barcode. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way Your name is unique;…
Read more

Amazon offers to cover college tuition for most hourly workers in the US

christian-wiediger-rymh7EZPqRs-unsplash

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the minimum working age in your country? How many hours do part-timers work in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. qualify /KWOL-uh-fahy/ [verb] – to have the legal right to have or do something because of the situation you are in, or to cause someone to have such a right He is qualified for the best student award. employer /em-PLOI-er/ [noun] – a person or company that has people who do work for wages or a salary I have to talk with my employer this morning. boost…
Read more

Toyota to cut global production by 40% due to chip shortage

_116818487_chip1

©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you drive? What is the most popular car brand in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – necessary or needed Nowadays, laptops are an essential tool in companies. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering We should practice smart spending habits in this economic crisis. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of making or growing goods to be sold The toys went out of production in 2010. demand /dih-MAHND/ [noun] – a need for something to…
Read more

Google and Facebook to require COVID-19 vaccinations for employees working at the office

Google and Facebook to require vaccinations for employees working at the office

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Would you prefer working from home or at the office? Why? How do you keep yourself safe from the coronavirus? 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 It is a regulation to wear corporate attire at the office. implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system The new payment system will be implemented next week. approach /uh-PROHCH/ [noun] – a way of considering or doing something The government’s approach to health care seems unsystematic. mournful /MAWRN-fuhl/…
Read more

Energy corporation asks $15 billion from Biden administration for pipeline project revocation

Energy corporation asks $15 billion from Biden administration for pipeline project revocation

©Sue Ogrocki via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do industries need to become cleaner and greener? Why or why not? How does your country limit the effects of climate crisis? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. corporation /kawr-puh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – a large company or group of companies that is controlled together as a single organization My dad works as an engineer for a German corporation. recover /ri-KUHV-er/ [verb] – to get back something lost or spent The restaurant is trying to recover the amount of its loss from the recent pandemic. violate /VAHY-uh-leyt/ [verb] –…
Read more

China’s newest mega-airport opens its doors

airport-2373727_1280 (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What mega-airports around the world are you familiar with? Do you have a mega-airport in your country? Could you tell me about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sanctuary /SANGK-choo-er-ee/ [noun] – a place where birds or animals can live and be protected, especially from being hunted or dangerous conditions The wildlife sanctuaries are made to protect endangered species. corporation /kawr-puh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – a large company or group of companies that are controlled together as a single organization They have ties with an American corporation. phase /feyz/ [noun] – any…
Read more

The capital of Turkmenistan is the world’s most expensive city for expats

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your city known for? Is food expensive in your city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. survey /SUR-vey/ [noun] – an examination of opinions, behavior, etc., made by asking people questions The waiter asked us to take a survey of our experience at the restaurant. firm /furm/ [noun] – a company offering a professional service, for example, a company of lawyers He is going to work at a law firm this summer. expense /ik-SPENS/ [noun] – the use of money, time, or effort We need to save up because…
Read more