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Lesson 20: Navigating Business Challenges

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

monopoly

/muh-NOP-uh-lee/

- A situation where one company dominates a particular market or industry.

The company has a monopoly in the energy sector, controlling over 90% of the market.

necessities

/neh-SESS-uh-teez/

- Basic goods or services that are essential for survival.

During the recession, people focused on purchasing only necessities like food and housing.

output

/OW-t-put/

- The total amount of something produced by a company, factory, or country.

The factory’s output increased by 15% this quarter due to higher demand.

productivity

/proh-duhk-TIV-uh-tee/

- The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed.

Improving productivity is key to maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

proposition

/prop-uh-ZISH-un/

- An idea, plan, or suggestion put forward for consideration.

The board is reviewing a new business proposition to expand into international markets.

property

/PROP-er-tee/

- Buildings, land, or other physical assets owned by individuals or companies.

The company owns several properties in the downtown area.

range

/renyj/

- A variety or set of things of the same general type.

The company offers a wide range of products, from electronics to home goods.

recession

/ri-SESH-un/

- A period of economic decline marked by a reduction in trade and industrial activity.

The global recession has led to widespread job losses in many industries.

reward

/ree-WORD/

- Something given in recognition of effort or achievement.

Employees received bonuses as a reward for exceeding their productivity goals.

scheme

/skeem/

- A plan or arrangement to achieve something, often involving careful planning.

The government introduced a new tax scheme to encourage investment in small businesses.

sector

/SEK-tur/

- A specific part of a country’s economy or an industry.

The technology sector has seen significant growth in the past decade.

shareholder's meeting

/SHAIR-hohl-durz MEE-ting/

- A meeting held by a company for its shareholders to discuss performance and future plans.

The annual shareholder’s meeting focused on the company’s plans for expansion.

slowdown

/SLOW-down/

- A reduction in the speed or intensity of economic growth.

The economic slowdown has impacted consumer spending across all sectors.

spending

/SPEN-ding/

- The amount of money spent by consumers or businesses.

Consumer spending has increased, boosting the retail sector.

statistics

/stuh-TIS-tiks/

- Data or numerical information used to analyze and interpret trends.

According to recent statistics, unemployment rates have dropped by 5%.

transaction

/tran-ZAK-shun/

- The act of buying or selling something.

The company completed a large transaction by acquiring a smaller competitor.

LET'S LISTEN! 🎧

Direction: Listen to the news and answer the comprehension questions below.



Lesson 20

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. What impact does an economic slowdown have on businesses?

2. How do businesses assess the impact of an economic slowdown?

3. What proposition is suggested for companies to navigate through economic difficulties?

4. Why is it important for businesses to avoid becoming a monopoly during a recession?

5. What key strategies can help businesses protect their property and ensure growth during a recession?

LET'S PRACTICE 🎬

SITUATION

The learner is an economic analyst presenting a report on how an emerging country is navigating challenges like economic slowdown, industry growth, and foreign investment. The teacher will play the role of a news anchor asking follow-up questions.


TASKS

1. Acquisition:How have recent foreign companies buying local businesses helped local manufacturers grow?


2. Economic Slowdown: Which industries have been most affected by the economic slowdown, and what are they doing to adjust?


3. Finance: How are businesses getting the money they need to keep running and grow during the recession?

LET'S DISCUSS

  1. Do you think offering a wider range of cheaper products is the best idea for all companies during a recession, or are there some businesses where this won’t work?
  2. How can companies offer lower-priced products without losing the quality that customers expect?
  3. Do you think focusing too much on saving money and protecting company assets could stop businesses from coming up with new ideas during tough times?
  4. In your opinion, how important is it for businesses to carefully check their sales numbers and statistics during a recession?
  5. Do you think having a solid plan or scheme is more important than cutting costs when businesses face a slowdown?