Business
Conversation lessons from business and economy news stories.
Who it's for
For B1 students and up: each story is told in plain English, then opened up into a discussion. By level: 12 stories at B1 and 1 at B2.
Short conversation lessons built on a recent news story. More In the News lesson plans
Skills it practises
- Speaking: discussion questionsevery lesson
- Vocabulary: a target word listevery lesson
- Reading: a text or news storyevery lesson
Lessons
- End of Gazumping? UK Plans Binding House Sale DealsThe UK government wants to make house sales legally binding earlier to stop buyers being outbid at the last minute.48 minB1Outline
- Trump's 100% Tariff Threat Over Digital TaxesTrump warns Europe of massive tariffs if countries tax American tech giants like Google and Amazon.48 minB1Outline
- Banks Failing Vulnerable CustomersA financial watchdog says major UK banks are letting down homeless and struggling customers who need simple basic bank accounts.48 minB1Outline
- Heating Oil Customers to Get CompensationA UK watchdog says heating oil customers who faced cancelled orders and price hikes during the Iran conflict will be compensated.48 minB1Outline
- Shein's Big Stock Market BetFast-fashion giant Shein is finally going public in Hong Kong, but at a much lower price than expected — a great story for talking about business, shopping habits, and the cost of cheap clothes.48 minB2Outline
- Shein's Rocky Market DebutFast-fashion retailer Shein has joined the Hong Kong stock market, but falling shares highlight rising challenges for ultra-cheap clothing.48 minB1Outline
- US and Canada Trade TensionsExplore the impact of rising tariffs and product bans between neighbouring countries.48 minB1Outline
- Money Decisions and Rising PricesDiscuss how global price rises and changing interest rates impact everyday spending and saving.48 minB1Outline
- G7 Moves to Calm Fuel PricesLeading economies agree to release emergency oil to stabilise global energy costs.48 minB1Outline
- Diesel Prices Hit New RecordDiscuss record-high fuel costs, how price rises affect daily budgets, and the wider impact on business and travel.48 minB1Outline
- Why UK Home Sellers Are Cutting PricesA record number of UK sellers lowered their home prices as buyers faced more choice and higher borrowing costs.48 minB1Outline
- What People Want from the BudgetPeople with different incomes share what they hope the government will do about everyday costs.48 minB1Outline
- Poundland’s Uncertain FutureA retailer’s possible troubles could affect its workers and the smaller businesses that supply its shops.48 minB1Free
How to use it in a lesson
- Lessons run 48 minutes, with a timing on every stage, so you can see before you start what fits your slot.
- Start with "Poundland’s Uncertain Future", a recent story: its whole plan is on this site, stage by stage, with the target vocabulary, free to read and to teach from on any video call.
- Each story stands on its own, so pick the one your student will most want to talk about. A story makes a good warm-up or a lighter lesson.
- For a shorter slot, skip a practice stage or cut the discussion short: the stages are a guide, not a script.
Teach Business with your student
This course is free. A free account opens every lesson in it in the interactive player and keeps your saved list. Teaching it live with your student in the Tuton classroom starts with a 7-day free trial.
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