Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. prompt (v.) [prompt] – to move or take action
Example: The loud party music prompted the
neighbors to call the authorities.
2. authentic
(adj.) [aw-then-tik] – coming from a trusted source; original
Example: I only buy authentic clothes and
shoes.
3. lanyard
(n.) [lan-yerd] – a cord worn around the neck (usually to hold something)
Example: Some lanyards are also worn on the
shoulder.
4. grey
market (n.) [grey mahr-kit] – secret shops which legally buy and sell products at lower
prices
Example: I got a mobile phone from the grey
market at a reasonable discount.
5.
hotline (n.) [hot-lahyn] – a telephone line which can give access to information or
help
Example:
Customer’s comments and suggestions for a product can be relayed to the
company through a hotline.
Article
Read the text below.
Investigators in KunmingChina have recently shut
down a total of 22 stores illegally using Apple’s brand and logo.
Authorities from the Administration for Industry
and Commerce were prompted into
action after photos of the fake stores circulated on the Internet. Photos
were posted on the blog BirdAbroad owned by an American resident in China.
BirdAbroad’s blog post described the interior of
the shop as similar to that of an authentic
Apple store. The lanyards and
staff T-shirts printed with the Apple logo were also copied.
Initial searches uncovered five fake outlets, two
of which were closed due to unlicensed operations. More fake stores were
found during the succeeding investigations. Authorities remain uncertain
whether the products sold in the fake stores originated from Apple suppliers
or from the grey market.
According to the Kunming regulatory body, a
stricter monitoring system would be employed. This effort would include
setting up a hotline where people
could also report illegal Apple stores.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Are
there fake outlets in your country?
·
What
do you think people should do to stop the establishment of fake stores?
Discussion
B
·
Why
do you think some people still buy products from fake stores?
·
Would
you consider buying from a fake store if they had lower prices?