Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. ubiquitous (adj.) [yoo-bik-wi-tuhs] – existing everywhere, especially at the same time
Example: It is difficult to drive through the ubiquitous fog.
2. peak season (n.) [peek] [see-zuhn] – the time when travel is most active and rates are highest
Example: Summer is
the peak season for beaches and swimming resorts.
3. generate (v.) [jen-uh-reyt] – to produce
Example: Creative people come up with ideas that generate income.
4. take a toll (idiom) [teyk] [uh] [tohl] – to have a bad effect on someone or something
Example: Consecutive days of insufficient rest take a toll on a person’s health.
5. inflated (adj.) [in-fley-tid] – in economics, excessively increased in prices, amount, or value
Example: Only a really rich person can purchase that house because of its
inflated value.
Article
Read the text below.
Read the text below.
The floods that devastated tourist-centered Thailand in November left
the country with beer shortage, causing profit loss in its entertainment
business.
Bars and supermarkets around Thailand reported beer shortages. In the
capital city of Bangkok, even the ubiquitous 7-Eleven stores ran out of
beer and other food supplies.
In Phuket, a main tourist destination, the "beer crisis" came
at an unfortunate time, just as the country was entering its peak
season. The Patong Entertainment Business Association, which generates more
than $3.25 million annually, said that beer sales generate the biggest profit
in the entertainment industry. As bars ran out of beer, bar owners were
forced to pay inflated prices to restock. This took a
toll on the pockets of the consumers, who were then charged higher
prices for beer.
While Phuket worried about beer shortage, flood-hit areas in Northern
and Eastern Thailand dealt with difficulties in transport due to flooded main
roads.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
How can production in business avoid
being affected by natural disasters?
·
What can companies do to recover
from losses caused by natural disasters?
Discussion
B
·
Who do you think are the most
affected when natural disasters happen? Why do you think so?
·
How can people affected by a natural
disaster recover?
