Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. line (n.) [lahyn]– a group of products or services related to one another and sold by one company
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. line (n.) [lahyn]– a group of products or services related to one another and sold by one company
Example: He only buys clothes from one clothing line.
2. approach (v.) [uh-prohch]– to deal with a task in a particular way
Example: The managers want to carefully approach the company's financial problems.
3. partially (adv.) [pahr-shuh-li]– in part and not as a whole or entirely
Example: Customers can pay partially with 50% of the cost.
4. team up (phrasal v.) [teem-uhp]– to work with someone to achieve something
Example: A group of scientists teamed up and shared their resources to study a new medicine.
5. on hand (idiom) [on-hand]– readily available
Example: Fortunately, he had cash on hand when his credit card did not work.
Article
Read the text below.
Apple will start making one of its Mac computer lines in the United States next year, says Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
Most of Apple’s factories are currently in Asia, but many Americans have criticized Apple for creating more jobs overseas than in the US.
But according to Cook, its factories are in Asia not only because of lower labor costs, but because there are not enough people in the United States with the needed manufacturing knowledge and skills.
Unlike former CEO Steve Jobs, who did not address labor issues publicly, Tim Cook seems to be approaching the problems more openly.
He mentioned that Apple’s decision to bring manufacturing jobs to the United States was partially influenced by the need to lower the US unemployment rate, which is at around 8%.
Cook said Apple will not be manufacturing its computers and components but it will be teaming up with other US companies to make the products. The CEO also stressed how Apple has already helped create local jobs, pointing to American app designers and makers of iPhone parts.
Apple’s spokesman added the company will be investing $100 million on manufacturing in the US This may be a small amount, however, compared to Apple’s $120 billion cash on hand.
Meanwhile, Lenovo, the world's second-largest computer maker, also announced it will start production of different gadget lines in North Carolina, US this year.
Experts believe that by 2015, a large number of technology companies will have manufacturing back in the United States, causing a boost in the country’s economy.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you believe companies should always offer more jobs to people of their own country? Why or why not?
· Through what other ways can we support our local economy or local industries?
Discussion B
· Do you remember using a product from the USA or from another country? What did you think about the product?
· What are some advantages or disadvantages of a locally made product compared to a foreign one?