【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. confectionery [kuh n-FEK-shuh-ner-ee] (n.) – a shop or a company that sells candies and chocolates
Example: The village’s confectionery sells different chocolate products daily.
2. range [reynj] (n.) – a collection of things with similar characteristics
Example: The designer has released a range of different summer clothing.
3. collaboration [kuh-lab-uh-REY-shuhn] (n.) – the act of working with another person to produce or achieve something
Example: The famous celebrity’s collaboration with the company created a huge profit.
4. established [ih-STAB-lisht] (adj.) – being recognized and generally accepted
Example: The Hershey’s Company has been an established business since 1894.
5. foresee [fawr-SEE, fohr-] (v.) – to know beforehand or in advance
Example: A good businessperson should foresee possible difficulties before starting a business.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Maria Sharapova, the highest paid female athlete and a famous tennis player, has started and is now focusing on her new business, Sugarpova.
Sugarpova is a confectionery that sells Sharapova’s own range of candies. Sharapova spent two years to study what was on the market before launching the confectionery brand in the United States last year. The business is now being expanded to different countries.
Sharapova’s recent shoulder injury made the athlete realize that she wants to try options other than tennis, thus deciding to start a new business. According to Sharapova, she recognizes the competitive worlds of business and sports, both of which she now wants to conquer.
As an endorser of various products, Sharapova has always been perceived to have a creative mind. She is known for her active involvement and collaboration with famous brands such as Porsche [PORSH-uh], Nike [NIE-kee], Tag Heuer [tag HOY-er], Evian, Cole Haan [kohl HAHN], Head and Samsung.
Aside from endorsements, Sharapova is also famous for her own creations. In fact, she created her own line of shoes for Cole Haan and designed sunglasses for Tag Heuer. She also has her own tennis line for Nike.
Today, Sharapova is using the strength she gained from being an athlete in order to create a more established name in the field of business. Sugarpova is only her first step in achieving her goal of creating an independent commercial foundation, Sharapova added.
At present, the athlete foresees her candy line to be expanding globally in the future. She is also planning to launch the Sugarpova brand in fashion as well as cosmetics.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· In your opinion, why do some famous personalities like Sharapova choose to invest their money into businesses?
· Do you think a candy business is a good investment? Please explain your answer.
Discussion B
· Would you buy products owned by famous celebrities? Why or why not?
· Why do you think some people often support businesses owned by celebrities?