Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. costly
    • ex. The smartphone was too costly, so I chose a cheaper model.
  2. a share
    • ex. Jake bought shares in the company. He now owns a small part of it.
  3. expand
    • ex. The company wants to expand its business in other countries next year.
  4. a shareholder
    • ex. The company gave gifts to its shareholders to thank them for their support.
  5. superior
    • ex. This restaurant has superior food. That’s why it has a lot of customers every day.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Mossgiel Organic Dairy in Scotland is offering the most expensive cup of coffee in the U.K. for $344 (around ¥51,900). This costly flat white is not just a drink but a perk for people who buy shares in the farm. When customers buy a cup of coffee, they are also buying shares that help with the farm’s sustainable milk production.

The coffee costs 80 times more than usual. Bryce Cunningham, the farm’s owner, said that may sound crazy, but it’s a good deal when you want to support the future of farming. The money collected will help expand the farm so it can sell milk in more places, including London. Shareholders also receive other benefits, such as farm tours, discounts on milk delivery, and invitations to special events. However, they are also given a warning that they could lose some or all of the money they invest.

Meanwhile, many admire Mossgiel’s milk for its superior quality. Business owner Todd Whiteford says his company has been using the milk for years. He claims that the milk creates a better taste and coffee art. “Theirs is the best,” Whiteford said.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Coffee

  • Mossgiel Organic Dairy’s coffee costs $344 (around ¥51,900) per cup, which comes with shares in the farm and other perks. Do you think this price is reasonable? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Many admire Mossgiel’s milk for its superior quality. Are you willing to pay a lot of money for something because of its superior quality? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think the price of coffee in your country is good enough for its quality? Why or why not? Discuss.

Buying Shares

  • Imagine you could invest in a business. What would it be (ex. a food business, a tech business) and why? Discuss.
  • According to owner Bryce Cunningham, their coffee costs 80 times more than usual, but it’s a good deal when you want to support the future of farming. Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Shareholders are given a warning that they could lose some or all of the money they invest. Would you invest money in something even if you knew you might lose it? Why or why not? Discuss.