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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. recall
    • ex. The company is recalling the toys because they are not safe.
  2. a lid
    • ex. The boy lifted the lid of the cup to see what was inside.
  3. shrink
    • ex. My sweater will shrink if I wash it in hot water.
  4. come off
    • ex. The wheels on the toy car came off because the boy drove it too fast.
  5. a replacement
    • ex. The teacher found a replacement for the missing book in the library.

Article

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

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Stanley, a company famous for making high-quality food and drink containers, is recalling around 2.6 million stainless steel travel mugs in the U.S. because they might cause burns. The company said the lid on the mug can shrink when it gets too hot. This can cause the lid to come off while drinking from the mug and could lead to burns.

Stanley reported 91 cases around the world of lids coming off the mugs, including 16 cases in the U.S. In addition, there have been 38 burn injuries worldwide, with two happening in the U.S. Eleven people needed medical help because of these accidents. The mugs that were recalled have double walls and come in colors like white, black, and green. 

The mugs are available in 12 oz., 16 oz., and 20 oz. sizes, with a plastic lid. These mugs were sold online and in stores like Walmart and Target from June 2016 to December 2024. The company advised consumers to stop using the mugs immediately. Customers who bought this mug can contact Stanley for a free replacement lid.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Recalling Products

  • Stanley is a company famous for making high-quality food and drink containers, but it’s recalling some of its products. How do you think this action can affect customers’ trust in the company? Discuss.
  • Imagine that a brand you trust announced that it will recall its products. Would you still buy products from this brand? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • As a consumer, what do you do when a brand announces that it’s recalling a product that you bought (ex. throw it away, ask for a refund)? Discuss.

Replacement

  • Stanley offered a replacement lid for the travel mugs. Do you think this is enough for the customers who bought the poor-quality product? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Imagine you bought a faulty product. Would you prefer a replacement or a refund? Why? Discuss.
  • Imagine that you owned a business that experienced a quality issue. Would you provide a replacement or refund the product? Why? Discuss.