Do you like fast food?
Here’s a challenge: when you next visit London, try to walk 100m without catching sight of a Pret a Manger. The British sandwich chain with a French name has so many branches in the capital city that you can’t avoid trying it out. The menu includes wholemeal sandwiches, filled baguettes, soups, salads and coffees. Nothing special about that, so why is it so successful? The marketing blurb speaks of handmade, natural food without any obscure chemicals. The sandwiches are made fresh at each location. Service is fast. Where Starbucks has just one cashier, Pret has three or four. Employees have a say in the hiring process and bonuses are awarded on the performance of the entire team. On top of that, unsold food is given to the homeless at the end of the day. So, the secret is healthy fast food, served with a smile and a dose of goodness too.
Listen
Read by Heather, EASI English (Southern English accent)
Study the words
challenge– a difficult task
catching sight of– seeing
avoid– not do something
wholemeal– brown bread
blurb– promotional information
obscure– strange
cashier– person who works at the cash point
have a say – help to make a decision about something
hiring- employing new staff
bonuses- cash rewards
On top of that- in addition
homeless- people with no homes
dose- quantity, amount
Do the takeaway test: ready to eat
Listen on audioboo (and subscribe to itunes podcast) http://audioboo.fm/boos/869750-ready-to-eat
Do you know anyone who vapes?
Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you. It smells, makes you cough and causes cancer. Until recently, the only way to improve your health was to give up. That’s tough for most people and impossible for some. However, a new trend is catching on among smokers. Many are switching from smoking to vaping.
Vaping involves an electronically charged ‘cigarette’ which produces steam instead of smoke. It does contain nicotine, but in small amounts. It looks and feels just like you are smoking but without many of the drawbacks. Users feel better, save money and can say goodbye to smelly ashtrays. Of course, this does not change the fact that not smoking at all would be an even healthier option.
Listen
Read by Ale (Italian/Scottish accent)
Study the words
cough- the reflex that clears your throat
give up- stop a habit
tough- difficult
catching on- becoming popular
steam- vapour
drawbacks- disadvantages
ashtrays- containers for ash (produced during smoking)
healthier- better for your body
Do the takeaway test: vaping
Listen on audioboo (and subscribe to itunes podcast) http://audioboo.fm/boos/829869-vaping