Amazon Announced Choices for Possible Second Headquarters

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Materials Daily News

Intermediate

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

headquarters

Noun

ˈhɛdˌkwɔːrtərz

the place from which an organization is controlled

I recently got transferred to the headquarters in New York.

This building is the headquarters of the European Central Bank.

The headquarters for the US armed services is the Pentagon.

While the building is being renovated, we've set up temporary headquarters in the branch office.

The company's new headquarters are located in an office park outside the city.

The company's headquarters are in Hong Kong.

bidder

Noun

ˈbɪdər

a person, company, organization, etc. that offers money to buy something

The item will go to the highest bidder.

revenue

Noun

ˈrɛvənˌjuː

money that a government or organization earns

Our revenues are high this year.

Revenue projections indicate that we will have a very good year.

The city gets revenues from sales tax.

Although the corporation saw no increase in revenues, its lower operations costs boosted its profits.

Apple intends to sharpen their focus on successful devices that bring in the most revenue.

Our company's revenue increased by 15% in 2016.

expansion

Noun

ɪkˈspænʃən

the action of becoming bigger, more successful, etc.

The global economy is now going through a period of rapid expansion.

A major expansion of the oil industry is taking place in Africa.

Exercise 2

Article

AI Generated Audio––:–– / ––:––

Amazon Announced Choices for Possible Second Headquarters

The online seller Amazon has announced a list of 20 possible places where the company might build a second headquarters. Included on the list is the city of Toronto in the Canadian Province of Ontario.

Amazon expects the new headquarters, which Amazon calls “HQ2,” to employ 50,000 people. Amazon estimated that, over the next 10 to 15 years, “HQ2” will generate jobs that average over $100,000 in yearly pay.

Toronto was the only place chosen outside of the U.S. Los Angeles was the only city on the West Coast and Indianapolis was the only city in the Midwest.

Amazon's main headquarters is in Seattle, Washington.

Amazon’s announcement marks the beginning of a competition between the bidders.

“HQ2” is expected to bring in billions of dollars in both revenue and secondary investment.

Amazon’s plan for expansion shows the influence technology companies have on the economy.

Some of the competing bidders have publicly announced their plans to provide Amazon with billions of dollars in reduced taxes if they are chosen.

Amazon officials say they expect to make a decision sometime this year. The company plans to hold discussions with all 20 bidders about the project.

Exercise 3

Questions

What does Amazon call its future second headquarters?

What is the only city outside the U.S. chosen as a potential location for HQ2?

Where is Amazon's main headquarters located?

Exercise 4

Discussion

What are your thoughts on Amazon’s plans to build a second headquarters?

In what ways might "HQ2" benefit the city that wins the bid? Please explain your answer.

Does it surprise you that some bidders have offered to provide Amazon with "billions of dollars in reduced taxes if they are chosen"? Why? Why not?

Do you expect Amazon to open a headquarters outside North America in the near future? Why? Why not?

How would you describe the influence technology companies have on the economy?

Exercise 5

Further Discussion

Are Amazon's services available in your country? Please explain your answer.

Do you often buy goods online? If so, what sites do you usually buy from? If not, why not?

What are the biggest technology companies in your country? Please explain your answer.

Would you say that technology companies have a major influence on your country's economy? Why? Why not?

Do you believe that online shopping will completely replace brick and mortar stores in the near future? Why? Why not?

Exercises for Further Self-Study

These self-study exercises are optional and should be carried out after the lesson has finished.

Exercise 6

Sentence Building

Write at least one sentence for each of the words in Exercise 1: Vocabulary. Begin by making sure you understand the definition of each word. Use the example sentences as a guide if you are unable to think of a sentence. Practice reading your sentences out loud.

Exercise 7

Summary

Make a brief summary of the article. Focus on the main topic and consider which pieces of information are most important. Make sure you include details such as what the article is about, who is mentioned in it, where and when the events took place, and also how and why they happened.

Parts of this lesson are based on:

An article by Voice of America.