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Study Time

90 minutes

Lesson #

17

How An Iconic DC Restaurant Is Dealing With Inflation

Level

Advanced

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Watch the Video



The iconic Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. is feeling the pain of inflation along with the rest of the country.

Vocabulary

Read and memorize the vocabulary. Use the arrows on the side to navigate.

ESL Vocabulary Images

recession

a time when the economy of a country is not successful

Listening

Discuss the questions with your classmates or teacher. Play the video for a hint. 

1.

When and when did "Mom" and her late husband open Ben's Chilli Bowl?

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They opened it it 1958 in the middle of Washington DC.

2.

What made the restaurant famous?

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Their recipe for chilli and "half smokes" (a spicy sausage).

3.

Why did the business have to increase prices?

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The cost of expenses increased a lot.

4.

What product did the business have trouble buying?

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They had trouble buying ketchup.

5.

Out of 25 items the business ordered from suppliers, how many would come in?

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Only 4 or 5 items would be delivered to the store.

6.

What percentage did the business have to raise prices in 2022?

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They had to raise prices 5 percent.

7.

How much have food prices increased in the US?

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They have gone up 11.4 percent.

8.

What percentage in price has beef gone up?

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It has risen 8.8% year-over-year.

9.

What tasks do the family members do?

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"Mom" fills orders, her daughter takes phone calls and her son works in the kitchen.

10.

What were the biggest changes the business had to make during the pandemic?

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The had to start doing e-commerce, ordering online and curb side delivery.

Discussion Questions

Discuss the questions with your classmates or teacher.

Part 1

  • What do you like to spend money on?

  • Why is it important to save money?

  • Is eating out expensive in your country?

  • Do you spend a lot of money on food?


Part 2

Describe a method to save money. You should say

  • What the method is

  • WHen you started to use it 

  • How you knew it

  • and explain why it is helpful.


Part 3

  • Which do you think is better for the economy of a country or area, people saving money or people spending money?

  • What do you think about money?

  • In your opinion, why do many people derive pleasure from spending money?

  • Do you think the government should let people know how it spends money?

Would you like to chat with the teacher about this topic?
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