B1 Lesson 9: Time Adverbs + Business

WARM UP

Think about companies and business.

• Would you like to work for a start-up or a large company? Why?
• What famous brands do you like or dislike?
• What products does your country import or export?
• Do you think it is difficult to launch a business?
• What kinds of products are manufactured in your country?

Answer in full sentences.

VOCABULARY – BUSINESS

• built up – desarrolló / creó gradualmente
Example: She built up her business over many years.

• reviewed – revisó / evaluó
Example: The manager reviewed the company report.

• launch – lanzar
Example: They plan to launch a new product next month.

• brand – marca
Example: That clothing brand is very popular.

• import – importar
Example: Spain imports products from many countries.

• export – exportar
Example: The company exports wine internationally.

• start-up – empresa emergente
Example: He works for a technology start-up.

• manufacture – fabricar
Example: The factory manufactures electric cars.

Say each word out loud.
Think about real companies and products.

GRAMMAR – TIME ADVERBS

We use time adverbs to show the order of events.

• first
• then
• next
• later
• suddenly
• finally

Examples

• First, the company created a business plan.
• Then, they found investors.
• Next, they decided to launch the product.
• Later, the business expanded internationally.
• Suddenly, sales increased very quickly.
• Finally, the company became a successful brand.

More Examples

• First, they reviewed the market carefully.
• Then, they started a small start-up.
• Next, they began to manufacture products locally.
• Later, they started to export internationally.
• Suddenly, the business built up a large customer base.
• Finally, the company became profitable.

DIALOGUE – STARTING A BUSINESS

Anna: How did your company begin?
Mark: First, we created a small start-up.

Anna: What happened after that?
Mark: Then, we reviewed the market and decided to launch a new product.

Anna: Interesting. What happened next?
Mark: Later, we started to manufacture products locally and export them abroad.

Anna: And now?
Mark: Finally, we have built a strong brand.

Read again and practise.

SHORT ARTICLE

My cousin always wanted to create his own business. First, he started a small technology start-up with two friends. Then, they reviewed customer needs and decided to launch an app for students. Next, they worked hard to improve their brand and attract investors. Later, the company began to manufacture electronic products and export them to other countries. Suddenly, sales increased very quickly, and the business grew fast. Finally, after years of work, they successfully built up an international company.

Read the article twice. Focus on the order created by the time adverbs.

LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Using time adverbs

• First, we planned the project.
• Then, we found investors.
• Next, we launched the product.
• Later, the company expanded.
• Finally, we became successful.

Business expressions

• launch a product
• build up a business
• review a report
• manufacture products
• import and export goods

Full sentence model

• First, the company reviewed the market, and later it successfully launched a new brand.

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

Answer in full sentences.

• Would you like to start a start-up one day? Why or why not?
• What famous brands do you admire?
• What products does your country usually export?
• What products does your country import from abroad?
• Do you think it is difficult to launch a successful business?
• Have you ever reviewed a product online?
• What kinds of things are manufactured in your region?
• How do companies usually build up customer trust?
• What happens first when people start a business?
• What should companies do finally to become successful?

HOMEWORK (WRITE & RECORD)

Writing

Write 8 sentences about a company or business idea:

• Use all 6 time adverbs
• Use at least 6 business vocabulary words

Recording

Read your sentences aloud clearly.
Focus on natural pauses and pronunciation of sequencing words.