Coffee Price Increase
LIFESTYLE
2/21/2026
WARM-UP
Answer briefly. No overthinking.
Do you drink coffee every day?
Have prices increased in your area recently?
Would you ever skip your morning coffee?
VOCABULARY
ESSENTIAL (A2–B1)
skip – to not do something
Example: Some people skip coffee to save money.
import – to bring goods from another country
Example: The US imports most of its coffee.
drought – a long period without rain
Example: The drought damaged coffee farms.
yield – the amount of crop produced
Example: Bad weather reduced the coffee yield.
addict – someone who cannot stop doing something
Example: He is a coffee addict.
DEVELOPED (B2–C2)
Consumer Price Index (CPI) – a measure of price changes over time
Example: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed rising coffee prices.
median price – the middle price in a range
Example: The median price of coffee increased last year.
supply chain – the system of producing and delivering goods
Example: Climate issues disrupted the coffee supply chain.
inflation – a general increase in prices
Example: Inflation has affected food and drink costs.
commodity market – a market where raw materials are traded
Example: Coffee prices fluctuate in the commodity market.
READING
INTRODUCTION
Coffee is part of many people’s daily routine. However, rising global prices are forcing some consumers to change their habits.
ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)
Most coffee in the US is imported from countries affected by drought and extreme weather.
Lower crop yields have pushed up prices, causing some customers to skip their usual café visits.
DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)
Climate-related disruptions have affected the global coffee supply chain, reducing production and increasing costs in the commodity market.
According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), coffee prices rose significantly over the past year. The median price of a regular coffee has also increased.
As a result, some former coffee addicts are changing their habits — brewing coffee at home instead of buying it daily.
Despite rising inflation, surveys show that many Americans still drink coffee every day, suggesting that demand remains strong even as prices climb.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
A1–A2
Why is coffee more expensive?
What does import mean?
What reduced coffee yields?
B1–B2
How does drought affect crop production?
What does the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure?
Why are some people choosing to skip café visits?
C1–C2
How can disruptions in the supply chain influence global prices?
What role does the commodity market play in pricing?
How might long-term inflation change consumer behavior?
SPEAKING
A1–A2 — FOUNDATION
Language Support:
“I usually…”
“I think…”
“It costs…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
How many cups of coffee do you drink per day?
Would you skip coffee to save money?
Do you buy coffee at home or in cafés?
Is coffee expensive where you live?
Do you know any coffee addicts?
Do you drink tea instead of coffee?
Has inflation affected your spending?
Do you compare prices before buying?
Do you prefer hot or cold coffee?
Do you think coffee is necessary?
Have prices risen in your country?
Do you check the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?
Would you change brands if prices rise?
Do weather problems like drought affect food prices?
Could you stop drinking coffee completely?
B1–B2 — EXPANSION
Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“I believe that…”
“One reason is…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Why is coffee demand so stable despite inflation?
Should governments support farmers affected by drought?
How does reduced yield impact global markets?
Is coffee a necessity or a luxury?
How does the supply chain affect local prices?
Would you invest in the coffee commodity market?
Are consumers too dependent on imported goods?
Should cafés lower prices during economic crises?
How do rising prices influence daily habits?
Do you think price increases are temporary?
Should consumers reduce caffeine intake?
How does branding affect what you pay?
Could climate change permanently alter coffee production?
Is the median price a useful indicator for consumers?
How might technology improve crop yields?
C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION
Language Support:
“This suggests that…”
“One implication is…”
“From an economic standpoint…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
How does global dependence on imports increase vulnerability?
Should coffee-producing nations diversify crops to reduce risk?
How does consumer psychology respond to price shocks?
Could rising prices shift cultural habits long-term?
How might climate instability reshape the commodity market?
Is coffee demand price-elastic or price-inelastic?
Should ethical sourcing be prioritized over affordability?
How do multinational corporations influence coffee pricing?
Could synthetic alternatives replace traditional coffee?
What lessons does this offer about globalization?
Should consumers be educated about the supply chain?
How does habit formation affect purchasing behavior?
Could technological innovation offset falling yields?
How might future inflation reshape global consumption patterns?
What does this reveal about modern economic interdependence?
