Fast Delivery: Bad for the Planet
BUSINESS
12/28/2025
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Do you often choose fast delivery when shopping online?
Do you think convenience is more important than the environment?
Have you heard that delivery choices affect climate change?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
delivery – bringing something to a place
Example: My package arrived by delivery today.
warehouse – a large building where goods are stored
Example: The products are kept in a warehouse.
truck – a large vehicle for transporting goods
Example: The truck delivered food to the store.
distance – how far one place is from another
Example: The delivery distance was very long.
pollution – damage to the environment caused by harmful substances
Example: Cars and trucks cause air pollution.
Developed (B2–C2)
optimize – to make something as efficient as possible
Example: Companies try to optimize delivery routes.
retailer – a business that sells goods to customers
Example: Amazon is a global online retailer.
freight – goods transported in large quantities
Example: Air freight creates high emissions.
logistics – the planning and movement of goods
Example: Logistics becomes complex with fast shipping.
minimize – to reduce as much as possible
Example: Slower delivery can minimize emissions.
READING
Introduction
“This article explains how fast delivery affects the environment. It explores why speed increases pollution and what both companies and consumers can do to reduce the impact.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Fast delivery feels convenient. You buy something online and receive it very quickly. However, fast delivery causes more pollution.
When companies rush shipments, trucks may leave the warehouse before they are full. Drivers may travel the same distance many times a day, which increases emissions.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Experts explain that choosing fast shipping prevents companies from optimizing routes. Instead of efficient planning, speed becomes the priority. This increases fuel use and emissions.
To meet short deadlines, retailers may rely on air freight, which produces far more pollution than trains or ships. While companies try to minimize harm through better logistics, experts say consumers can help by choosing slower delivery options.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
Why does fast delivery cause pollution?
What vehicles are used for delivery?
Do full trucks reduce pollution?
B1–B2
Why does fast shipping stop optimized routing?
How does air freight affect emissions?
What can consumers do to help?
C1–C2
How do logistics change when speed is prioritized?
Why is air freight more damaging than other transport methods?
How can small consumer choices reduce environmental impact?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“I usually ___.”
“This is bad because ___.”
“I feel ___ about this.”
Personal Questions
Do you shop online often?
Do you choose fast delivery?
Do you care about pollution?
Have you received a package recently?
Do you like convenience?
Do trucks cause pollution?
Would you wait longer for delivery?
Do you recycle at home?
Is climate change important to you?
Do you trust companies to protect the environment?
Do you think shopping habits matter?
Is fast delivery expensive?
Do you return online purchases?
Do you buy things you don’t need?
Would you change habits to help the planet?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One issue is ___.”
“I believe companies should ___.”
“This behavior leads to ___.”
Personal Questions
Why do people prefer fast delivery?
How does convenience affect environmental responsibility?
Would slower delivery change your shopping habits?
How do online retailers influence consumer behavior?
Do you think emissions should affect delivery prices?
How often do you make impulse purchases?
Should companies educate customers about emissions?
How does distance affect delivery pollution?
Are electric delivery vehicles a good solution?
Do you think speed is overvalued today?
How could logistics be improved sustainably?
Would higher costs reduce fast shipping demand?
How do your values affect shopping choices?
Can small changes have a big impact?
Do benefits of fast delivery outweigh environmental costs?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I believe ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One major concern is ___.”
“I am conflicted about ___.”
“In the long term, this could ___.”
Personal Questions
How does fast delivery reflect modern consumer culture?
Should governments regulate delivery emissions?
How can logistics systems balance speed and sustainability?
Is consumer convenience ethically justifiable?
How might pricing reflect environmental impact more accurately?
Can technology solve delivery-related pollution?
How do personal habits connect to global emissions?
Should fast delivery be discouraged socially?
How could retailers redesign supply chains sustainably?
What responsibility do consumers have in climate change?
How does instant gratification affect environmental thinking?
Could delayed delivery become socially acceptable?
How do corporate profits conflict with sustainability goals?
What incentives could reduce fast shipping demand?
How should future cities handle last-mile delivery?
