Company History Business benchmark pre intermediate to intermediate.pptx

Business Benchmark pre- intermediate

1. Unit 3: Company History

2. Learning Objectives Understand the history and development of companies Practice reading, listening, speaking, and grammar skills Learn vocabulary related to company history

3. Levi Strauss: The History of a Company Levi Strauss, a German immigrant, founded his company in San Francisco in 1853. At first, he sold dry goods such as clothing, boots, and other items to miners during the Gold Rush. Later, he partnered with a tailor named Jacob Davis to create a new type of durable work pants. In 1873, Strauss and Davis patented the idea of using copper rivets to strengthen the corners of pants. This innovation led to the birth of the world’s first blue jeans. These jeans quickly became popular among workers for their strength and comfort. Over time, Levi’s blue jeans grew beyond workwear and became a symbol of fashion and youth culture. By the 20th century, the company had expanded worldwide, offering new styles and adapting to trends. Today, Levi Strauss & Co. remains one of the most famous clothing companies in the world, known for its innovation, durability, and global brand identity.

4. Short article-style reading passage Founded in 1853, San Francisco Started with dry goods → denim jeans Innovations: copper rivets for durability Became a global brand, fashion symbol Focus: Timeline & milestones

5. Hongdou : A Chinese Clothing Company Hongdou Group , also known as Hongdou , is a well-known Chinese clothing company. It was established in the 1990s and started by producing casual wear . Over time, the company expanded its range to include youth and urban fashion , appealing to modern lifestyles and younger customers. Hongdou has focused not only on the domestic market in China but also on international markets , making its products available to customers worldwide. The company has shown strong adaptability by keeping up with changing fashion trends and using e-commerce platforms to reach more people. Today, Hongdou is recognized as one of the leading clothing brands in China. Its success comes from a mix of innovation, market awareness, and global vision .

6. Reading: Hongdou (China) Established in 1990s From casual wear → youth & urban fashion Expanded to domestic & international markets Adapted to trends & e-commerce growth Skills Practiced: gist & detail comprehension

7. Vocabulary from Reading Founder Milestone Expansion Innovation Global market

8. Activity: Match vocabulary with definitions Words Definitions Founder a) A new idea, method, or product that improves something. Milestone b) A person who starts a company or organization. Expansion c) A very important stage or achievement in the development of a company. Innovation d) The process of a business growing larger or entering new areas. Global market e) The international marketplace where companies sell their products worldwide.

9. Listening: Joseph Rowntree Lecture

10. Skills Practice: key info, note-taking, comprehension Company formation & family-owned businesses Innovation & market adaptation Social responsibility of companies

11. Comprehension Questions A. Multiple Choice Questions Joseph Rowntree’s company was an example of a: a) Government-owned business b) Family-owned business c) International corporation d) Startup What helped the company adapt to changing markets? a) New managers b) Innovation and new products c) Closing factories d) Ignoring customer needs What was one major value promoted by Joseph Rowntree? a) Social responsibility b) Profit above all c) Avoiding expansion d) Reducing employee welfare

12. Speaking Practice (Past Simple) When was the company founded? Who started the company? What products did they sell first? When did they launch their most famous product ?

13. Grammar: Past Simple Regular Verbs: start → started, expand → expanded Irregular Verbs: go → went, sell → sold Yes/No Questions: Did Levi Strauss start in San Francisco? Wh - Questions: When did Hongdou launch its first product?

14. Grammar Activities Fill-in-the-blank with past simple verbs Correct mistakes in past simple sentences

15. Activity 1: Fill-in-the-Blank (Past Simple Verbs) Levi Strauss ___ (start) his company in San Francisco in 1853. Hongdou ___ (begin) with casual wear in the 1990s. They ___ (sell) dry goods before making jeans. The company ___ (expand) into international markets. Jacob Davis ___ (help) Levi Strauss with the rivet design .

16. Activity 2: Correct the Mistakes Levi Strauss sell jeans in the 1800s. Hongdou was begin in the 1990s. They maked jeans with rivets. The company growed quickly. Joseph Rowntree teach social responsibility.

17. Correct Answers: Levi Strauss sold jeans in the 1800s. Hongdou began in the 1990s. They made jeans with rivets. The company grew quickly. Joseph Rowntree taught social responsibility.

18. Summary & Key Takeaways Company histories show growth, innovation & expansion Past Simple tense is used for company milestones Speaking & listening practice improves communication Vocabulary helps describe company development