Layoffs and cutbacks can lead to start-ups

1. Look at the headline and the image. What do you think the article will be
about?
SARS-CoV-2 and the start-up surge

2. Read the article and check your predictions.

SARS-CoV-2 and the start-up surge

The outbreak of COVID-19 has devastated businesses around the world. As country
after country entered strict lockdowns, we saw the biggest economic downturn since
the financial crisis of 2007.

Through no fault of their own, many employers were forced to implement cutbacks in
order to save resources and keep as many staff as possible in work. Sadly, in many
cases, the worst-hit industries, such as hospitality and the arts, were forced to close
down, which resulted in mass layoffs and millions of people out of work. Our
economies are suffering an unprecedented crisis.

Undoubtedly, this is a depressing turn of events. However, despite the shutdown of

our high streets and offices, there is one shining ray of hope. In spite of the huge
setbacks for so many people, the pandemic has actually triggered a boom in start-
ups. From online retail businesses and food delivery to meet-up apps and handmade
craft shops on Etsy, entrepreneurs have spotted gaps all over the COVID market.

Copyrights by ESL Brains

 Layoffs and cutbacks can lead to start-ups

3. Discuss the questions. Give reasons for your answers.

• Why do you think there has been such a surge in new start-ups?
• Do you know anyone who has started their own business?
• Which new businesses have you shopped with/used recently?
• If you had a start-up, what kind of business would you have?

4. The article in ex. 2 contains nine phrasal nouns. For example, start-up. Find
and underline eight more phrasal nouns.

PHRASAL NOUNS
Phrasal nouns are created from phrasal verbs and
consist of a verb and a particle. The particle can go
before the verb (e.g. input)
or after the verb (e.g. start-up).

5. Match the phrasal nouns to the definitions.

a) a reduction in something, made in order to save money
b) an emergency situation in which people are not allowed to freely enter, leave,
or move around in a building or area because of danger
c) an informal meeting or gathering
d) an occasion when a company stops employing someone, because the
company does not have enough money or enough work
e) a time when something suddenly begins, for example a disease or something
else dangerous or unpleasant
f) something that happens that delays or prevents a process from developing
g) an occasion when a business or large piece of equipment stops operating,
usually for a temporary period
h) a reduction in the amount or success of something, such as a country's
economic activity

Copyrights by ESL Brains

 Layoffs and cutbacks can lead to start-ups

6. Match the dialogue halves.

a) Are you nervous about giving a presentation at the conference?
b) Did you hear the factory burned down?!
c) How’s the new project going?
d) It seems like a lot of people are unhappy with the new working conditions.
e) I need help with this business loan application.
f) I haven’t seen you for ages! How was your holiday?
g) You were late for work again this morning!
h) It took me hours to write that report and my laptop has crashed!

1) We haven’t started yet. We’re still waiting for the go-ahead from management.
2) It was great, thanks! Let’s have a get-together after work.
3) I did! There’s a rumour they did it for the insurance pay-out!
4) I know! The boss was furious and had a meltdown! She said I need to sort
myself out or find another job.
5) A little. I’ll make sure I have a run-through before though.
6) Well, you’ll need to give a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.
7) Yes. There is going to be a walkout next week.
8) Didn’t you make a back-up?!
7. Explain the meanings of the phrasal nouns in ex. 6 in your own words.

8. Discuss the questions. Give reasons for your answers.

• What is your opinion of meet-up apps?
• How did your work routine change during lockdown?
• How often does your company organize get-togethers for staff?
• If you have to give a presentation, do you usually have a run-through first?
• Has your workplace had to make many cutbacks over the last two years?
• What are some of the setbacks a start-up business can experience?
• What can cause someone to have a meltdown at work?
• How do management show that your input is appreciated at work?

Copyrights by ESL Brains

 Layoffs and cutbacks can lead to start-ups

9. Complete the crossword puzzle.

• Work in pairs, A and B.
• Take turns to ask each other for the definition of a missing word.
• You can ask ‘What’s the definition for 1 down?’, ‘What’s the definition for 2
across?’, etc.

Copyrights by ESL Brains