Lesson made on February 12, 2025
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Reading Lesson:
Tesla is facing big challenges right now. The company’s sales have dropped in many countries, including Germany, France, the UK, China, and the U.S. Even in California, the biggest electric vehicle market in the U.S., sales have been falling. This decline could be linked to CEO Elon Musk’s strong political views and his close relationship with U.S. president Donald Trump.
One major source of controversy is Musk’s recent political actions. European leaders are upset about his attempts to influence elections on the continent. At a recent Trump rally, Musk made a hand gesture that some experts called a “Nazi salute,” which shocked and angered many people. In response, political activists in Germany projected an image of Musk’s gesture onto the outside of his Tesla factory.
Beyond political backlash, Tesla is also facing serious business challenges. There are growing concerns that Trump’s proposed trade policies, including higher taxes on imported goods, could make it more expensive for Tesla to build and sell its cars. Since Tesla uses parts imported from around the world, any new trade restrictions could significantly hurt its profits.
Adding to the company’s troubles, Tesla stores and cars have been vandalized in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe. People have sprayed paint on the cars, smashed their windows, and slashed their tires. The backlash against Musk may be affecting both the company and its customers.
Comprehension Questions:
Speaking and Writing Activities:
– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.
1. Think of a company that you don’t like. What are the reasons you don’t like it?
2. Do you think it’s ever okay to vandalize property for political reasons? Why or why not?
3. How do you think Tesla can win back customers who are upset with Elon Musk?
More Reading Practice:
Why is Elon Musk so Unpopular?
Elon Musk’s unpopularity comes from his actions, words, and choices that have made many people unhappy. One big reason is his involvement in politics. Musk often shares strong opinions on social media, sometimes criticizing governments, policies, or other people. Some of his comments have been seen as rude or controversial, which has caused anger. For example, his statements about the COVID-19 pandemic were criticized for being careless or incorrect.
Another reason is his way of leading companies. Musk is known for making fast decisions, like firing workers or changing company rules, which can create confusion and frustration. For example, after buying Twitter (now called X) in 2022, he made big changes to the platform, including firing many workers and changing how the platform manages content. These actions were seen by some as unfair or poorly planned, leading to criticism from both workers and users.
Musk’s behavior in public has also made him unpopular. He has been accused of acting arrogantly or rudely, especially when he responds to criticism online. His habit of arguing on social media has made him seem aggressive to some people. Also, his huge wealth and status as one of the richest people in the world have led to complaints that he does not understand the problems of ordinary people.
Finally, Musk’s business decisions have caused criticism. While he is known for creating innovative companies, some people say he cares more about money and growth than workers’ rights or the environment. For example, Tesla has faced questions about how it treats workers and its impact on the environment, even though it focuses on electric cars.
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