All 3 Graded Readings

Global semiconductor shortage hurts car industry

PRINT ALL READINGS (PDF)

Semiconductors - Level 4

The car industry is facing production challenges due to a shortage of semiconductors. General Motors (GM) has halted production at many of its plants in America. A GM spokesperson told reporters that the company is focused on resolving its supply-chain difficulties. He said it was a complex and "fluid" situation, but he remains confident in the company's ability to find "creative solutions to minimize the impact".

Semiconductors are a key part of many products we use every day. Other multinational companies also have the same supply problems. One reason is staff shortages from COVID-19. Factories that manufacture the chips have been affected. An analyst said the shortages will continue until at least 2023. He said there were no immediate solutions. He added: "GM likely won't be the last company to change its production schedule."

SPEED READING

Speed 1    |     Speed 2    |     Speed 3    |     Speed 4

MORE

11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Semiconductors - Level 5

The car and other industries are facing production challenges due to a shortage of semiconductors. This has caused car giant General Motors to halt production at all but four of its plants in America. The automaker owns the popular car brands Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. A GM spokesperson told reporters that the company is focused on resolving its supply-chain difficulties. He said: "Although the situation remains complex and very fluid, we remain confident in our team's ability to continue finding creative solutions to minimize the impact."

Semiconductors are a key part of many of the electrical products we use every day. Sony, Toyota, Ford and other multinational companies also have production problems due to the lack of supply. One reason for this is COVID-19. Staff shortages in factories that manufacture the chips have hit production. Companies will experience challenges for the foreseeable future. An analyst said: "With the shortages expected to continue until at least 2023, and no immediate solutions forthcoming, GM likely won't be the last company to change its production schedule."

SPEED READING

Speed 1    |     Speed 2    |     Speed 3    |     Speed 4

MORE

11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Semiconductors - Level 6

The automotive and other industries around the globe are facing production challenges due to a shortage of semiconductors. A global semiconductor shortage has caused car giant General Motors to halt production at all but four of its plants in North America. GM owns a number of popular car brands, including Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. A GM spokesperson told the Detroit Free Press news agency that the company is focused on trying to resolve its supply-chain difficulties. He said: "Although the situation remains complex and very fluid, we remain confident in our team's ability to continue finding creative solutions to minimize the impact on our highest-demand and capacity-constrained vehicles."

Semiconductors are an indispensable part of many of the gadgets and electrical products we use in our everyday lives. Sony, Toyota, Ford and other multinational companies are reporting production hitches due to the current dearth in supply. One reason for the shortage is the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff shortages in factories that manufacture the chips in China, South Korea and Taiwan have negatively hit production. The website engadget.com said companies would experience challenges for the foreseeable future. It reported: "With the shortages expected to continue until at least 2023, and no immediate solutions forthcoming, GM likely won't be the last company to change its production schedule."

SPEED READING

Speed 1    |     Speed 2    |     Speed 3    |     Speed 4

MORE

25 online activities    |    27-page printable    |    2-page mini-lesson

MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

This useful resource has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for …

  • warm-ups
  • pre-reading and listening
  • while-reading and listening
  • post-reading and listening
  • using headlines
  • working with words
  • moving from text to speech
  • role plays,
  • task-based activities
  • discussions and debates
and a whole lot more.




More Listening

Online Activities

Help Support This Web Site

  • Please consider helping Breaking News English.com

Sean Banville's Book

Thank You