B2

Playing a different game: The Nintendo business model

Explore Nintendo's unique business model to teach strategy, innovation, and market competition. Students watch a video, learn key business vocabulary like 'subsidize' and 'recoup,' practice comparisons, and analyze business models to make recommendations.

LessonpillsLessonpills 1 min read
Contents

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B2 learners explores Playing a different game: The Nintendo business model through a real video. Across 9 interactive exercises, you'll develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

  • 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
  • Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
  • Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings

Lesson activities (9 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

  1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
  2. Watch — Watch the video and note the main arguments and examples.
  3. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
  4. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the video, with definitions and usage notes.
  5. True / False — Test your detailed understanding — decide if each statement matches the source.
  6. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
  7. Multiple choice — Choose the correct answer from four options — testing comprehension and language use.
  8. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
  9. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the video:

  • To gain a competitive edge — to achieve an advantage over your rivals by offering something better or different.
  • To carve out a niche — to create a special, focused area of the market for a particular product or service.
  • To recoup an investment — to get back the money that you have spent on a project or business venture.
  • To stay ahead of the curve — to be more advanced or innovative than the competition.
  • Revenue stream — a source of income for a company.

Grammar

This lesson includes a grammar focus with clear explanations and practice exercises.