Import/export, logistics and supply chain exercises

Import/Export, Logistics and Scaling Language Exercises

23rd February 2025

Behind every purchase lies a world of imports, exports, logistics and scaling. Through a variety of language exercises including vocabulary, listening, speaking and critical thinking, students learn how companies manage exports through customs, build logistics networks, and scale operations. The vocabulary of import procedures, logistics systems and scaling strategies shows how businesses transform from local sellers to exporters using supply chains, distribution and technology.

Examples from a comprehensive set of exercises about “scaling” have recently been added to this page. For the complete set visit my “Companies that Scale” post on Substack.

Types of Scaling Dialogue

From TSMC’s massive chip production facilities to Netflix’s ability to add millions of subscribers with minimal infrastructure, the evolution of business scaling fascinates students. This exploration of traditional versus digital scaling looks at both physical stores like Starbucks and digital platforms like Amazon. By comparing how Walmart optimizes its supply chain while Nike builds global brand recognition, students learn essential business vocabulary while analyzing growth strategies that shape their consumer experiences.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Scaling

When companies get bigger, they gain some things but lose others. Take Amazon – they can deliver products almost anywhere in the world, but international shipping costs can be very high. Or look at Airbnb – they offer many different places to stay, but it’s harder to guarantee every room will be good quality. By looking at what these familiar companies do well and where they struggle, you’ll understand the real benefits and challenges of growing from a small business into a global company.

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Scaling: Useful Collocations

When we talk about companies getting bigger, we use certain word combinations that fit together naturally. Companies don’t just “make” growth – they “achieve scale” or “drive sustainable growth.” They don’t simply “use” technology – they “leverage digital infrastructure.” These special word partnerships help us explain exactly how businesses expand, from “gaining market share” to “maintaining competitive advantage.

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Introduction to Import/Export Vocabulary

Picture a shipping container’s journey: It starts with “procurement” of goods, moves through “customs barriers,” requires careful “inventory management,” and follows complex “supply chain” networks. Each step has its own special vocabulary – from “freight transport” to “cargo manifests.” These aren’t just random words – they’re precise building blocks that help us understand how global trade connects merchants worldwide.

(download PDF)

Parts of speech for Importing/Exporting

This is an exercise exploring the parts of speech and language use when talking about the import/export process.

(download PDF)

Import /export gap fill exercise

Logistics (and shipping) vocabulary worksheet (with audio and answers)

This business English ESL vocabulary and listening exercise aims to help students understand logistics and shipping vocabulary. Students match the vocabulary to the pictures and then listening to the audio and write short sentences at the bottom of the page.

Logistics vocabulary (PDF)