TASK:
Write a narrative paragraph about the history of a business (you choose the business. It might be about Microsoft, Nestle, Alibaba and other companies).
Write about its history.
Write at least for facts and add details to the main facts (the details might be dates, examples, reasons, or explaining ideas).
Use adjectives in the paragraph.
Include a Topic Sentence as well as a Conclusion sentence. Use collocations with ‘business’. You can use the present simple and past simple tenses. Use time clauses with ‘when’ correctly.
1- ALIBABA
(Note: This text is estimated to be at a CEFR level of -at least- B2. The text includes complex sentences and vocabulary, as well as a mixture of verb tenses. It also includes technical vocabulary related to e-commerce, which requires a certain level of knowledge and understanding.)
Alibaba is a Chinese multinational technology company founded in 1999 by Jack Ma. When Ma visited the United States in 1995, he was introduced to the internet, which was still a novelty in China. It was then that he realized the potential of the internet and its impact on businesses. After returning to China, he created a website, which was essentially a directory for Chinese companies. This website became Alibaba, and it was designed to connect Chinese manufacturers with foreign buyers. The company started as a small venture in Hangzhou with 18 employees, and it has grown into one of the world’s largest e-commerce businesses, with over 230,000 employees and a market capitalization of over $600 billion. In its early years, Alibaba faced many challenges, including a lack of trust from buyers and sellers. However, the company persevered, and by 2003, it had become profitable. It achieved this by introducing a secure online payment system called Alipay, which protected buyers and sellers from fraud. This payment system was a game-changer for the Chinese e-commerce market, and it enabled Alibaba to gain a significant market share. In 2007, Alibaba launched its business-to-business platform, Alibaba.com. This platform connected manufacturers with wholesalers and retailers, providing an efficient and cost-effective way for businesses to source products. In the same year, Alibaba launched Taobao, its consumer-to-consumer platform, which was designed to rival eBay in China. Taobao quickly became the most popular e-commerce platform in China, and it played a significant role in Alibaba’s success. Alibaba continued to grow rapidly, and in 2014, it had the largest IPO in history, raising $25 billion. Today, Alibaba is a dominant force in the global e-commerce industry, with a presence in over 190 countries. The company has diversified its business, with investments in areas such as cloud computing, digital media, and entertainment. Despite facing challenges such as increased competition and regulatory issues, Alibaba’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in the business world. In conclusion, Alibaba’s history is one of innovation, perseverance, and success. The company has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and it continues to be a major player in the e-commerce industry. Its commitment to innovation and customer service has enabled it to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions. As Alibaba continues to expand its business, it will undoubtedly face new challenges, but its history suggests that it has the resilience and creativity to overcome them.
2- NESTLE
(Note: This text is estimated to be at a CEFR level of -at least- B1.)
One of the most successful businesses in the world is Nestlé, a Swiss multinational food and drink company. Nestlé was founded in 1866 by Henri Nestlé, a pharmacist who developed a nutritious food for babies that he called “Farine Lactée”. When the company first started, it produced only one product, but it quickly expanded to offer a range of food and drink products. In the early years, Nestlé faced many challenges, including competition from other companies and a lack of trust from consumers. However, the company continued to innovate and introduce new products to the market. In 1905, Nestlé introduced condensed milk, which became a staple product in many households. This product helped Nestlé to establish a strong foothold in the dairy market. During World War II, Nestlé faced supply chain disruptions, which forced the company to diversify its product offerings. It introduced a range of products such as coffee, chocolate, and baby food, which helped the company to survive the war and establish itself as a global brand. In the decades that followed, Nestlé continued to grow and expand its business. It acquired other companies such as Carnation and Gerber, and it introduced new products such as Nescafé and KitKat. Today, Nestlé is one of the largest food and drink companies in the world, with a presence in over 190 countries. In conclusion, Nestlé’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance in the business world. The company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and introduce new products has helped it to stay ahead of the competition. As Nestlé continues to expand its business, it will undoubtedly face new challenges, but its history suggests that it has the resilience and creativity to overcome them.
3- MICROSOFT
(Note: This text is estimated to be at a CEFR level of -at least- B1.)
Microsoft is a well-known technology company that was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. At the time, personal computers were not yet common, and Microsoft’s early products were software programs for these new machines. One of the first products the company developed was MS-DOS, which was a simple operating system that allowed users to interact with their computers. This product became popular, and it helped to establish Microsoft as a leader in the software industry. When the graphical user interface was introduced in the 1980s, Microsoft released Windows, which quickly became the most popular operating system for personal computers. Windows was user-friendly and easy to use, and it helped to make personal computing accessible to people all over the world. In the 1990s, Microsoft released its Office suite of productivity software, which included popular programs such as Word and Excel. These programs became essential tools for businesses and individuals, and they helped to cement Microsoft’s place as a major player in the technology industry. Over the years, Microsoft has continued to innovate and develop new products. In the 2000s, the company entered the gaming market with its Xbox console, and it also expanded into the mobile phone market with the release of Windows Phone. While these products were not as successful as some of Microsoft’s earlier offerings, the company continued to adapt and evolve. In conclusion, Microsoft has had a significant impact on the technology industry over the past several decades. The company’s early products helped to establish the personal computer as an essential tool for businesses and individuals, and its more recent offerings have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with technology. While Microsoft faces competition from other technology companies, its history of innovation and success suggests that it will continue to be a major player in the business world for many years to come.
4- APPLE
(Note: This text is estimated to be at a CEFR level of -at least- B1.)
Apple is a famous technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The company’s early products were personal computers that were designed for home and business use. In the 1980s, Apple released the Macintosh computer, which was the first personal computer with a graphical user interface. This interface made it easy for users to interact with their computers, and it helped to establish Apple as a leader in the personal computer market. When the music industry began to move from physical media to digital downloads, Apple introduced the iPod, which was a portable music player that allowed users to store and listen to thousands of songs on a single device. The iPod was a huge success, and it helped to establish Apple as a major player in the consumer electronics market. In 2007, Apple released the iPhone, which was a revolutionary smartphone that changed the way people communicate and interact with technology. The iPhone was a huge success, and it helped to establish Apple as a leader in the mobile phone market. Over the years, Apple has continued to innovate and develop new products. The company has released several versions of the iPhone, as well as other popular products such as the iPad and Apple Watch. Apple is also known for its software, including the Mac operating system and the iOS operating system that powers the iPhone and iPad. In conclusion, Apple has had a significant impact on the technology industry over the past several decades. The company’s early products helped to establish the personal computer as an essential tool for businesses and individuals, and its more recent offerings have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with technology. While Apple faces competition from other technology companies, its history of innovation and success suggests that it will continue to be a major player in the business world for many years to come.
5- AMAZON
Amazon is a famous business that was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. At the time, the company’s main focus was selling books online. However, as the internet became more popular, Amazon expanded its offerings to include a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and household items. In the early years, Amazon faced some challenges. When the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s, many online businesses went bankrupt, but Amazon managed to survive. The company continued to innovate and develop new ways to attract customers. One of the most significant innovations was Amazon Prime, which was launched in 2005. This subscription service offered free two-day shipping and other benefits, such as access to streaming movies and TV shows. When the global pandemic hit in 2020, Amazon’s business soared as people turned to online shopping more than ever before. The company hired thousands of new employees to keep up with the demand, and its stock price reached new highs. In conclusion, Amazon has had a significant impact on the retail industry over the past few decades. The company’s early focus on books allowed it to establish a strong online presence, and its expansion into other product categories has made it one of the most valuable businesses in the world. Despite facing challenges, such as the dot-com bubble, Amazon has continued to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions.
