Lesson Video
Shrinkflation and the language of consumer economics
Inflation is obvious when prices rise. Shrinkflation is quieter: the price stays the same, but the packet gets smaller. In this Pro-tier B2 lesson, students explore the language of consumer economics, watch an authentic Wall Street Journal report, and debate whether companies are making necessary business decisions or misleading loyal customers.
The Incredible Shrinking Crisp Packet helps upper-intermediate learners understand one of the most relatable economic issues in modern shopping: shrinkflation. Students begin with familiar supermarket situations before learning key business and retail vocabulary such as profit margin, raw materials, net weight, supply chain pressures, downsizing, and consumer backlash.
They then watch an authentic Wall Street Journal report in clear stages. First, they identify the big idea. Next, they listen for examples of how companies reduce size, quality, or services without changing the shelf price. Finally, they analyse why companies make these decisions and what happens when consumers notice.
Because this is a Pro lesson, students do more than answer comprehension questions. They learn the language used by both corporate representatives and consumer activists, including phrases such as “maintain profit margins”, “passing costs on to consumers”, “deceptive tactic”, “cutting corners”, and “less bang for your buck”. The lesson ends with a press-conference simulation in which students defend or challenge a fictional company accused of shrinkflation.
Objectives
- Understand and use B2 business and consumer economics vocabulary.
- Identify key ideas and supporting details in an authentic financial news report.
- Explain how companies use packaging, product size, and pricing strategies.
- Discuss the ethics of shrinkflation from both corporate and consumer perspectives.
- Take part in a structured press-conference simulation using persuasive language.
Lesson Sections
- The Supermarket Secret: Students begin with a relatable shopping situation and discuss why products sometimes feel smaller than before.
- The Economics of Size: Students learn the key vocabulary of shrinkflation, packaging, and consumer pricing.
- The WSJ Report: Students watch the report for gist, examples, and reasons behind product downsizing.
- Corporate Defence vs Consumer Attack: Students compare the language of company justification with the language of consumer criticism.
- The Shrinkflation Press Conference: Students take part in a structured business-versus-consumer simulation using persuasive language.
