Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some questions to connect your everyday life to the story of 7Up. Have you ever tried to create something new, but faced challenges or failures? How do you think people like Charles Liper Grigg, who created 7Up, overcome obstacles to achieve their goals? What do you think is the most important factor in turning a small idea into a global success?
Now, let’s think about our favorite drinks. Do you prefer sweet and fizzy, or light and refreshing? Have you ever noticed how some brands seem to stand out from the rest, and what makes them unique? Let’s explore these questions as we dive into the story of 7Up.
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image of this activity. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Do you think the image is related to the story of 7Up, and if so, how?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the story of 7Up. As you read, think about the key points that will be covered in the story, and how they might relate to your own experiences or interests.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video about the 7Up founder, Charles Liper Grigg, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIKvmaPjOag. As you watch, pause the video at the following points:
- When Grigg is first introduced as a salesman with no credentials
- When Grigg launches his first failed soda, Whistle
- When Grigg finally creates 7Up and it becomes a global success
At each pause point, reflect on the following questions:
- What do you think motivated Grigg to keep trying despite his failures?
- How do you think Grigg’s experiences with Whistle and other failed sodas influenced his creation of 7Up?
- What do you think is the most important factor in 7Up’s global success, and how can we apply that to our own lives or businesses?
For more information about the story of 7Up, visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/7up-founder-the-poor-salesman-who-turned-7up-into-billions/.
Key Vocabulary:
Let’s review some key vocabulary from the story of 7Up. Match the term with its definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Carbonated | A drink that contains carbon dioxide gas, making it fizzy. |
| Lithium Citrate | A compound used in some medications and beverages for its therapeutic properties. |
| Patent Medicines | Proprietary medicines that were protected by patent law and often contained secret ingredients. |
| Rebranding | The process of changing the name, image, or identity of a product or company. |
| Niche Market | A specific segment of a larger market that has its own unique needs or preferences. |
| Therapeutic Reputation | A reputation for having health benefits or being a remedy for certain ailments. |
| Uncola Campaign | A marketing campaign launched by 7Up in the 1970s to differentiate itself from other cola brands. |
| Perseverance | The ability to continue trying hard despite difficulties or setbacks. |
| Innovation | The process of introducing new or improved products, services, or processes. |
| Brand Legacy | The lasting impact or reputation of a brand after its creation. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the key vocabulary with the following quiz:
- Which word means ‘a person who travels to sell goods or services’?
- A) Consumer
- B) Salesman
- C) Manufacturer
- D) Distributor
- What does ‘carbonated’ mean in the context of beverages?
- A) Having a high sugar content
- B) Containing a small dose of lithium citrate
- C) Fizzy or containing carbon dioxide gas
- D) Made with natural citrus oils
- Which term refers to ‘a product or service that is popular and widely accepted’?
- A) Novelty
- B) Household staple
- C) Therapeutic reputation
- D) Unique formula
- What is meant by ‘niche in the market’?
- A) A large share of the market
- B) A small, specialized segment of the market
- C) A type of marketing campaign
- D) A brand’s therapeutic reputation
- What does ‘perseverance’ mean in the context of Charles Liper Grigg’s story?
- A) Giving up in the face of failure
- B) Continuing to try hard despite obstacles or setbacks
- C) Having a unique formula for a product
- D) Being a successful salesman
Answer Key:
- B) Salesman
- C) Fizzy or containing carbon dioxide gas
- B) Household staple
- B) A small, specialized segment of the market
- B) Continuing to try hard despite obstacles or setbacks
Grammar Focus:
The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that occurred before another action in the past. It is formed using the auxiliary verb “had” + the past participle of the main verb. For example, in the sentence “He had worked in advertising and sales before he joined the Vest Soda Company,” the past perfect tense “had worked” indicates that the action of working in advertising and sales occurred before the action of joining the Vest Soda Company.
Grammar Quiz:
Test your understanding of the past perfect tense with the following quiz:
- By the time Grigg created 7Up, ____________________ several failed sodas.
- A) he had launched
- B) he launches
- C) he had faced
- D) he was facing
- Before Grigg joined the Vest Soda Company, ____________________ in advertising and sales for years.
- A) he has worked
- B) he worked
- C) he had been working
- D) he had worked
- By the 1970s, 7Up ____________________ its memorable “Uncola” campaign.
- A) launches
- B) had launched
- C) was launching
- D) has launched
- Grigg ____________________ a crucial lesson about ownership and control before he created 7Up.
- A) learns
- B) had learned
- C) was learning
- D) has learned
- Before 7Up became a global brand, ____________________ by Westinghouse Electric Corporation.
- A) it was acquired
- B) it has been acquired
- C) it had been acquired
- D) it is acquired
Answer Key:
- C) he had faced
- D) he had worked
- B) had launched
- B) had learned
- C) it had been acquired