A2 · Elementary · Work · 93 words · ~2 min read

🚀 Interview with a Startup Founder

Language focus: Present Perfect & Past Simple · achievements

Today, a journalist is interviewing Aisha, a young founder who has built a successful tech startup. “How did you begin?” the journalist asks.

“Two years ago, I came up with a simple idea in my bedroom,” Aisha says. “I set up the company with one laptop and a lot of energy.”

“The business has grown quickly,” she explains. “We have hired twelve people, and our app has taken off all around the world.”

“My advice? Be patient and never give up,” she smiles. The journalist thanks her and writes down her inspiring words.

Key vocabulary (8 words)

foundernoun
A person who starts a company or organisation.
startupnoun
A new, usually small, company.
journalistnoun
A person who writes news for papers, TV or websites.
investornoun
A person who puts money into a business to make a profit.
appnoun
A program you use on a phone or computer.
successnoun
The achieving of a goal you wanted.
patientadjective
Able to wait calmly without getting annoyed.
energynoun
The strength and enthusiasm to do things.

Phrasal verbs in this story

  • set up — To set up a company means to start or establish it.
  • take off — To take off means to suddenly become very successful.
  • come up with — To come up with means to think of an idea or plan.

Comprehension quiz

  1. Who is the journalist interviewing?

    • A startup founder
    • A football player
    • A teacher
    Show answer

    A startup founder

  2. When did Aisha start her idea?

    • Ten years ago
    • Two years ago
    • Last week
    Show answer

    Two years ago

  3. She ___ the company with one laptop.

    • set up
    • closed
    • sold
    Show answer

    set up

  4. How many people has she hired?

    • Two
    • Twelve
    • Twenty
    Show answer

    Twelve

  5. Her app has ___ around the world.

    • taken off
    • broken down
    • run out
    Show answer

    taken off

  6. “Come up with” means to…

    • think of an idea
    • give up
    • arrive late
    Show answer

    think of an idea

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