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Spare Some Change?

Spare Some Change?

Date: Aug 24 2007

Themes: Work

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Since humans first settled into cities there have been those who, for one reason or another, find themselves begging in the street. Some ask nicely for a little money. Some are mean. Some perform tricks or music. Some hold signs and are silent. Listen to Mason and Kevin talk about the different kinds of beggars and how they make them feel.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Mason

Mason

Kevin

Kevin

Mason:  On my way walking here I had like five people ask me to spare some change.

Kevin:  It’s unbelievable in this town.

Mason:  We’re kind of in the area here. Like there’s certain pockets usually in the big city where more homeless people tend to hang out.

Kevin:  Of course. But it really is…It could happen every block. It’s unbelievable.

Mason:  I don’t know what I like more, if I can deal better with the people that just ask or the people standing there with the cardboard signs. They’re more of a visual intrusion, but then it’s like someone actually talking to me that I don’t want talking to me.

Kevin:  I always buy from the people selling newspapers. I’m totally comfortable with that.

Mason:  Oh yeah. It feels like they’re a tradesperson if it’s someone that’s like performing a service or dancing or playing guitar or whatever. I’m serious.

Kevin:  I see what you mean, yeah.

Mason:  Something feels more okay…You’re doing something.

Kevin:  You see someone, I guess, making an effort right?

Mason:  It’s kind of like an audition, why do you deserve me giving you my change?

 

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Discussion

On his way to meet Kevin, Mason was asked for change by five different people on the street. He notes that they are in a dense area that has a lot of people who sleep on the street. Kevin thinks the amount of times he gets asked for change is outrageous.

Mason says he’s not sure which he prefers, someone who clutters his vision with a cardboard sign, or someone who doesn’t hold a giant piece of cardboard but who actually talks to him without being invited.

Kevin says he always buys newspapers from people selling them on the street. In the United States, people experiencing homelessness often come together to make newspapers and sell to make a little money.

Kevin likes that the newspaper salespeople are making an effort and not just asking for a hand out and Mason agrees. He says he prefers people who dance or play guitar as well.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever seen anyone do for a little money on the street? Juggle? Stand like a statue? Play a dozen instruments at once?

 

Comments

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skminhaj

skminhaj

India

The Third Pillar of Islam: Compulsory Charity

Charity is not just recommended by Islam, it is required of every financially stable Muslim.  Giving charity to those who deserve it is part of Muslim character and one of the Five Pillars of Islamic practice. 

10:03 AM Dec 14 2014 |

FUN777

FUN777

Egypt

Actually, when i see any homeless person i always feel kindness especially old people that i could cry, but i prefer to put my money in any charity, i think it’s more guaranteed.

12:17 PM Nov 06 2011 |

 julito

julito

Argentina


 In Argentina Juggle is very common. Stand like a statue is not so common , but actually I   saw a guy performing in the street and it was awesome !!! 

12:47 AM Feb 01 2011 |

ALEX_DO

Russian Federation

Nancy, if old women is richer than you but this old women ask some money what you will do.

05:06 PM Sep 30 2007 |

nancy1955

China

I never give these beggers money,because someone told me that some of them are richer than us.

08:19 AM Sep 06 2007 |

nancy1955

China

I never give these beggers money,because someone told me that some of them are richer than us.

08:19 AM Sep 06 2007 |

魔女

魔女

China

yes,i agreed  with you .

02:40 AM Aug 31 2007 |

monikaski

Poland

Yes,I think that peple should do something like play on gitar or singing.If they do someting people think that I give him/her money becouse she/he do something..try something not just say give me money.

08:06 PM Aug 30 2007 |

dekomon

dekomon

Turkey

lam new in this site now is l haven't reply but after time l can typ someting   thanks

06:42 PM Aug 30 2007 |

bamifemi

Nigeria

i think we have to look at this things from so many perspective.what condition do we find these beggars,what has the society got to offer to these people,and what can u do as a person to help?

considering the above,it will be important we judge these people within that angle.if i have to help someone in need and there is the material at my disposal putting it side by side the above points,i believe i shouldn't hesitate to help.

03:48 PM Aug 30 2007 |

onthewaytoo

China

in our country some cheat always says i am in miserable family and has no money for school.

02:09 PM Aug 30 2007 |

hady

hady

Russian Federation

but, guys, everyone MUST try to someth to rise them up. we are all lords of conditions. cheers, H.

12:33 PM Aug 30 2007 |

victor25

victor25

Moldova, Republic Of

It's a sad fact that most of beggars are organized by a third person who actually benefits from this. Normally kids  who beg money are often sent by their parents. I don't give my money, but I can give food, and sometimes to my suprise some of beggars are not happy with that. Strange? No?

10:56 AM Aug 30 2007 |

ms_d

India

good. keep it up

03:58 AM Aug 30 2007 |

ms_d

India

good

03:56 AM Aug 30 2007 |

ms_d

India

god

03:55 AM Aug 30 2007 |

shanie

shanie

China

i will give them money if i have some in my pocket .whatever they are liar or not , to be bagger maybe is their only choice .

06:36 PM Aug 28 2007 |

wz

wz

China

once i walk on the road,an old ladycame up to me ,and asked for some food.Idont know how to do,finily i gave her some money. i could feel that she didn't lie

08:50 AM Aug 28 2007 |

Ahammad

Ahammad

Bangladesh

hi every body.

07:25 AM Aug 28 2007 |

boss4eva

boss4eva

United Arab Emirates

actually i dont know. what r u going to do if u put urself instead the bagger????

11:05 PM Aug 27 2007 |

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