<p> Vasilyeva S.L., assistant professor. 2nd course, 3rd term Topic “The Problems of Modern Cities” taken and adapted from http://www.englishbaby.com/lessons/2364/real_life/ beggars</p><p>Beggars</p><p>1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson. intrusion tradesperson make an effort dense spare change pockets block hand out cardboard 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. 2. Study - Read the dialog to see how the vocab words are used. 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? 1. Comprehension Quiz - Take the comprehension quiz to see if you understood the lesson. 1. Which type of beggar does Mason prefer? а) sign holding b) spare change asking c) music playing 2. On his way to meet Kevin, Mason… a) was asked for change by five different people. b) was asked for change every block. c) saw a lot of cardboard signs asking for money. 3. What does Kevin buy from people on the street? a) drugs b) newspapers c) guitar lessons Discussion - Join the discussion to learn more and make friends. 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.</p><p>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?</p>