English, baby!

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.

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

Mason

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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boss4eva

United Arab Emirates

i dont know where to start but if u thuoght about that u will discover thats a problem. once my friend told me a news but i dont know if its true or not anyway he told in many countries they trade by using baggers the provide a place as a shelter to any homeless they collect all these people then they send them to bag in different places any thing they earn they give it to their boss and all they got some food and a shelter

about me usually if anybody asked me 4 a change i give him coz i have enough and little bit more and i feel sorry for them what their fault that they didnt have the same chance that u got

now do u have any change 4 me…....ha ha ha ha im just kiding

enjoy he he he he

shimanaz

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

One day as I was walking to my office I saw a handsome, good-looking, elegant young boy coming towards me. He asked for a friendship. The more I refused, the more he insisted. So after all I said I’ll let him to accompany me during my walk. I’ll cut the long story short. When I wanted to leave him, he gave his number and an innocent look, then he asked me for some money so he can go back home! I was totally shocked!!! Assume such a person begging you for money! It was such a nasty trick!

someone_ nowhere

Saudi Arabia

the most interesting thing i've ever seen was a man playing guitar , i like his playing the musice sound very romantic ^_

Tonya

Russian Federation

I can't stand dirty beggars, which smell bad and etc. If it's possible, beggars will not be on the Earth. But love to free ride of people will not extirpate.

longmeiling0829

China

I have seem a man site on the floor in today morning,but i can't bear the blood over his leg.

Tonya

Russian Federation

I don't give money away homeless, if they are yong people, because they are just liars. But I'd like give money blind beggar, which play accordion in pedestrian subway.

pp77721

China

hi , in fact i don’t know what “hang out” mean in this sentence “where the homeless people tend to hang out “

ola3

Ukraine

you never know what`s behind each situation whether its children or sinior or middle aged people begging money. If they ask they need it and you have it, why not to share putting aside all morals.

cathiryn

Ghana

OKAY

samyue82

China

I agree with them. The homeless should make an effort to support themself.They need a tool or method to survie,not money .It’s a common and serious social problems in China,especially in big cities.I work in Beijing and often meet those people in the subway,blocks .
I was treated by them ,so i don’t believe them for ever.

bokus21

Azerbaijan

I always give beggars money. I know I shouldn't do so but they ask so skillfully I can't stand their entreaty But when I see young & healthy person begging I get angry

Katrisa

Hungary

yeah, everyone knows that its a big problem. I live in the capitalcity and I noticed the homeless people are come to here because they’ve got opportunity more. Anyway, I often go to help for them with my school.

FeiFei

China

this thing are very commonly be seen in the street in our country.and to my surprise that the people march in this group become more and more younger.sometimes I saw them kneel down there with a piece of board says somethings like no money for a meal or no money back home something like this.at first i gave them some money,but now I never gave them.I know most of them lie.because they are too lazy to do anything. they thoughe asking for money is easier than work for it.

Do-La

China

And I had seen such a thing in a corner of the street: a couple of old people force a little child to ask money to passangers.The little boy is so shy and don't willing to, and then the two person push him and laugh at him!! I felt so upset, cause I could do nothing with it….

Do-La

China

I met several beggers in streets.A few years ago,most of them are olders and disables,but now I can see more and more children beg in streets.It's so terrible!!!

I maybe give money to old people, disabled people,or those people who play guitar in the street, but I will NEVER give money to those young and good health people!! They should work with their own hands but not begging!

dae han

North Korea

I feel like pitiful when I see homelesspeople so usually I help them by giving some change.

jasepmo

South Korea

I think it’s ok to ask me some money if they have disabilities. But I don’t feel like giving money if people who ask me to spare some change are in good health condition. I mean work! man…

ola3

Ukraine

If I`m asked to give or to borrow money to someone I always do that, even if the person is not doing anything, maybe he can`t.

lola forever

Saudi Arabia

if i see achildren i give them,but if i see young people i don't b/c they can worke and gets mony. i usualy see children sell kandy&i like buy frome them to help them. so,some people need to our help&other don't.

majdoli

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

On myself ,helping this kind of baggers can nurture more baggers in the society.getting money without difficulty it is comfortable. i help homeless people who i surely know them