| Level |
Topic |
Speakers |
Length |
| Difficult |
Homelessness |
Man |
02:58 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Describe the homeless situation in your community, city, or country? Where do they live, and what kinds of homeless assistance programs exist to serve this population? What are some possible solutions to the problem from an individual or government standpoint?
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, exploring ideas, and sharing opinions.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way?
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms.
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate.
- Homelessness is mostly caused by a lack of affordable housing.
- Governments should provide free shelter for all homeless people.
- Homeless people should be helped with job training programs.
- Mental health support is essential in reducing homelessness.
- Some homeless people choose to live on the streets.
- Communities should do more to welcome homeless individuals.
- Homelessness affects both cities and rural areas equally.
- Laws against begging make it harder for homeless people to get help.
- Homeless shelters should have stricter rules to encourage responsibility.
- Education about homelessness can reduce public stigma.
Idioms
“be short on cash” = have very little money
“Many people are so short on cash that they become homeless and live on the streets.”
“be hard up” = have little or no money
“I’m really hard up right now, and I don’t have enough money to rent an apartment or live on my own.”
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Post-Listening Exercise
What are some ways in which everyday citizens can help meet the needs of the homeless in their area?
Online Investigation
Use the internet to find the answers to these questions:
- What local organizations in your area serve the poor and/or homeless?
- What kinds of services do they provide (e.g., emergency shelter, free meals, food pantries, clothing, and other personal care items, and/or addiction recovery services)?
- In what ways can people volunteer their time and money to such organizations?