Skip to main content

Academic English

“Homelessness”

See Listening Script
Back to Academic English
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?

Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

  • 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? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.

  • 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. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?

  • 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. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

  1. Homelessness is mostly caused by a lack of affordable housing.
  2. Governments should provide free shelter for all homeless people.
  3. Homeless people should be helped with job training programs.
  4. Mental health support is essential in reducing homelessness.
  5. Some homeless people choose to live on the streets.
  6. Communities should do more to welcome homeless individuals.
  7. Homelessness affects both cities and rural areas equally.
  8. Laws against begging make it harder for homeless people to get help.
  9. Homeless shelters should have stricter rules to encourage responsibility.
  10. 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

A. 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?
See Listening Script
Back to Academic English
Try More Free Listening at Dailyesl.com