The Street Performer

Category
General English, Speaking Lessons
Topic
People, Homelessness
Media
Video
Level
B1 Intermediate
Grammar
Past Simple, Past Continuous
Focus
Grammar, Speaking, Vocabulary, Listening
Lesson ID
B1-24
Lesson Time
45 minutes
VIEW LESSON
Students engaged in an ESL lesson about homelessness and street performers, exploring these topics and their connections while learning and practicing the past simple and past continuous tenses.

Lesson Description

Have you ever been strapped for cash? In this lesson, students will learn about homelessness and street performers. This lesson features a video of a man who performs in a subway station just to give the money away to others in need. Students will learn and practice the past simple and past continuous tenses and vocabulary relating to this topic. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets that have been developed for adult and teenage learners.

Lesson Objectives


  • To discuss the topic of homelessness and street performers.

  • To learn and practice the use of past tenses (Simple and Continuous).

  • To develop speaking and listening skills.

  • To practice vocabulary relating to the topic.


Video

Have you ever given away your hard-earned cash? Meet the street performer who gives away money. This New York City resident helps homeless people who need money for food, a bus ticket, or a pet. “Everybody has this ability to give.”

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

audition [noun]: a trial performance or interview for a singer, actor, dancer, or musician
busk [verb]: to perform music or other entertainment in the street or another public place for money
subletting [verb]: to lease or rent out (a property) to another person
hardship [noun]: severe suffering or deprivation
suspended coffee [noun]: a cup of coffee paid for in advance as an anonymous act of charity
well-off [adjective]: being in good condition or favorable circumstances
modest [adjective]: moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements; humble
speak highly of [idiom]: to admire and respect (someone) a lot
shelter [noun]: a place giving temporary protection from bad weather, danger, etc.
take up [phrasal verb]: to respond favorably to (a person offering a bet, challenge, proposal, etc.)
guitar case [noun]: a soft, padded bag or container used for storing and transporting a guitar
initiative [noun]: energy or effort displayed in order to start an action
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