Prime Time 8. Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks, Schulbuch

6 A day in my life Before you read Imagine you are a homeless person who tries to sell a street paper to passers-by to earn enough money to get by. • What would homeless people think of their own situation? • What would they think about their customers? Reading: A glimpse at Hazel’s life Read the text and make notes on what the writer enjoys about her situation and what makes her feel bad. Which aspects are surprising for you? Fact file The Big Issue is a British street paper which is sold by homeless and vulnerably housed people and provides an income for them. Founded in 1991 by Gordon Roddick (co-founder of The Bodyshop ) and A. John Bird, it was conceived as an alternative to begging by enabling homeless people to earn some money. F 1 2 I find myself getting there later and later. Feet dragging. “Come on,” I say to myself, “you’re not going to sell any issues with that miserable vibe around you.” I pull my head up and start seeing the funny side of my negative thoughts and bounce up to my pitch. Great: no one standing there, no cup people. OK: I give a greeting to the Evening Standard lady, and get a cheeky grin back and a wave. Together, we almost work side by side. “Free Evening Standard,” she calls. “Non-free Big Issue,” I call out in reply. People grin as they walk hurriedly by me grabbing a free Evening Standard. “Traitors,” I sometimes whisper to them with a twinkle in my eye. So I try to get it over to people (as they quickly step by) that if you buy something you have more respect and appreciation for it. “Is it just a myth then?” I call out to the back of their heads. And so my one-sided conversations go on. I love it; it’s great that no one listens to me chattering away. I can say what I want. I spurt out verses from poems (making up what I forget). I go on about the news Ask them politely their views Never get a reply (But then I don’t expect to) As they hurry on by. I remember wield the tight Schedule of working 9 to 5 The magnet that switches on When the workday is done Pulling you homeward. Sometimes people just stop to ask how I’m doing. It’s good to see that they are still working in this recession. That’s one of the things I like about selling the Issue: sharing stories, having a moan or a laugh. Another Big Issue seller is approaching me and I know what he is going to ask. Yep, here we go. “Hi,” he says. “Been here long? How are you? What’s happening? Give us a Big Issue. I’ll pay you back later, won’t take me long.” “Sorry,” I reply. “Can’t do it, and you still owe me from before.” His whole body language changes and his language towards me. “Well I’m sorry,” I say. “But I need to sell them myself. Do what I do: go to the office or one of the other places and buy them.” He walks off – sorry, no, stalks off – muttering away. I stand there feeling bad. OK: Brush myself down Pick me-self up And start all over again: “Big Issue: Good Evening!” Who is gonna be the next lucky person? I’ll think about selling one to you, if you ask me nicely! See you tomorrow. ( The Big Issue; adapted) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 Writing: Report on homeless people You are regularly taking part in a charity event for homeless people and have been asked by one of the organisers to write a report for potential benefactors. You decide to take the text above as an inspiration. In your report you should: • explain the reasons why people become homeless • analyse the needs and problems of people who live on the streets • make suggestions on how people could contribute to your cause Divide your report into sections and give them headings . Write around 250/400 words. 3 74 The individual and society Nur zu Prüfzw cken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv