httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvvjDOtS2sw
Becky Blanton was Homeless - but of her own volition – for one year. She is a journalist but decided, after her father died, to hide from the world, travel and become homeless.
She had camped her whole life so thought driving off into the sunset with her dog and cat, in a Chevy van would be undemanding!
At first living in the van was great – going from different campground, taking a shower in toilet blocks and having space to breath - but after a while the heat increased in a hot summer and living with animals in a van at 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night was extremely cumbersome.
At winter the temperatures plummeted below freezing and having to stay in a different place each night to avoid the police; she felt out of control of her life.
It wasn’t until a real homeless person told her she had hope, had a real job as a newspaper editor and could do something positive with her life, that she realize she wasn’t a real homeless person. Becky made a choice to take back her alternate life. Not as a homeless person but as a writer!
DEBATE
- How many homeless people are there in Spain?
- Do you give money to help the homeless?
- Where do they get their food from?
KEYWORDS
Word |
Image |
Definition |
Example |
Listen |
Homeless |
 |
People who live on the streets |
Larger cities have more problems with homeless people than smaller towns. |
Listen |
Uncomfortable |
 |
To feel irritated, the opposite of comfortable |
This seat is really uncomfortable |
Listen |
Life-Changing |
 |
Altering a person's life or circumstances in a substantial way |
My new job is a life-changing experience |
Listen |
Cumbersome |
 |
Difficult to handle because of weight or bulk |
Although the machine looks cumbersome, it is easy to use |
Listen |
Plummeted |
 |
To crash, to fall very quickly |
The stock market plummeted during the Great Depression of 1929 |
Listen |
Volition |
 |
The act of willing, choosing, or resolving; exercise of willing |
She left of her own volition. |
Listen |
Hide |
 |
To conceal from sight; prevent from being seen or discovered |
Where did he hide the money? |
Listen |
Sunset |
 |
The time when the sun goes down |
It was a beautiful sunset |
Listen |
Choice |
 |
An act or instance of choosing |
His parents were not happy with his choice of friends |
Listen |
GRAMMAR STRUCTURES:
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'Also'
