Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

    • ex. Mara earns a living as a doctor.
  1. a dumpster
    • ex. I put my trash in the dumpster behind my apartment.
  2. be inspired
    • ex. Lisa was inspired to become a teacher because she loves children.
  3. can’t get enough
    • ex. I can’t get enough of these delicious cookies.
    • ex. My sister left without saying goodbye, so I’m upset.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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April Smith quit her job as a chef to earn a living as a dumpster diver. A dumpster diver is someone who looks for food and other things in trash cans. She was inspired to change jobs after watching online videos of famous dumpster divers.

Although she was scared when she did her first dive, Smith now can’t get enough of dumpster diving. Every day, she checks dumpsters near supermarkets in her town. She often finds food, makeup, and home products, which helps her save a lot of money. Smith says that she’s saved about $4,000 on food so far. According to her, the makeup and home products that she’s found are worth about $20,000.

Smith sells some of the things that she finds, but she donates most of them. She explained that she grew up in a family that didn’t have a lot of money, and she’s also traveled to poorer countries. Because of this, she often feels upset when stores throw away good products and food.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Trash

  • Is it okay to use beauty products and home items that you find in the trash? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think that dumpster diving will become popular in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think that people in your country create too much trash? Why or why not? Discuss.

Food

  • Is it important to pay attention to the dates on food? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What should supermarkets and convenience stores do with old food? Why? Discuss.
  • Do you think that your country needs more charities that give out food? Why or why not? Discuss.