Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a senior
    • ex. Next year, my daughter will be a senior in high school.
  2. in need
    • ex. Jim started a charity to help families in need.
  3. board
    • ex. I didn’t have to pay for board because I still lived at home.
  4. a guidance counselor
    • ex. Sarah wanted to become a teacher, but then she decided to become a guidance counselor instead.
  5. raise
    • ex. The school raised over $10,000 to build a new gym.

Article

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

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A high school student recently gave away his college savings. Joshua Nelson, a senior at St. Charles West High School, saved $1,000 for college. However, he received a full scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University, so he decided to give his $1,000 to another student in need.

Nelson’s scholarship is worth $43,000, and it will cover his tuition and board for four years.  Two hundred eighty-eight students applied for the scholarship, but only five students were selected. After receiving the scholarship, Nelson felt inspired to help other students who also want to go to college.

Nelson’s original plan was to give his $1,000 to only one student. However, Nelson’s guidance counselor, Yolanda Curry, helped him create a scholarship program, so every year, one lucky senior will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Thanks to donations from his community, the program has already raised over $16,000. Nelson hopes that other people will also donate money to help more students. People who want to donate can do it through the school’s website.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Going to College

  • In the US, many people decide not to go to college because it costs too much. Do you think the government should cover the cost of college? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, do people need to go to college in order to be successful? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Imagine that you're going to go to college now. What will you choose to study (ex. nursing, business)? Why? Discuss.

Saving Money

  • Do you think high school students should save money for their education? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think it's easy for most people to save money? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think parents should teach their children to save money? Why or why not? Discuss.