Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. disorderly
    • ex. The disorderly guests disturbed other people in the hotel.
  2. a break-in
    • ex. There was a break-in at the store. Some expensive items were taken.
  3. a spokesperson
    • ex. The spokesperson gave an interview about the company’s situation and plans.
  4. charge
    • ex. The man is charged with stealing a million dollars.
  5. trespassing
    • ex. I reported him to the police for trespassing.

Article

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

Font size

A man was arrested near Taylor Swift’s house in Tribeca, New York City. On January 20, police received a report and later arrested the man because of his disorderly behavior. It seems like the popular singer’s home was a target of a break-in. However, police would not say if the break-in attempt happened at Swift’s house indeed.

Police didn’t reveal the man’s name. Later, the NYPD spokesperson said the man was charged with a different crime in 2017. It wasn’t clear if Swift was at home at the time of the failed break-in. But it’s clear that Swift traveled to Buffalo, New York on January 21 for her boyfriend’s NFL game.

This isn’t the first break-in attempt at Swift’s Tribeca home. In 2022, a man was charged with trespassing after entering two houses beside Swift’s home. In the same year, a man hit his car into Swift’s house and said he wouldn’t leave until he met with Swift. In 2018, another man broke into her house. Later, the same man was charged with another break-in at the building. Police say other people have also been arrested at Swift’s other homes.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Trespassing and Break-ins

  • Taylor Swift has experienced several break-ins at her houses. Why do you think these happened? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, is your home secured from trespassing and break-ins? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, is trespassing and break-in a huge concern in your area? Why or why not? Discuss.

Disorderly Behavior

  • On January 20, a man was arrested near Taylor Swift’s house for disorderly behavior. What do you think should be his punishment? Discuss.
  • What is your opinion about disorderly people? Discuss.
  • Have you ever experienced any problems living near a disorderly neighbor or community? Discuss.