B2 – Upper Intermediate
Amidst Britain’s cost of living emergency, many struggle to make ends meet. Those in dire situations are pushed to juggle two to three jobs at a time just to survive.
Read the commentary on the worsening problem with steeply increasing cost of living in the UK and how citizens cope with it.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/14/heat-or-eat-poverty-rising-costs
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the expression ”to drop the ball” mean, ”I’m juggling so I don’t drop the balls.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
- What does “sleaze” mean, “Tory sleaze every day, a drip, drip, drip effect.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
- What does “drip effect” mean, “Tory sleaze every day, a drip, drip, drip effect.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your reaction to having to keep 2 to 3 jobs at a time just to get by? How would you feel if you were in the same situation?
- Is it common for people to keep more than one job in your country? Why is this the case?
- What are ways to make ends meet amidst rising cost of living?
- Talk about the current cost of living in your country.
- What are your thoughts on the writer’s opinion about the accountability from the government?