Could you spare some change, please? - Module 9

B2 First · Multiple Matching · First Expert Coursebook, Pearson Education

You are going to read an article in which five people talk about contributing to charity. For questions 1–10, choose from the people (A-E). The people may be chosen more than once.

A Tom (30)

'Whenever I see a fundraising event on TV to raise money for an earthquake or whatever, I always feel moved by the number of people - especially the worse-off - who make donations. I do think the TV coverage helps - it really brings it all home to you. Of course, it's not only about giving money, although obviously that is a key part of it; I've often wished that I had medical or engineering skills to offer so that I could go out there and help the relief effort. I'm more unwilling, though, to just give money to people on the streets because I don't think this helps solve the problem long-term and in fact could encourage more people to sleep rough.'

B Yvette (26)

'I can never pass anyone in the street holding a collection tin without asking myself whether or not I should give. I sometimes feel reluctant if it's for medical research or the homeless - isn't that what I pay my taxes for, after all? But on the other hand, if everyone gave just a little, then we wouldn't have all these problems. I read somewhere that the average person only gives one percent of what they earn to charity, which means they spend 99 percent on themselves! However, I do worry that some organisations have become so big that they are, perhaps, spending too much on bureaucracy instead of sending it directly to those in need.'

C Jeanette (57)

'I really applaud those people who actively do something for good causes, such as car boot sales or sponsored walks. Sometimes I think about taking part in something like that but thinking is as far as I get! To tell the truth, I think that most of us need to have a personal reason for getting involved, such as knowing someone who has a certain disease or something. I do give money to charity collectors on the street whenever I have change but if I'm honest, that's because I feel ashamed walking on past them when it's cold or the rain is pouring down.'

D Graham (45)

'I get really annoyed with the charity collectors who stand outside shops and swoop on you, asking you for money for this cause and that cause, trying to make you feel guilty if you say no. I also disapprove of all those junk letters you get - you know, with photos of starving children or animals in pain or whatever. I feel that they are almost trying to exploit you - it's a kind of emotional blackmail. It's up to me, after all, who I donate money to and I actually make a point of giving to organisations that get less publicity rather than the trendy ones that are linked to celebrities.'

E Laura (35)

'I wouldn't have any money at all if I gave money to every charity collector on every street corner! That's why I don't do it. And I've stopped giving myself a hard time about it because I do feel that I do my fair share for the community in other ways. I donate blood three times a year and I work as a volunteer in a retirement home. I also give our old clothes and toys to the local charity shop. I think that there are those who only give money to charity to ease their conscience rather than really wanting to help those they are giving it to. The same goes for those celebrities who get a lot of publicity because they are associated with a charity. Who benefits more: the celebrity or the charity?'

Could you spare some change, please?

What motivates you to give or deny money to people in need? We hit the streets of Manchester to find out your views.

admires the efforts made to raise funds for charity?

thinks some people support charities out of self-interest?

believes that giving money directly to individuals in need is not the best solution?

resents feeling pressured into giving money?

suspects that some charities don't make the best use of their money?

has mixed feelings about giving to street collectors?

contributes to society in non-financial ways?

is impressed by the general public's generosity after a disaster?

prefers to support less 'fashionable' charities?

admits they have given money out of a feeling of guilt?

Which person

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

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