1637 lets talk about crime

Speaking and listening – Pre-intermediate to Upper-intermediate Conversation cards Have you ever been the victim of a crime?. Have you ever witnessed a crime?. Is crime a serious proble

Speaking and listening – Pre-intermediate to Upper-intermediate

Conversation cards

Have you ever been the victim of

a crime?

Talk about it

Have you ever witnessed a crime?

Tell the class what happened

Is crime a serious problem where you live? What are the most common crimes?

Make a list of crimes you know

What crimes have you heard

about in the news recently?

Summarize the stories

What is white-collar crime? How can white-collar criminals

be brought to justice?

How should they be punished?

What kinds of crime can be prevented? How?

What’s your opinion of the police?

Do you think they do a good job?

How should people be punished

for breaking the law?

Who decides?

Have you ever done anything illegal? Did you get caught? Talk about it if you want to

Fine, prison time or community service Which crimes could get you these punishments?

Is there a problem with

organized crime or gangs where

you live? Explain

Do you think prison can rehabilitate criminals? Are there alternatives to jail time?

Should a poor, hungry man be punished for stealing food from

a supermarket? Explain

What is capital punishment?

Does it exist where you live? Are

you in favour or against it?

What’s a serial killer? How do serial killers kill their victims?

Do you think the death penalty is

an adequate deterrent?

Why do people become criminals? (e.g lack of education)

Give your opinion

What is identity theft?

Do you know any other modern or

cyber-crimes?

Should adultery be a crime?

(= cheating on your husband or wife)

What about abortion? Explain

(= terminating an unborn foetus)

What do you think is a proper punishment for murder?

What about serial murder?

Stolen! Match crime and explanation

2 embezzlement (an embezzler) b steal a person

3 fraud (a fraud or fraudster) c steal items from a shop

4 kidnapping (a kidnapper) d steal from a house or office

5 robbery (a robber) e steal with violence

7 shoplifting (a shoplifter) g steal by deceiving (often important amounts)

He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages it

Behind every great fortune there is a crime

All crime is a kind of disease and should be treated as such

Poverty

is the mother of crime

Do you agree? Discuss