Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to the Tasks and do the activities. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.
Preparation
Before you watch
Think about the following questions:
- Are there open-air art markets in your country?
- Do you have any artistic talents?
- What do you think makes for good art?
Now watch to find out how Ashlie and Stephen get into their fight.
Transcript
Ashlie: What about this, Stephen?
Stephen: Typical, Ash. You choose the biggest thing in the market for your tiny flat.
Ashlie: Well, yeah... I guess it is a bit too big. Let's look over there.
Stephen: We can’t take too long. We’ve got to go and say hello to Pete.
Ashlie: Yeah, OK... We're at an art market – it's a kind of market where artists sell their art.
Stephen: Ashlie wants to buy some art for her flat and she’s already seen about ten things she wants to buy.
Stephen: Hi, Pete. How's it going?
Pete: Hi, guys. Great, thanks. It’s quite busy today. There’s lots of people buying things.
Ashlie: Wow... so you're actually making some money?
Pete: Yeah, of course. This is a great place to sell art.
Stephen: Right, well, let me give you a hand. You need a proper salesman!
Ashlie: Right, OK – you stay here. I'm off to find some art for my flat.
Stephen: OK, but don’t be gone too long – and don’t spend all your money!
…..
Ashlie: Hi there. Ooh, how much are these?
Stallholder: They’re twelve pounds.
Ashlie: They’re very cool. Are they all your own designs?
Stallholder: Yeah, they are. Liachild is my own brand.
Ashlie: Good luck with it!
Stallholder: Thanks a million.
Ashlie: Thanks.
Stallholder: Thank you.
…..
Stephen: So what did you buy, then?
Ashlie: Nothing, actually, but I’ve got an idea that could make us some money!
Stephen: What is it?
Ashlie: Well, I'm going to make some art, come back to the market and sell it! Brilliant idea, huh?
Stephen: Yes, excellent idea! Except one thing... You're not an artist.
Ashlie: Well, I can learn, can't I? All great artists had to start somewhere.
Stephen: Well, if it's that easy, why don't we both try and make some art? And then come back next week and try and sell it?
Ashlie: Stephen, I reckon you won’t be able to sell a single thing.
Stephen: Sounds like a challenge. Why don't we make it a bit more exciting?
Ashlie: In what way?
Stephen: Well, the one who sells the most is the winner... and the winner gets to keep all the money we make. Agree?
Ashlie: Agree.
Stephen: Ah! You’re going to be giving all your money to me!
Ashlie: Oh, yeah, right, whatever. Come on then, I need to get some inspiration.
.....
Stephen: So this is art, is it?
Ashlie: Err, yes, Stephen, it is.
Stephen: Looks like a pile of old junk to me.
Ashlie: Art is all about ideas. Try and look at what the artist is trying to say.
Stephen: This is harder than I thought.
Ashlie: Come on, let's have a look over there.
…..
Stephen: So Ash – what do you think of this? I have been trying to understand the message. What is the artist trying to say here?
Ashlie: Well, what do you think, Stephen?
Stephen: I guess he's trying to make us think about the modern world. He’s using a rubbish bin to show how everyday objects...
Ashlie: Stephen – that is a rubbish bin. Come on, you. Let’s make some art!
Hello nikoslado,
It may be that you need more practice before moving on to Word on the Street, which is B1/B2 level.
You can use our search page to find material at B1 level (like Big City Small World):
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/english-levels/find-resources-for-your-level
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hi Armandito,
The question 'What do you think makes for good art' means, as you say, 'What do you think makes good art?'
The answer shoudl be something like 'I think good art is...'.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Stéphane,
Although what you suggest is grammatically correct, it means something else. 'have a go' means 'try', so essentially you'd change it to 'let's try and look (or 'try looking') over there'. The other version doesn't have the idea of trying in it.
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Alexander,
The 'again' here refers to the fact that he was walking before (walking into) and now is walking again (out). It's slightly illogical if we are pedantic but I suppose we focus on the action of walking rather than the direction in this case. Languages are full of these kinds of constructions which are not entirely logical if we dig deep.
Best wishes,
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello again alexander-Rednaxela,
The sentence is ambiguous in this respect (i.e. there is no way to know for sure) but unless the context indicated something to the contrary, most of the time people would probably think that the coat belonged to the thief. Since we're talking about a thief, however, it would probably be better to be more specific, since it could well be the inspector's coat as well!
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team