Saving the Maple Street Library

Two neighbors meet in a Boston kitchen to refine a letter to the local newspaper regarding the sudden closure of the municipal library.

Saving the Maple Street Library

Listen and choose the right answer

What public facility is closing down in Kayla and Tom's neighborhood?

• The municipal library
• The community swimming pool
• The local primary school

What tone do they decide is best to maintain in their letter?

• Angry and aggressive
• A measured tone
• Sarcastic and humorous

What did they include in the second paragraph of their text?

• A list of local politicians
• Statistical reports from the state university
• Personal complaints about taxes

Why does the editor want to put their letter on the front page?

• He used to borrow books from that library as a boy.
• He is friends with the mayor.
• The newspaper has extra space on the front page.

Listen again and complete the sentences

• Kayla: Tom, do you really think our ____ is sharp enough to voice concerns about the library?
• Tom: It's getting there, Kayla, but we need to ____ the lack of consultation much more clearly.
• Kayla: You're right, because it's a major ____ for every concerned resident in our Boston district.
• Kayla: I'll adjust that sentence to maintain a measured tone throughout the entire ____ piece.
• Tom: That's wise, since the ____ of the Boston Globe expects a high standard of public discourse.

Sources: photo by Ivan S on Pexels