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Speak Up!
Adrian Ceron
BEFORE YOU READ:
What is the difference between to speak and to speak up? Read about phrasal verbs in the box below.
She Needed Help
One day, I gave a ride to an old woman. She was in a wheelchair. We arrived at her home. I helped her go inside. Her home was a mess. She told me that she lives alone. She said, “I don’t have anyone to help me.” She could not clean her home. She could not do many things that she needs to do. I felt bad. She needed help. Where is the help for this woman?
People Can’t Do Everything By Themselves
We need to speak up about this. The government needs to make some changes. People need help. People can’t do everything by themselves. The government should give them support. The government should hire good workers who can help them.
The Government Should Provide Support
There is another thing the government should do. The government should make sure that all buildings have automatic doors. All buildings should have ramps. People in wheelchairs should be able to go where they want. They should be able to go to school and feel welcome.
I didn’t know how to get help for this woman. I didn’t know who to ask. I hope she was able to find help.
AFTER YOU READ:
1. What experience did Adrian have? How did his experience influence his thinking?
2. Should is a modal verb. It is used with the main verb to give advice. How does the author use should? What does he think the government should do?
Adrian Ceron is a student at Ysleta Community Learning Center in El Paso, Texas.