Generalitat de Catalunya

Departament d’Ensenyament
Escoles Oficial d’Idiomes

“Stupidity Street” by Ralph Hodgson

Teaching Notes
Lead-in: Ask students if they know any funny street names. (funny ha-ha or funny
strange) Ask them for a translation of the name in English. Elicit what kinds of names
are given to streets: names of places, famous people, products which can be bought
and sold, etc
Tell them they are going to read a poem called Stupidity Street and ask them why
they think a street might have that name.

Ask students to read the text and discuss questions 1-3 in pairs. After a few minutes
ask for some feedback. Deal with any queries.

Either in groups or as a whole class activity students discuss questions 4 and 5. With
more able students the effects of the economic crisis on shops and businesses could
be discussed. If necessary the teacher can ask questions like:

Which kinds of shops/businesses suffer most in a crisis?

Which kinds of shops/businesses have closed in your area/city in the last few years?
Timing: 40-45 minutes

Materials elaborats pel grup de treball de literatura anglesa – Departament d’Ensenyament /BritishCouncil 1
Stupidity Street by Ralph Hodgson
Teaching Notes