A judge in Michigan has started a new program to deal with shoplifting by making offenders wash cars in a Walmart parking lot. Judge Jeffrey Clothier, who just began his role in Genesee County District Court, thinks this unusual punishment can help stop theft and also help honest shoppers who might face higher prices or store closures because of theft. The free car washes are set to start in the spring.

Judge Clothier understands that not everyone who steals is a bad person. He said, “I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck.” However, he also believes that people need to be responsible for their actions. He has already started giving out these car wash sentences to people caught shoplifting at a Walmart in Grand Blanc Township, which is about 50 miles north of Detroit. He expects that around 75 to 100 people will take part in these car wash events in March and April.

Walmart is helping out by providing water and supplies for the car washes, but the company’s main office in Arkansas hasn’t commented on the program yet. Judge Clothier was surprised by how much shoplifting was happening when he started his job in January. He noticed that offenders came from all over Michigan and even from other states. He mentioned a day when he had 48 shoplifting cases to deal with, showing how serious the problem is.

Judge Clothier thinks that washing cars could be a humbling experience for those involved, especially if they run into people they know. Township Supervisor Scott Bennett agreed, noting that Walmart has even set aside a parking spot for police because of the frequent thefts. County Prosecutor David Leyton praised the car wash idea, saying that if it stops even one person from stealing, it would be a success. To show support, Judge Clothier plans to wash cars alongside the offenders, emphasizing that everyone must take responsibility for their actions. This program aims to reduce theft while also building a sense of community and responsibility among those involved.

Original news source: Michigan judge sentences Walmart shoplifters to wash cars in the parking lot (AP News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. One student from a team will act out the main ideas or actions from the article (like “washing a car” or “shoplifting”), while their team guesses what it is. Set a time limit for each round.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a series of statements related to the article (e.g., “People who shoplift should face community service”). Students will walk around the classroom and ask their classmates if they agree or disagree with each statement, gathering opinions to share with the class afterward.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: In small groups, students will brainstorm and create catchy headlines for the article. Afterward, each group will present their headline to the class and explain why they chose it, discussing the key points of the article.

– THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Instructions: Pose a thought-provoking question related to the article, such as “Do you think alternative punishments like washing cars are effective?” Students will first think about their response individually, then discuss their thoughts with a partner before sharing with the larger group.

– SYNONYM CHALLENGE
Instructions: Provide students with key vocabulary from the article (e.g., “offender,” “punishment,” “responsibility”). In pairs, they will come up with synonyms for each word. After a set time, pairs will share their synonyms with the class, and the teacher will clarify any unfamiliar terms.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the main purpose of the new program started by Judge Jeffrey Clothier in Michigan?

2. How does Judge Clothier feel about people who steal, according to the article?

3. What are the expected benefits of having offenders wash cars in a Walmart parking lot?

4. What role does Walmart play in the car wash program mentioned in the article?

5. How many shoplifting cases did Judge Clothier have to deal with on one particular day?

6. Why does Judge Clothier believe that washing cars could be a humbling experience for offenders?

7. What is the reaction of County Prosecutor David Leyton regarding the car wash idea?

8. In what ways does Judge Clothier plan to participate in the car wash program?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A judge in Michigan has started a new program to deal with shoplifting by making offenders wash cars in a (1)______ parking lot. Judge Jeffrey (2)______, who just (3)______ his role in Genesee County District Court, thinks this unusual punishment can help stop theft and also help (4)______ shoppers who might face higher prices or store closures because of theft. The free car washes are set to start in the spring.

Judge Clothier understands that not everyone who steals is a bad person. He said, “I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad (5)______. Sometimes people are just down on their luck.” However, he also believes that people need to be responsible for their actions. He has already started giving out these car wash (6)______ to people caught (7)______ at a Walmart in Grand Blanc Township, which is about 50 miles north of (8)______. He expects that around 75 to 100 people will take part in these car wash events in March and April.

Walmart is helping out by providing water and supplies for the car washes, but the company’s main office in Arkansas hasn’t commented on the program yet. (9)______ Clothier was surprised by how much shoplifting was happening when he started his job in (10)______. He noticed that offenders came from all over Michigan and even from other states. He (11)______ a day when he had 48 shoplifting (12)______ to deal with, showing how serious the problem is.

Judge Clothier thinks that washing cars could be a humbling experience for those involved, especially if they run into people they know. Township Supervisor Scott Bennett (13)______, noting that Walmart has even set aside a (14)______ spot for police because of the frequent thefts. (15)______ Prosecutor David Leyton praised the car wash idea, saying that if it stops even one person from stealing, it would be a success. To show support, Judge Clothier plans to wash cars alongside the offenders, emphasizing that everyone must take responsibility for their actions. This (16)______ aims to reduce theft while also building a sense of community and responsibility among those involved.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the idea of using community service as a punishment for shoplifting?
2. How would you feel if you had to wash cars as a punishment for stealing?
3. Do you think that washing cars could actually help deter people from stealing in the future? Why or why not?
4. What is a more effective way to deal with shoplifting, in your opinion?
5. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt tempted to steal something? How did you handle it?
6. Do you believe that everyone who steals is a bad person? Why or why not?
7. How would you feel if you saw someone you knew washing cars as a punishment?
8. What do you think about the idea of making offenders do community service instead of going to jail?
9. Do you think that providing free car washes is a good way to help honest shoppers? Why or why not?
10. How important do you think it is for people to take responsibility for their actions?
11. What is a community service project that you think would be beneficial for young people?
12. Do you think that programs like this can help build a sense of community? Why or why not?
13. How would you feel if you were part of a program that aimed to reduce theft in your community?
14. What do you think could be the long-term effects of this car wash program on the offenders?
15. Do you think that more businesses should get involved in community programs like this one? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. offenders
2. punishment
3. theft
4. responsible
5. sentences
6. commented
7. offenders
8. humbling
9. frequent
10. praised
11. emphasized
12. community
13. program
14. providing
15. experience

Meanings:
(A) An event or activity that leaves a lasting impression
(B) Making someone feel less proud or important
(C) Happening often
(D) A group of people living in the same area or having a shared interest
(E) To give special importance to something
(F) To give an opinion or reaction
(G) Supplying or making something available
(H) A punishment given by a judge
(I) People who have committed a crime or done something wrong
(J) Being accountable for something
(K) A planned series of actions to achieve a goal
(L) The act of stealing
(M) People who have committed a crime or done something wrong
(N) A penalty given for doing something wrong
(O) To express approval or admiration
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the new program started by Judge Jeffrey Clothier in Michigan?
(a) To promote car washing
(b) To increase Walmart sales
(c) To train police officers
(d) To deal with shoplifting

2. Where will the car washes take place?
(a) In a Walmart parking lot
(b) In a court building
(c) At a community center
(d) In a school parking lot

3. How many people does Judge Clothier expect will participate in the car wash events?
(a) 50 to 75
(b) 100 to 150
(c) 150 to 200
(d) 75 to 100

4. What supplies is Walmart providing for the car washes?
(a) Food and drinks
(b) Water and supplies
(c) Cars and tools
(d) Money and workers

5. How did Judge Clothier feel about the amount of shoplifting when he began his job?
(a) Indifferent
(b) Surprised
(c) Happy
(d) Unconcerned

6. What did Township Supervisor Scott Bennett note about Walmart’s response to thefts?
(a) They set aside a parking spot for police
(b) They increased security staff
(c) They lowered prices
(d) They closed the store

7. What is the main goal of the car wash program, according to County Prosecutor David Leyton?
(a) To raise money for the court
(b) To hire more police officers
(c) To stop at least one person from stealing
(d) To promote community events

8. What does Judge Clothier plan to do alongside the offenders during the car washes?
(a) Take photos
(b) Give speeches
(c) Wash cars
(d) Collect donations

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Judge Clothier thinks that not all people who steal are bad, as some may be struggling financially.
2. Judge Jeffrey Clothier believes this punishment can increase theft and harm honest shoppers.
3. The car wash program is set to begin in the spring.
4. A judge in Michigan has dismantled a program where shoplifting offenders wash cars in a Walmart parking lot.
5. Judge Clothier was unsurprised by the low number of shoplifting cases he encountered when he started his job.
6. The program aims to promote responsibility and build a sense of community among participants.
7. He has yet to start assigning car wash sentences to shoplifters at a Walmart in Grand Blanc Township.
8. Walmart is providing water and supplies for the car washes, but their main office has not commented on the program.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What is the unique punishment that Judge Clothier has introduced for shoplifters in Michigan?
2. Why does Judge Clothier believe that not everyone who steals is a bad person?
3. How does Judge Clothier plan to make the car wash program more meaningful for the offenders?
4. What role is Walmart playing in this new program to deal with shoplifting?
5. What does County Prosecutor David Leyton think about the car wash idea, and what does he hope it will achieve?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the main purpose of the new program started by Judge Jeffrey Clothier in Michigan?
The main purpose of the program is to deal with shoplifting by having offenders wash cars in a Walmart parking lot, aiming to reduce theft and help honest shoppers.

2. How does Judge Clothier feel about people who steal, according to the article?
Judge Clothier believes that not everyone who steals is a bad person; some people may just be down on their luck.

3. What are the expected benefits of having offenders wash cars in a Walmart parking lot?
The expected benefits include reducing theft, providing a humbling experience for offenders, and helping to keep prices lower for honest shoppers.

4. What role does Walmart play in the car wash program mentioned in the article?
Walmart is providing water and supplies for the car washes, and they have even set aside a parking spot for police due to frequent thefts.

5. How many shoplifting cases did Judge Clothier have to deal with on one particular day?
Judge Clothier had to deal with 48 shoplifting cases on one particular day.

6. Why does Judge Clothier believe that washing cars could be a humbling experience for offenders?
He believes it could be humbling because offenders might run into people they know while washing cars in a public setting.

7. What is the reaction of County Prosecutor David Leyton regarding the car wash idea?
County Prosecutor David Leyton praised the car wash idea, saying that if it stops even one person from stealing, it would be considered a success.

8. In what ways does Judge Clothier plan to participate in the car wash program?
Judge Clothier plans to wash cars alongside the offenders to emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Walmart
(2) Clothier
(3) began
(4) honest
(5) person
(6) sentences
(7) shoplifting
(8) Detroit
(9) Judge
(10) January
(11) mentioned
(12) cases
(13) agreed
(14) parking
(15) County
(16) program
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. offenders
Answer: (I) People who have committed a crime or done something wrong

2. punishment
Answer: (N) A penalty given for doing something wrong

3. theft
Answer: (L) The act of stealing

4. responsible
Answer: (J) Being accountable for something

5. sentences
Answer: (H) A punishment given by a judge

6. commented
Answer: (F) To give an opinion or reaction

7. offenders
Answer: (I) People who have committed a crime or done something wrong

8. humbling
Answer: (B) Making someone feel less proud or important

9. frequent
Answer: (C) Happening often

10. praised
Answer: (O) To express approval or admiration

11. emphasized
Answer: (E) To give special importance to something

12. community
Answer: (D) A group of people living in the same area or having a shared interest

13. program
Answer: (K) A planned series of actions to achieve a goal

14. providing
Answer: (G) Supplying or making something available

15. experience
Answer: (A) An event or activity that leaves a lasting impression
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the purpose of the new program started by Judge Jeffrey Clothier in Michigan?
Answer: (d) To deal with shoplifting

2. Where will the car washes take place?
Answer: (a) In a Walmart parking lot

3. How many people does Judge Clothier expect will participate in the car wash events?
Answer: (d) 75 to 100

4. What supplies is Walmart providing for the car washes?
Answer: (b) Water and supplies

5. How did Judge Clothier feel about the amount of shoplifting when he began his job?
Answer: (b) Surprised

6. What did Township Supervisor Scott Bennett note about Walmart’s response to thefts?
Answer: (a) They set aside a parking spot for police

7. What is the main goal of the car wash program, according to County Prosecutor David Leyton?
Answer: (c) To stop at least one person from stealing

8. What does Judge Clothier plan to do alongside the offenders during the car washes?
Answer: (c) Wash cars
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Judge Clothier thinks that not all people who steal are bad, as some may be struggling financially. (Answer: True)
2. Judge Jeffrey Clothier believes this punishment can increase theft and harm honest shoppers. (Answer: False)
3. The car wash program is set to begin in the spring. (Answer: True)
4. A judge in Michigan has dismantled a program where shoplifting offenders wash cars in a Walmart parking lot. (Answer: False)
5. Judge Clothier was unsurprised by the low number of shoplifting cases he encountered when he started his job. (Answer: False)
6. The program aims to promote responsibility and build a sense of community among participants. (Answer: True)
7. He has yet to start assigning car wash sentences to shoplifters at a Walmart in Grand Blanc Township. (Answer: False)
8. Walmart is providing water and supplies for the car washes, but their main office has not commented on the program. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧