A Street Hawker

How to Study

Start with the version that is right for your level. Notice how the paragraph begins with one clear topic sentence, develops the same main idea with explanations and examples, and ends with a concluding sentence. Then study the Writing Outline, Vocabulary Bank, and Useful Phrases and write the paragraph in your own words.

Short Version — 110–140 Words

For Class 4

A street hawker is a person who sells different things in streets and public places. He usually carries his goods in a basket, bag, cart, or small van. Some hawkers sell fruits, vegetables, toys, clothes, household items, snacks, or other small products. They move from one place to another and call out to attract buyers. A street hawker often begins work early and works for many hours. His income is usually small and not regular. He has to work in the sun, rain, dust, and crowded places. Sometimes he cannot sell enough goods and earns very little. However, street hawkers are useful because they bring many daily items close to our homes. We should treat them kindly and respect their honest work.


Standard Version — 170–200 Words

CEFR A1

A street hawker is a person who sells goods by moving from one street or public place to another. Street hawkers are common in towns, cities, markets, bus stands, and busy neighbourhoods. They usually carry their goods in baskets, bags, carts, or small vans. Some sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, toys, clothes, household items, snacks, or other everyday products. A hawker often calls out the names or prices of his goods to attract customers. He may begin work early in the morning and continue for many hours. His work is not easy because he has to walk or stand for a long time in the sun, rain, dust, and crowded places. His income is also uncertain because it depends on how much he can sell each day. Sometimes he may return home with unsold goods and little profit. In spite of these difficulties, street hawkers provide a useful service because they bring many products directly to people and make shopping easier. Their work is honest, and many of them support their families through this small business. Therefore, we should behave politely with street hawkers and respect their labour.


Advanced Version — 250–300 Words

CEFR A2–B1

A street hawker is a small trader who sells different goods while moving through streets, markets, transport areas, or residential neighbourhoods. Street hawkers are a common part of daily life in many towns and cities because they bring low-cost products close to customers. A hawker may carry goods in a basket, bag, handcart, bicycle, or small van. Different hawkers sell different products, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, snacks, toys, clothes, kitchen items, household goods, books, or seasonal products. Many of them call out loudly to tell people what they are selling and attract buyers. Their working day can be long and tiring. Some start early in the morning and continue until evening, walking considerable distances or standing for hours. They have to work in the hot sun, rain, dust, noise, and crowded streets. Their earnings are uncertain because they depend on daily sales. If the weather is bad, customers are few, or goods remain unsold, a hawker may make very little profit. Those who sell food, fruits, or vegetables may also lose money if their products become damaged or spoiled. Although their income is limited, many street hawkers support entire families with this small business. They are useful to society because they provide easy access to everyday goods, especially for people who cannot always visit large markets or shops. At the same time, hawkers should try to keep public spaces clean and avoid blocking roads or footpaths unnecessarily. Their work is a form of honest labour and deserves respect. Therefore, people should treat street hawkers politely, pay fair prices, and recognise the useful service they provide through their hard work.


Writing Outline — Write Your Own

Topic Sentence

A street hawker is a person who sells different goods in streets and public places.

Main Ideas

small trader

moves from place to place

basket, bag, cart, or van

sells different products

calls customers

works long hours

sun, rain, and dust

uncertain income

unsold goods

supports family

brings products near homes

provides useful service

honest work

should be respected


Vocabulary Bank

street hawker — a person who sells goods in streets

goods — things offered for sale

customer — a person who buys something

basket — a container used to carry things

cart — a small vehicle used to carry goods

residential area — a place where people live

attract — make someone interested

income — money earned from work

profit — money left after costs are paid

unsold — not bought by customers

spoiled — no longer good to use or eat

labour — work, especially hard work


Useful Phrases

A street hawker is...

He sells...

He usually carries his goods in...

Some hawkers sell...

To attract customers,...

His work is difficult because...

His income depends on...

Sometimes he cannot...

Street hawkers are useful because...

We should respect...


Write Your Own Paragraph

Step 1: Introduce who a street hawker is.

Step 2: Describe where and how he sells goods.

Step 3: Give examples of the things he may sell.

Step 4: Explain his difficult working conditions.

Step 5: Mention his uncertain income and family responsibility.

Step 6: Explain why his service is useful.

Step 7: End by showing respect for his honest work.

Remember

One Paragraph = One Main Idea

Topic Sentence → Explain → Support → Example → Develop → Conclude