Lesson Plan - Should Cash Disappear?

Watch a Video
Watch the video “The U.S. Mint.” Ask: What are some of the steps involved in the production of new coins? What does it mean to “strike” a coin, and why is it necessary to have a negative impression of the image? 

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• consumers
• currency

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about how their own lives might change if we no longer used paper money or coins.

1. What does the author mean when she writes that “many people think cash is still king”?
When we say that something is “king,” we mean that it is the most important or best. So when the author writes that many people think cash is still king, she means that many people think cash is still the best way to pay for things.
^{L.5 Figurative Language}

2. According to the article, what are the main arguments for getting rid of cash?
The main arguments the article gives for getting rid of cash are that using apps instead of cash is convenient and can save time in checkout lines and that eliminating cash can save the country money, since making new currency is expensive.
^{R.8 Reasons and Evidence}

3. Why does the article say that going cash-free can actually cost consumers money?
The article says that going cash-free can cost consumers money because credit card companies charge businesses fees. To make up for those fees, many stores raise their prices.
^{R.5 Cause/Effect}

Featured Skill: Opinion Writing
Use the skill builder “Support Your Stance” to have students plan an opinion essay on the debate topic.
^{W.1 Opinion Writing}