How does the writer document hard times?

The writer documents hard times by illustrating the tribulations that each “hustler” has had to endure. He writes of specific hardships, such as drug addiction to crack cocaine, injury and imprisonment, and living in poverty.

How and where does the writer bring money into his story?

The writer’s first quote in the article is, “Where’s my tip?” He introduced the quote after a short anecdote about a burning car. This was an early indication that the story was going to revolve around the struggles of obtaining money.

Do you think the lead is effective? If so, why?

I think the lead was highly effective. It foreshadowed the rest of the article pretty accurately, while also evoking a bit of mystery, because it does not give away the story completely. You know it’s going to revolve around the people who work on the strip that is Atlantic Avenue, but you’re not sure what about them you’re going to discover.