Yellow- correct answer

Red-wrong answer
Orange-mispronounced words
Green – Things to remember

Superstitions
This is the preparation material for an English conversation lesson about
superstitions. Superstitions are irrational or unscientific beliefs about things that happen in
daily life. They cause us to act in strange ways or believe in unusual things. They have
existed for thousands of years and even though many superstitions might seem silly to us
today, they continue to influence our behaviour. Superstitions vary from country to country
and are usually related to things that are thought to bring us either good luck or bad luck.

Video Discussion
https://youtu.be/Kn8aDDppJE4

Comprehension Questions
● The video describes some common superstitions in Russia. Do you have any similar
superstitions in your country?
● Do you know anything about the origins of some of the superstitions in your country?
Vocabulary
Nouns Adjectives Verb Expressions

Superstition Superstitious Make a wish

Charm Gullible Touch wood
Talisman Lucky Hope for the best
Misfortune Magical
Four-leaf clover
Cursed
Old Wives’ Tale
Belief
Folklore
Jinx
Omen
Luck
Magic
Curse
Ritual

Good luck and Bad luck

● In many English speaking countries, the following actions are believed to lead to bad
luck:
○ walking under a ladder
○ breaking a mirror
 ○ seeing a black cat
○ opening an umbrella indoors
What things are considered bad luck in your country?
● In many English speaking countries, the following actions are believed to lead to
good luck:
○ finding a four-leaf clover
○ seeing three butterflies together
○ putting a horseshoe above your door
What things are considered good luck in your country?

Conversation Questions
● Are you superstitious?
● Do you believe in bad luck?
● Do you believe in good luck?
● Do you have any objects that you think will bring you good luck?
● Are there any superstitions that are common to your country or culture?
● Have you ever been really lucky? What happened?
● What do people do for good luck in your country?
● What do people avoid doing that they think is unlucky?
● Which numbers are lucky or unlucky in your country? Why?
● Do you think that there is truth behind superstitions?
● What numbers are considered to be lucky and unlucky in your country?
● Do you have a lucky number?
● Do you know any superstitions related to dreams?
● Do you know any old wives’ tales?