miércoles, 28 de agosto de 2013

Talking point: Superstitions

Today's talking point is superstitions. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below, so that ideas flow more easily when you hold the discussion sessions and you can work out vocabulary problems beforehand.

Look at the pictures. What do these situations suggest to you?



Do you follow any special rituals when:
• you are about to take an exam? 
• you are travelling by train or car? 
• you are playing or watching a sport?
• you are choosing an important number (e.g. a lottery number)?
• someone wishes you good luck or mentions something unlucky?

Do you regard yourself as lucky or unlucky? For example, do you often win competitions or are you accident prone?
Some people say you 'make your own luck'. Others say you are 'born lucky’. What do you think?

Some experts say that luck does exist and ‘our attitude to life is the key'. How far do you agree? Think of your own experience.
What advice would you give to someone who complains that they ‘never have any luck’?

Have you ever consulted a fortune teller, palmist, etc.?
Do you read your horoscope regularly?
Have you got a lucky number?
Are you bothered by the number 13?
Have you ever thrown a coin into a wishing well?
Have you ever made a decision after tossing a coin?
Is there any particular day of the week which is lucky or unlucky for you?
Is there any particular piece of clothing which is lucky or unlucky for you?
Have you ever changed your plans because of a dream?
Have you got any kind of talisman or lucky object/charm?
Do you know any jinxes?
Do you know funny superstitions from around the world?

To gain further insight into the topic, you can read this BBC article on superstitions in sports.