ESL Lesson about Superstitions

A fun ESL lesson about superstitions from our English learning course for ESL students. Learn vocabulary and expressions to talk about superstitions. Get the downloadable and printable worksheets, digital flashcards, listening and reading exercises, and everything you need for the perfect digital and remote English lesson when you subscribe.

Discussion Questions on Superstitions

1. Do you think some things are good luck? What?
2. Are there any things that are bad luck in your country?
3. Are there any unlucky numbers in your country? What are they?
4. Do you believe in any superstitions? What are they?
5. Do you have any good luck charms?

ESL Video on Superstitions

Matching

Match the words on the left with words or expressions on the right that are closest in meaning.

Words in Context – Fill-in-the-blanks

Use the words from the vocabulary box to complete the following sentences. You may need to modify the tense or word form.

1. Before we leave the party we should thank the _______ for organizing such a fun event!.
2. I like all kinds of food but I ____________ like Italian. I eat it at least three times a week!
3. I made a big _________ yesterday. I left a box of ice cream in the car and it melted all over my new jacket!
4. We have a lot of work to do today. We will have to _______ lunch and just work until it is dinner time.
5. If you wear only a swim suit to work people might think you are ______________.
6. My brother is a business manager. He works in a big __________ building in the middle of the city.
7. You may not ___________ me, but I just won a million dollars!
8. Server: “Are you ready to order?”
   Customer: “Everything looks so delicious, I can’t _________ what to order! Please give me a little more time.

ESL Lesson Activity on Superstitions

Fill-in-the-blanks
Watch the video and complete the sentences.

Superstitions Part 1

Hey!
Want to see something interesting? Check this out!
Look closely at the panel showing the floors in this building.
Do you see something _________? 
That’s right! There isn’t a 13th floor. 
Is that a mistake?
Ha Ha!  No, it isn’t a __________!
Here in America, the number 13 is unlucky. A lot of office buildings and ________ will skip the 13^th floor. It’s just a superstition.
A superstition is something that people _______ that is not really true, like that the number 13 is an unlucky number. 
Some people also believe the 13th day of the month is unlucky, especially if it is Friday, the 13th!
Different _________ have different ideas about what is a lucky and unlucky number.

What number is unlucky where you’re from?

In America, 13 is an unlucky number, but in China and Japan, ________ unlucky numbers are four and nine.
So, what about a lucky number in American culture?
Lucky ______! Seven is a very lucky number in America!
In China, a very lucky number is 8.
In fact, the more eights you have the better.
In 2008, China was _________ of the Olympic games.  For good luck, they decided to start games at 8:08 at night on ________ (8) eighth! 8:08pm, 8/8/’08!
Now that is a lot of eights!
Oh, look. A penny.
Find a penny, ______ it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck!
Must be my lucky day.

See you next time!

ESL Conversation about Superstitions

Hey!
Want to see something interesting? Check this out!
Look closely at the panel showing the floors in this building.
Do you see something strange? 
That’s right!  There isn’t a 13th floor. 
Is that a mistake?
Ha Ha!  No, it isn’t a mistake!
Here in America, the number 13 is unlucky. A lot of office buildings and hotels will skip the 13^th floor. It’s just a superstition.
A superstition is something that people believe that is not really true, like that the number 13 is an unlucky number. 
Some people also believe the 13th day of the month is unlucky, especially if it is Friday, the 13th!
Different cultures have different ideas about what is a lucky and unlucky number.
In America, 13 is an unlucky number, but in China and Japan, really unlucky numbers are four and nine.
So, what about a lucky number in American culture?
Lucky seven! Seven is a very lucky number in America!
In China, a very lucky number is 8.
In fact, the more eights you have the better.
In 2008, China was host of the Olympic games.  For good luck, they decided to start games at 8:08 at night on August (8) eighth! 8:08pm, 8/8/’08!
Now that is a lot of eights!
Oh, look. A penny.
Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck!
Must be my lucky day.
See you next time!

Natural English to Talk about Superstitions

Strange = odd

There is a strange/odd smell coming from the kitchen. My sister must be trying to cook again!

really is a very common expression in natural spoken english.

really is used to make a question stronger or more important.

Is he really going to quit his job?

really is used to show interest, doubt, or surprise at what a person is saying

I’m going to quit my job and move to Alaska!
Really???

really is used to add strength to what you are saying.

I ran really really fast!
I really love cats!

really is used to show sincerity

I really want to thank you for helping me with my homework!

really is also used to make an apology stronger.

I am really sorry to be late!

English Saying really and truly

really and truly is used to make a statement or opinion stronger

My boss is the best! I really and truly think he will make this company a great success.

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Reference: WC1