Read the text about luck superstitions and questions below. For each question choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

There are so many different kinds of good luck and bad luck superstitions, that it would be impossible to list them all. There are various ways in which people try to ensure good luck. Some people carry a lucky charm, such as a rabbit’s foot or a special coin. Finding a four-leaf clover (=a clover with four leaves instead of the usual three) is also lucky. People sometimes place an old horseshoe over the front door of their house. It must be hung with both ends pointing upwards; if it is hung upside down the luck will run out through the gap. Sport teams and military regiments often have a lucky mascot, usually an animal or a model of an animal, which travels with them.

Rituals are actions that people believe are necessary in order to have good luck. When people talk about something that they hope will come true they may touch something made of wood and say “touch wood” (Am E “knock on wood”). If something goes badly for somebody on two occasions people may say “third time lucky” (AmE “third time’s charm”).

Some other luck superstitions which are said to bring good fortune include: avoiding cracks in the pavement; a ladybird landing on you; finding a penny and picking it up and setting out for a game of golf on a rainy day. It’s also said that dolphins swimming nearby a ship will bring good luck, and a naked woman on board a vessel will calm the seas - but maybe not the crew!

Some bad luck superstitions include some very well known, such as walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror and the date Friday 13th! More luck superstitions with a dark side are putting shoes on a table; opening umbrellas indoors; wearing amber that someone else has previously owned and throwing salt over your right shoulder as it knocks off the angel who sits there to balance out the devil on your left shoulder! A person, place or event that often experiences bad luck is said to be jinxed. it’s also said to bring misfortune if a candle falls over - especially if lit and sets fire to your house! Then again that’s not a superstition it’s just plain bad luck! However, as with any luck superstitions - good or bad; a lot depends on the individuals themselves!

1In what way should a horseshoe be hung?

2What mascots do sport teams usually have?

Amodels of famous people

Bitems of equipment

C animals

D wooden idols

3Rituals are:

A things people do to avoid good luck.

B things people do to have good luck.

C things people make to have good luck.

D things people wear to have good luck.

4What does the phrase “to be jinxed” mean?

A to be unlucky

B to be lucky

C to be superstitious

D to be superficial

5What does the author think about superstitions?

A They rule person’s luck.

B They determine person’s fortune.

C They can change person’s life.

D They don’t influence person’s life directly.

6 In small groups, discuss these questions:

· Should a person act on superstitions?

· If you are in a foreign country, should you act on their or your superstitions?

· May superstitions be harmful for a person?

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