Урок "Суеверия"
план-конспект урока по английскому языку (11 класс) на тему

План-конспект урока по английскому языку в 11 классе по учебнику FCE STAR (by Luke Prodromou) для XI классов с углубленным изучением английского языка.

Цель урока:

- расширять общий кругозор учащихся, обогатить содержание страноведческих знаний, учить пользоваться новой лексикой по теме «Суеверия».

Задачи урока:

1. Образовательная

- организовать на основе известного грамматического материала (сослагательное наклонение) обсуждение различных ситуаций по теме «Суеверия»

2. Развивающая

- познакомится с предубеждениями других людей в рамках практикума по аудированию, чтению.

3. Воспитательная

- развивать любовь к предмету, воспитывать уважение к культуре стран изучаемого языка и своей собственной культуре.

Ход урока

Good morning, boys and girls! Good morning, dear guests! Sit down! It’s time to start our lesson.

When I was going to school I saw a black cat crossing my path. Will it bring good luck or bad luck? What do you think? (Ученики отвечают)

In Russia it is considered bad luck, but what about other countries?

Look at the screen, watch a short episode and say what we are going to speak about today at our lesson. (учащиеся смотрят видеофрагмент, высказывают свои предположения)

Yes, you are right. We’ll spend today’s lesson working on a very interesting topic– SUPERSTITIONS “BAD LUCK AND GOOD LUCK!”

We’ll do some work on selection, language guessing, listening, reading, speaking etc. Be very attentive during our lesson as your hometask will be to write a magazine article of between 120-180 words on the topic “Beliefs and superstitions in my country”. (ex.1, p. 139)

What’s “ superstition”?

Can you explain it in English?

P1 – THE BELIEF THAT PARTICULAR EVENTS BRING GOOD OR BAD LUCK

Well, what do we know about the superstitions surrounding us?

P2 - Most of them have roots in long ago times, before the arrival of Christianity in Europe.

P3 – THEY CAN’T BE EXPLAINED BY REASON OR SCIENCE

Now I’d like you to think of as many superstitions as you know. Which of them can you remember? We have already read some information about it in the text of our textbook.

(Учащиеся называют суеверия)

People have always believed in superstitions. There is even a song about it. Now you’ll listen to the song "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder and complete the gapfill. Some words can be used several times. Also say what superstitions Stevie mentions in his song. You will meet the word combination “looking glass” it’s an old version of the word “mirror”

"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

Very ____________,

Writing's on the wall,

Very superstitious,

________s ‘bout to fall,

Thirteen months of maybe,

__________ the looking glass

Seven years of ________ luck,

The good things in your past

When you __________in things

That you don't understand,

Then you suffer,

Superstition ain’t the way

Very superstitious,

________ your face and hands,

Rid me of the problem,

Do all that you can,

Keep me in a daydream,

Keep me goin' ________,

You don't wanna _______ me,

Sad is the song

When you ________ in things

That you don't understand,

Then you suffer,

Superstition ain't the way.

Very superstitious,

Nothin' more to say,

Very superstitious,

The ________'s on the way,

Thirteen months of maybe,

Broke the lookin' glass,

Seven years of bad luck,

Good things in your past

When you ___________in things

That you don't understand,

Then you suffer,

Superstition ain't the way.

Let’s check.

What does Stevie think about superstition?

 Does he think it is a good or a bad thing?

What is the difference between superstition and science?

Do you believe in any superstitions?

What do you do if you want to have good luck?

Is there anything that you think brings you good luck before or during an exam?

Do you know anyone who is very superstitious?

Why do people believe in them?

What could be the drawbacks in believing in superstitions?

And now let us listen to what different people say about the most common superstitions.

You will listen to 6 people. Match the speakers 1—6 with the statements A—G. Use one letter only once. There is one extra statement. Say what superstition the speakers talked about.

A. lucky godsend

B. fragile thing

C. dangerous passing

D. apparition of devil forces

E. use only for purpose

F. additional problem

G. unexpected guest

KEY

DGACBE

People of different countries have different superstitions. Let’s do the quiz and try to guess the right answer. After you’ve guessed you will be given the correct answer but in the task of word formation.

Superstitions quiz:

1. Traditionally a Chinese bride spends eight minutes and eight seconds in front of a mirror on the day she gets married.

a)True                         b)False

Answer: B False

(0) ACCORDING to a Chinese tradition a bride should never look into a mirror

on her (1)………………………….. day.                                                WED

2. In the Netherlands, if your nose itches, it is a sign that

a)you’ve been told a lie                        b)someone is talking about you                

c)good news can be expected

Answer: C Good news can be expected

An itching nose (2) …. ………………..brings good luck.                TRADITION

3. In Germany, if you see a chimney sweep, it means that

a)you can expect good luck                        b)an old friend will visit soon

c)it will rain the next day

Answer: A You can expect good luck

In Germany and many other (3) ………………….. countries,             EUROPE

seeing a sweep                                                                          

is thought to be very (4)………………..                                                LUCK

4. In England, a red sky in the evening means the weather will be fine the following day

a)True                        b)False

Answer: A True

Red skies at night are an (5) ……………. of fine weather.                INDICATE

5. In Italy, the number 13 is considered to be bad luck.

a)True                        b)False

Answer: B False

In many countries, 13 brings good luck and Fare 13 (Make 13) is the slogan of the (6)………….. lottery.                                                           NATION

6. In Japan this bird is a symbol of good luck and long life.

a)a crane                        b)a crow                        c)a swan

Answer: A A crane

In old stories these birds have the (7)……………….. to live 1000          ABLE

years.            

7. In Central Europe these places were once thought to be the homes of magical creatures and are considered to bring good luck.

a)hollow trees in the forest                        b)red mushrooms with white dots

c)old shoes with holes in the bottom

Answer: B red mushrooms with white dots

But don’t eat them because they are (8)………………                    POISON

8. Which number do people in Japan and Hong Kong not want on their licence plates.

a)4                        b)7                        c)9

Answer: A 4

The word for 4 and the word for death sounds

almost (9)………… the same.                                                           EXACT

Exercises for eyes (физкультминутка)

Now “The History Of 10 Popular Superstitions And How You Can Avoid Them”.

We've all heard them, but where do they actually come from? And, more importantly, how can you avoid them?

1. If You Break A Mirror, Seven Years Of Bad Luck Will Follow

Why? A mirror not only contains a person’s image, but also their soul. How to save yourself: After seven hours have passed, bury the pieces of the mirror in the moonlight.

2. Walking Under A Ladder Brings Bad Luck

Why? When leaning against a wall, a ladder forms a triangle that represents the holy trinity. When you walk underneath it, you insult god. How to save yourself: Spit through the ladder rungs three times.

3. Black Cats Bring Bad Luck

Why? One theory is that cats close association with Egyptian religion put many Christians on edge. Aside from that, cats are thought to be sly, mischievous animals. How to save yourself: Have the cat walk towards you, that's good luck.

4. If You Sleep With Your Feet Towards A Door Someone Will Steal Your Soul

Why? Before being buried, dead folks are often put in this exact position. How to save yourself: Move your bed. Or never sleep. EVER.

5. It's Bad Luck To Open An Umbrella Inside

Why? When an umbrella is opened inside, it prevents the sun god from offering rays to us. Weird, I know. Also, it can break your lamp. How to save yourself: Fix the leak in your roof.

6. Spilling Salt

Why? In the past, salt was an expensive luxury and spilling it violated the good fortune and luck brought on by the salt. How to save yourself: Throw a pinch over your left shoulder and hit the devil square in the eye.

7. Friday The 13th Brings Bad Luck

Why? In the bible, Judas was the 13th guest to the Last Supper. Additionally, in Roman lore witches were believed to gather in groups of 12. The 13th member of their group? The devil. How to save yourself: Stay lucky and buy rabbit feet. Lots of rabbit feet.

8. It's Bad Luck To Put A Hat On In Bed

Why? Hair was thought to hold evil spirits (see: static electricity) and putting on a hat in bed would cause the evil to spill out all over your clean sheets. How to save yourself: Wear a do-rag instead.

9. Bird Flies Into Your Window, Death Knocks At Your Door

Why? Birds throughout history are often seen as messengers of bad omens. How to save yourself: I think you should probably worry about the bird. Poor thing.

10. Step On A Crack, Break Your Mothers Back

Why? Interestingly enough, the original rhyme was “Step on a crack and your mother will turn black.” Over time the rhyme changed into what it is today. How to save yourself: Never walk. ANYWHERE.

Questions

1. Which of these superstitions are similar to those in your country?

2. Which are different?

3. Do you know anything about the origins of some of the superstitions in your country?

Russians are very superstitious and are attentive to various omens. Let’s remember what these superstitions mean and how to react to some of them. At first we’ll watch one short video episode to remember some of them. While watching the video choose the right answer (true, false, don’t know)

1. If you can spot and eat a blossom of a lilac with 5 or more petals, it will bring you luck.

a)True                        b)False                        c)Not stated

2. There isn’t any superstition connected with travelling underground.

a)True                        b)False                        c)Not stated

3. A monument to Chizhik-Pizhik in St Petersburg can also bring you good luck.

a)True                        b)False                        c)Not stated

4. A poem about Chizhik-Pizhik was written by a very famous Russian poet.

a)True                        b)False                        c)Not stated

5. The Russians always try to avoid standing on the threshold.

a)True                        b)False                        c)Not stated

6. If someone steps on your toes, you should say “Thank you”.

a)True                        b)False                        c)Not stated

7. To ensure a safe trip Russian people have a tradition to sit before a journey.

a)True                        b)False                        c)Not stated

And now we shall remember the most widespread ones in our country. Look at the pictures and explain what these superstitions mean.

Spit on or touch wood

 Like many other peoples, Russians believe in the evil eye—an evil look that brings bad luck or trouble—and fear it. You will often see that after someone has said something complimentary about someone else’s child, the child’s parents will appear to spit three times over their left shoulder and touch a wooden surface three times. Incidentally, if there is no wood handy, most Russians will tap their own head, saying with a smile that it has the same effect.

Do not carry an empty bucket

 If you see someone with any empty container—bucket or a cart—it is considered a bad omen. Russians believe that if you meet a woman carrying an empty bucket, you won’t have a good day. That’s why street cleaners try to put any piece of equipment—brooms, rakes or something similar—in their empty carts.

Don’t put money into someone’s hands in the evening

 It means we will be lack of money soon if you take it. We usually put it into something wooden.

Don’t take anything out of the house at night

Don’t try to take out the trash at night. It is believed that this can bring ruin on the house or lack of money.

Don’t put empty bottles, keys or change on the table

These are all bad omens of financial loss and tears.

Never give knives or clocks as a present

 These things are not considered the best present for a Russian. Knives are an omen of enemies, and clocks an omen of parting. If you do nevertheless give somebody one of these things, they should give you a small coin in return

Look at yourself in a mirror if you have had to go back

For Russians, going back to the house is a bad omen. So if a Russian discovers after leaving the house that he has forgotten something, he will first decide whether it is something he really needs, and if it is, he will go back, but will make a point of looking himself in the eye in a mirror. This is another trick of the trade to deceive an evil omen.

Never give unmarried girls a corner seat

 In ancient Russia, it was usually the old maids, poor relatives and dependants who took the corner seats. From this developed the idea that if a girl sits at the corner of the table she will not marry for seven years. It is true that if modern girls nevertheless like a corner seat and someone mentions this omen, they will cleverly reply, “My husband will have a corner,” in other words, they will have a home, but regardless, most Russians try not to put girls in corner seats and avoid them themselves.

Good omens

There are also lots of good omens. For example, if a spider or a “message from a pigeon” appears on your clothes, don’t be in a rush to curse your fate. These are omens of great financial success.

Now our next task is to combine what we have talked about with grammar we are to remember today.

If you break a mirror, you will have 7 years of bad luck. This is a sentence in the first conditional, and that it is a real and not a hypothetical situation. Remember its form (If + Present Simple, will/imperative).

If a spider appeared on your clothes, you would have financial success. This is a sentence in the second conditional, and that it is not real but a hypothetical situation. Remember its form (If + Past Simple, would + infinitive).

Using first and second conditional will you continue the situation:

1. If you meet a woman with an empty pail,…

2. If a black cat crosses your path,…

3. If a mirror breaks,…

3. If you spilt some salt,…

4. Is somebody praised you too much,…

5. If you drop a spoon or a knife,…

6. If you forgot something at home and had to return,…

7. If a cup breaks,…

9. If you want to pass the exams successfully,…

10.If a spider appeared on your clothes,…

11.If you were given a knife as a present,…

12.If you had to give someone money in the evening,…

13. If you put empty bottles on the table,…

14.If a pigeon “leaves a message” on your clothes,…

15.If you take trash out of you house,…

Now you are going to invent some superstitions and see if your classmates can guess an invented superstition from a real one. I give each of you a card with a real superstition on it, create a new one, using the first conditional. (Students work in pairs and take it in turns to read out their two superstitions. The others must guess which is the real one.)

1. If your fork falls off your plate during dinner, you will have 8 years of bad luck. 2.
2. ________________________________________________________

1. You will have good luck if you sit on your luggage before a long journey.  (Russia)
2. __________________________________________________________

1. If you collect nine different flowers on midsummer eve and put them under your pillow, you will dream of your future husband or wife. (Sweden)

2._____________________________________________________________

1. If you put a hat on your bed, you will have bad luck. (South Carolina)

2. ____________________________________________________________

1. If you put your keys on a table, you will be unlucky. (Sweden)

2.__________________________________________________________

1. If you open an umbrella indoors, you will have 21 days of bad luck.
2. _________________________________________________________

1. If you put new shoes on a bed, you will have bad luck. (UK)
2. _________________________________________________________

Now it is very interesting for me to know how superstitious you are. Is it interesting for you? If it is, will you watch a video and put a tick near “Yes” or “No” in your questionary? There are questions that will help you to find out how superstitious you are.

Now let us see, how superstitious you are. Milya, can you tell us, if your neighbour is a very superstitious person? How many “yes” has she got? Count your neighbour’s “yes”, let’s find the most superstitious person in our group. (23 questions)

If time permits a game online

http://a4esl.org/q/f/y/zz97mdt.htm

And now let us listen to what other people say about the most common superstitions

Before listening to the tape, let us have a look at Exercise 2 page 137.

Students study the task and complete listening under the exam conditions. (FCE 2 side 1 34.10)

Today we have discussed the most common superstitions. We have found out how superstitious you are and what other people think about superstitions. Hope you have enjoyed it. And I think you all deserve excellent and good marks for today’s lesson.

And I also hope that you won’t spill the salt, you will find a clover with 4 leaves, all the cats in your life will be white and you will see the only sparkling star in the sky!!!! Good luck!!!!!

Hometask (ex.1, p. 139)