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Cultural Note
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Sometimes people show disbelief to what they hear as they don’t believe someone or something, especially if it is shocking or unexpected. Scepticism is doubts that someone has about something that other people think is true or right. The following phrases are used to express disbelief or scepticism:
That’s hard to believe. More polite.
I don’t believe it. You’re joking / Are you joking?
You’re kidding / Are you kidding? Nonsense! Less polite
(That’s) baloney! (slang) Give me a break. (slang)
That’s ridiculous / absurd / crazy / silly.
Cross-Cultural Interaction
1 Change the expressions of disbelief or scepticism which are less polite into more polite:
1 Nonsense! – 3 Give me a break. –
2 That’s baloney! – 4 That’s ridiculous / absurd / crazy / silly.
2 Match the given phrases expressingdisbelief or scepticism:
A 1I think I saw a UFO last night. B a No, I stayed home and watched
TV.
2 My girlfriend broke up with me b Give me a break. I don’t believe
last night. in aliens.
3 Do you know a good way to get c Rub butter on it.
rid of a sore throat?
4 I have a runny nose and a cough. d The best way is to drink hot tea
with honey.
5 Do you think the number 13 is bad e Cheer up. I’m sure you’ll meet
luck? someone new.
6 Were you out partying last night? f You’d better not go to college
today.
7 What’s a folk remedy for a burn? g Really? I wonder where she got
that idea.
8 My grandmother says it’s bad luck h No, I think that’s an old wives’
to give someone an umbrella as a gift. tale.
Talking about Superstitions.
a) Discuss the following questions with your group mates:
1 Are you, or anyone in your family, a superstitious person?
2 Every culture in the world has some superstitious beliefs. How dosuperstitions begin, and why do people believe in them?
B) The chart gives examples of common American and Canadian superstitions in several categories.
1 Tell if you or someone you know has a similar belief.
2 Give other examples of superstitions. Fill in the chart.
3 To express disbelief, use the expressions from the cultural note.
American and Canadian superstitions
Numbers: The number 13 is bad luck, and Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.
Objects: It is good luck to hang a horseshoe on the wall.It is bad luck to walk under a ladder.You should not open an umbrella indoors.
Animals: It is bad luck if a black cat crosses your path.
Nature / weather / seasons: If you see a falling star, you should make a wish.
Food / health: It is bad luck to spill salt.
Marriage / family: It is bad luck for a bride and groom to see each other the day before the wedding.
Arguing and Conceding. Acknowledging a mistake
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