A lesson on customs and traditions
1. Listen and read.
Teacher: Today we're going to learn about customs and traditions. Do you think they're the same?
Mi: I think they're different, but it's hard to explain how.
Nick: In my opinion, a custom is something that has become an accepted way of doing things. And a tradition is something we do that is special and is passed down through the generations.
Teacher: Yes, spot on! Give me an example of a custom.
Mai: My family has this custom of eating dinner at 7 p.m. sharp.
Teacher: Really?
Mai: Yes, we have to be at the dinner table on time.
Teacher: That's interesting! How about a tradition, Phong?
Phong: We have a family tradition of visiting the pagoda on the first day of every lunar month.
Nick: You're kidding!
Phong: No, no. We've followed this tradition for generations.
Teacher: You've mentioned family, but what about social customs and traditions, Nick?
Nick: Well, in the UK there are lots of customs for table manners. For example, we have to use a knife and fork at dinner. Then, there's a British tradition of having afternoon tea at 4 p.m.
Teacher: Sounds lovely! Now, for homework, you should find information about a custom or tradition. You're doing mini presentations next week...
a. Find a word/ phrase that means:
1. agreed
2. grandparents, parents, and children
3. totally correct
4. exactly on time
5. relating to human society
6. a polite way of eating at the dinner table
Watch out!
• ‘You are kidding!’ is a common expression. It’s used to show you are surprised at something that somebody has just said.
• Do you know another expression that has the same meaning?
b. Tick (✔) true (T) or false (F).
| T | F | |
| 1. Nick's explanation of customs and traditions is correct. 2. Only families have customs and traditions. 3. In the UK there's a tradition of having afternoon tea. 4. In the UK there is no accepted way of behaving at the dinner table. |
c. Answer the following questions.
1. What is Mai's family custom?
2. How does Nick feel when Phong talks about one of his family traditions?
3. What is the similarity between a custom and a tradition?
4. What is the difference between them?
5. What should the students do for homework?
d. Find these sentences in the conversation and fill in the missing words.
1. We __________ be at the dinner table on time.
2. You __________ find information about a custom or tradition.
What do you think these sentences mean?
2.
a. Match the pictures with the customs and traditions.
1. smiling to accept a compliment
2. worshipping ancestors
3. wrapping gifts in colourful paper
4. having lunch together on the second day of Tet
5. placing the chopsticks on top of the rice bowl when finishing a meal
6. children in the family standing in a row to greet guests
7. wearing ao dai on special ocassions
8. giving children lucky money at Tet
b. Write C (custom) or T (tradition) next to each activity. In pairs, compare your answers.
3. GAME: CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS EXPERTS
1. Work in small groups.
2. Take five minutes to write down as many local customs and traditions as you can think of.
3. Present your list to the other groups.
4. The group with the most ideas are the experts!
