Unit 04. Our Customs and Traditions. Lesson 1. Getting started

Good morning
everyone!
They have their own ways of life, and ______ and ________
customs
traditions
A lesson on customs and traditions
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.
accepted
generations
spot on
sharp
social
table manners
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...
b. Tick (✔) true (T) or false (F).
✔
✔
✔
✔
c. Choose the best answer .
1. Mai’s family custom is________at 7 p.m. sharp.
A. eating dinner B. eating lunch C. eating breakfast
2. When Phong talks about one of his family traditions Nick feels ____. A. angry B. surprised C. boring
The similarity between a custom and a tradition both refer to doing something that_____________ .
A. develops on time B. undevelops C. develops over time
4. The difference between a custom and a tradition is: A custom is something______ . A tradition is something _______ and is passed down
through the generations
A. accepted- special B. special- accepted C. specially- accept
The students should find______ about a custom or tradition for homework?
A. looks B. lesson C. information

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...
d. Find these sentences in the conversation and fill in the missing words.
We __________ be at the dinner table on time.

You __________ find information about a custom or tradition.
have to
should
What do you think these sentences mean?
Have to: It’s an obligation.
Should: It’s a suggestion or advice.
2 a. Match the pictures with the customs and traditions.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
h.
g.
f.
g
c
b
a
e
h
f
d
2 b. Write C (custom) or T (tradition) next to each activity. In pairs, compare your answers.
C
C
C
C
T
T
C or T
C or T
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!