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

GOOD MORNING
EVERYONE !!!
Unit 4: Our customs and traditions
Lesson 1: Getting started
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 lesson on customs and traditional
a. Find a word/ phrase that means.
generations
spot on
sharp
social
table manners
accepted
b. Tick (✔) true (T) or false (F).
✔
✔
✔
✔
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?

It’s eating dinner at 7 p.m. sharp.
He’s surprised.
They both refer to doing something that develops over time.
A custom is something accepted. A tradition is something special and is passed down
through the generations.
They should find information about a custom or tradition.
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.
2a. Match the pictures with the customs and traditions.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
h.
g.
f.
g
c
b
a
e
h
f
d
2b. 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!