PERSPECTIVE
Free ESL Conversation Resource · Issue 042

Superstitions ESL Discussion Questions

15 conversation questions about lucky numbers, cultural superstitions, rituals and why the same sign can mean good luck in one country and bad luck in another.
A1–A2 BeginnerB1–B2 IntermediateC1–C2 Advanced

Explore the beliefs we follow, even when we say we are not superstitious, through 15 authentic ESL discussion questions from Charm Offensive, Perspective English Issue 042. Discuss lucky objects, everyday rituals, black cats, unlucky floor numbers and why cultural signs can have opposite meanings. Use these questions for pair work, group discussions or classroom debates at three English levels.

A

Beginner · A1–A2

Start the conversation

  1. 01

    Do you have a lucky number, object or routine?

  2. 02

    Has a superstition ever changed your plans?

  3. 03

    Why do people still believe in superstitions today?

  4. 04

    Should a hotel remove a floor number because guests don’t like it?

  5. 05

    Does it matter if a superstition is true, if it makes someone feel calmer?

Ready for the full lesson?Explore the A1–A2 Charm Offensive lesson →
B

Intermediate · B1–B2

Explore the issue

  1. 01

    Do you have a lucky object, number or routine?

  2. 02

    Has a superstition ever made you change a plan?

  3. 03

    Why do you think these beliefs survive in modern life?

  4. 04

    Should a company remove a floor number because customers dislike it?

  5. 05

    Does it matter whether a superstition is true if it makes someone feel calmer?

Take the topic further.Explore the B1–B2 Charm Offensive lesson →

Same cat. Different omen.

One topic. Three levels. Countless perspectives.
C

Advanced · C1–C2

Challenge the idea

  1. 01

    Do you have a lucky object, number or routine? When do you rely on it?

  2. 02

    Has a superstition ever made you change a plan, even slightly?

  3. 03

    Why do you think these beliefs survive so well in modern life?

  4. 04

    Should a company remove a floor number just because customers dislike it?

  5. 05

    Does it matter whether a superstition is true if it makes someone calmer?

Push the discussion further.Explore the C1–C2 Charm Offensive lesson →
Perspective English · Complete lessons

Turn the discussion into a full lesson.

Continue with Charm Offensive, Perspective English Issue 042. Explore how superstitions differ across cultures through reading, vocabulary, critical thinking and speaking activities at your students’ level.

A1–A2

Explore lucky numbers, black cats, familiar routines and beliefs from around the world with accessible activities.

View beginner lesson →B1–B2

Compare cultural omens, everyday rituals, coincidence and the reasons superstitions survive.

View intermediate lesson →C1–C2

Debate ingrained beliefs, self-fulfilling prophecies, cultural interpretations and the psychology of luck.

View advanced lesson →