Lesson 1: Religion
It’s a common misunderstanding, but shops are usually closed on Sundays.

I can listen to and understand an explanation about religion’s influence on a culture.

INTRODUCE

Many cultures are heavily influenced by religion. Understanding this connection can give you a greater appreciation for other cultures.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.

    1. Generally speaking is used to say something that is more or less true but may have a few exceptions.

     

    Generally speaking, Italians are close to their families.

     

     

    2. It’s a known fact that is used to say that a statement or information is a fact and that everybody knows and accepts it is true.

     

    It’s a known fact that Italy is famous for its delicious pizza and pasta.

     

     

    3. It’s a common misunderstanding, but… is used to say many people believe something that is not true, and we want to explain the correct information.

     

    It’s a common misunderstanding, but not all Italians use exaggerated hand gestures when they speak.

     

    II. What’s your favorite holiday celebration? Describe it using the expressions above.

     

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

Vowel sounds in between consonants are sometimes removed so that the pronunciation becomes smoother.
Phrase Example

generally

/ gen ruh lee /

/ Gen ruh lee / speaking, Americans don’t eat horse meat.

UNDERSTAND

LISTENING

Yuko, Kelsie, and Mami are taking a tour of a small town while on vacation in Italy.

TRIVIA

Aside from Sundays, shops and most businesses in Italy are also typically closed on patron saint days. Every major city in Italy has its own patron saint. Cities treat patron saint feasts as holidays, and employees who work on these days have to be paid double.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Rephrase the sentences using the expressions in the box. More than one answer may be possible, and the form of some expressions may need to be changed.

it's a known fact that
generally speaking
it's a common misunderstanding, but...

ex. Although there are a few exceptions, many Italians are friendly.

→ Generally speaking, Italians are friendly.

 

  1. Many people believe that Italians always speak loudly, but that isn’t true. It depends on the person.
  2. Everyone knows that Italy is one of the world’s largest producers of wine.
  3. Most Italians enjoy drinking coffee, especially espresso.
  4. A lot of people think that Italian gelato and regular ice cream are the same, but they’re different.

STEP B EXERCISE

Answer the questions using the pictures and expressions in the box. More than one answer is possible, and the form of some expressions may need to be changed.

it's a known fact that
generally speaking
it's a common misunderstanding, but...
  1. What’s common knowledge about Italian food?

savory

flavorful

 

2. Can you describe the churches in Italy in general?

elegant

spacious

 

3. Do all Italian buildings have the same kind of decorations?

statues

painted ceilings

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

You’re traveling around Italy with your friend and are planning to go to Florence next, so you asked a hotel clerk about what you can do there. Listen to the clerk’s answer. Then, tell your friend about what the hotel clerk said.

Today's Expressions

  • it's a known fact that
  • generally speaking
  • it's a common misunderstanding, but...

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

RELIGION
2

HOLIDAYS
3

DIFFERENT CULTURES
1

RELIGION

  1. What are the most common religions in Japan?
  2. How do these religions influence your culture (ex. weddings, funerals)?
  3. Do you think it’s important to keep these religious traditions?
  4. Compared to other countries, do you think Japan is a very religious country?

2HOLIDAYS

  1. What are some Japanese holidays?
  2. Which of these holidays do you love to celebrate?
  3. What holidays in other countries would you like to experience?
  4. If you could create a new holiday in your country, what would it be about?

3DIFFERENT CULTURES

  1. How would you describe Japanese culture to a foreigner?
  2. Are there countries that have a similar culture to Japan?
  3. Have you ever experienced culture shock before?
  4. Which foreign culture would you most like to experience (ex. Filipino culture, Italian culture)?

FEEDBACK

I can listen to and understand an explanation about religion’s influence on a culture.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK