Lesson 1: Religion
It’s very typical for shops to be closed on Sunday.

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. For the most part is used to say that something is true most of the time.

     

    For the most part, Italians are very friendly.

     

     

    3. It’s very typical for someone/something to… is used to talk about what someone or something does often.

     

    It’s very typical for Italian restaurants to serve pasta.

     

    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.

for the most part
generally speaking
it’s very typical for someone/something to

ex. Many Italians are friendly.

→ Generally speaking, Italians are friendly.

 

  1. Markets are usually crowded.
  2. Italian paintings are displayed in museums most of the time.
  3. Most wines from Italy are high class.
  4. Feasts usually involve music and dancing.

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.

for the most part
generally speaking
it’s very typical for someone/something to

1. What’s Italian food like?

savory

flavorful

 

2. Can you describe the churches in Italy?

elegant

spacious

 

3. What kind of decorations do old Italian buildings often have?

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

  • for the most part
  • generally speaking
  • it’s very typical for someone/something to

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