TALK THE TALK
LUCKY
SUPERSTITION WORLD TOUR
SHOULDA, WOULDA, COULDA
THEY SAY…
100
pay tribute to someone
100
touch wood
100
True or False?
Breaking a mirror is traditionally said to bring seven years of bad luck.
True
100
Complete: “I’m not very good at maths. I wish I ______ better at it.”
were / was
100
It ___ _____the building is haunted. (believe)
is believed that
200
You say publicly that you are worried about an issue.
voice concerns about
200
You refuse to say, “I’m definitely going to win,” because you think saying it might bring bad luck.
tempt fate
200
In India, what is sometimes believed about an itchy palm?
it can mean money is coming or going
200
You are annoyed because your friend constantly checks their phone at dinner. Complete: “I wish you ______ checking your phone.”
would stop
200
Rewrite: People say that he lives in London.
He ____________
He is said to live in London.
300
sell an idea
300
Someone believes almost everything people tell them. What adjective describes them?
gullible
300
Which number is often avoided in China because its pronunciation sounds similar to the word for “death”?
4
300
Complete the past regret: “I didn’t study harder. I wish I ______ harder.”
had studied
300
The company ___ _____ losing money. (report/be)
is reported to be
400
Instead of speaking loudly, you quietly say, “This is ridiculous…” so almost nobody hears you.
make comments under your breath
400
A story sounds possible and believable, although you don’t know whether it is true.
plausible
400
In which country is it traditional to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, one for each clock strike?
Spain
400
Rewrite using regret + -ing: “I’m sorry that I left my old job.”
I regret leaving my old job.
400
Which is correct?
A. She is believed to work there now.
B. She is believed to be working there now.
B
500
You say very firmly, “I have every right to express my opinion.” Which communication verb fits best?
assert
500
Your friend says aliens stole his homework and returned it at midnight. The story is extremely difficult to believe.
far-fetched
500
In Russia, what does it mean if someone sits on the corner of a table?
traditionally, it was said they may not marry for several years
500
Correct the mistake: “I wish you had stop complaining all the time.”
I wish you would stop complaining all the time. For present criticism, use wish + would + infinitive.
500
Correct the mistake: The politician is believed that he accepted the money.
The politician is believed to have accepted the money. OR: It is believed that the politician accepted the money.