THE MONKEY’S PAW SUPERSTITION WEBQUEST

Have you ever worried that a black crossed your path? Have you ever said something like: Oh no, today is ...! Or have you ever knocked on wood believing that the action would help you to pass your next exam? If you did so then you are one of the millions of people in many different cultures around the world who share these kinds of beliefs. Daily life is full of things we believe are lucky or unlucky or bring us good or bad fortune, but few of us actually know where these beliefs come from.

To begin, open the link below and watch the video: http://nicertube.com/t9uz4wem

For the following questions, type your responses in Word: 1. Look up the words superstition and fate and write a definition for each.

2. How do you think superstitions started?

3. Are you superstitious? Why or why not?

4. What are some common superstitions that you have heard about?

5. Do you have a “lucky charm”? If yes, explain what it is.

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?

7. Look at the picture below of a monkey’s paw. Suppose that it was offered to you, and you were told that it would grant you three wishes, but that you should “be careful what you wish for”. Would you take it? Why or why not?

8. Click on the link below to read the article about some common superstitions and their origins: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/109838_superstition-and-their-origins-examples-of- superstitions-and-how-they-may-have-originated