1a. What superstition is associated with stepping on a crack? stepping in a hole? What do experts think these superstitions stem from?
2a. What superstition is common among theater people? What is the reasoning behind the phrase they say to one another?
3a. According to the superstition, why is it unlucky to walk under a ladder?
4a. What were the first "mirrors"?
1b. Why might people have passed on this superstition?
2b. Why would they choose this particular phrase?
3b. What kind of bad luck might this bring? Why can you supposedly save yourself by crossing your fingers or spitting three times?
4b. What reasons could exist for people long having feared having their image shattered?
5a. How many of the superstitions mentioned deal with bad luck? How many deal with good luck?
5b. Why do you think people pass along superstitions or act in certain ways because of superstitions?
6a. Are there good reasons to believe in superstitions? Why, or why not?
6b. Have you ever acted a certain way to avoid bad luck or to bring on good luck? Explain your answer.
Oral Tradition. Why do you think people pass down superstitions? In what ways do superstitions—as well as other forms of the oral tradition—continue to be part of our culture today?
1. Write down a superstition that you know about. Then write your reaction to it.
2. Write a list of questions you would like to find answers to regarding early cultures that created superstitions.
3. An epitaph is the writing on a grave marker or another brief statement honoring the dead. Write an epitaph for a mummified Egyptian cat, dug up by British archeologists and about to be reburied.
Building Vocabulary. Scan the essay "Don't Step on a Crack" for words that are unfamiliar or that you don't hear very often. Choose five words. Read their definitions in a dictionary and then write definitions for each in your own words below.
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Prepositions. A preposition is used to show how a noun or pronoun relates to other words in the sentence. Indicate all the prepositions in the following sentences.
1. The cat ran underneath the table.
2. I planned to return within the hour.
3. During the test, the teacher walked between the rows of desks.
4. Jason walked along the road.
5. I stood behind a large man while waiting in line.
6. I drove past the post office twice.
7. The library is open every day except Sundays.
8. It's just over that hill.
9. I'm going home after the football game.
10. Throughout the day, I felt tired.
