| Level |
Topic |
Speakers |
Length |
| Difficult |
Funerals |
Man – Woman |
01:31 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What are some common expressions you say to people who have lost a loved one due to illness, accident, or other circumstances?
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, exploring ideas, and sharing opinions.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way?
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms.
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate.
- Funerals are important for helping people say goodbye.
- Everyone should attend a funeral when someone they know dies.
- It’s better to show emotions openly at a funeral than to stay calm.
- Sending flowers is the best way to express condolences.
- Funerals should always be quiet and serious events.
- Saying, “I’m sorry for your loss,” is enough comfort for grieving people.
- Different cultures have very different funeral traditions, and all should be respected.
- Funerals are more for the living than for the person who died.
- Writing a sympathy card is better than calling someone after a loss.
- Talking about the person who died helps people heal.
Idioms
“pass away” = die
“My father passed away last night after a long battle with cancer.”
“dead to the world” = deep in sleep
“He’s dead to the world even with all the noise going on around him.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Post-Listening Exercise
Discuss how funerals in your hometown differ from family to family based on cultural background, religion, and family customs. Use the internet to collect information on these differences.
Online Investigation
Choose a country that interests you. Then, use the internet to find the answers to these questions:
- What are the common funeral practices in this country?
- What usually takes place during a funeral?
- What do people wear, both men and women?
- Are there any special foods that people prepare and eat after the funeral?