Talking Points for ESL Students – The Unexplained www.roadtogrammar.com

Before the discussion Do you know the following words and phrases?

supernatural paranormal ghosts spirits ESP

psychic UFO extraterrestrial skeptic (noun) skeptical (adjective)

We asked three students from around the world to give their opinions on the supernatural. Here are their replies.

Understanding different viewpoints

Narra “Of course I believe in the supernatural. I have had several experiences where I have seen spirits. I think I am more sensitive than other people. But it’s not just me; many other people around the world have seen things that they can’t explain. I have close friend who almost died in a car wreck. She told me that when she was unconscious, she saw a bright light and she heard her dead mother’s voice calling to her. But before she could reach the light, she woke up in hospital.”

Maria “I come from a small village in the countryside. Everyone in our village is superstitious. The elderly women always tell ghost stories and this used to frighten me when I was a little girl. I am still frightened of spirits now, and I don’t like to sleep with the lights off. I keep a crucifix because my grandmother told me it would protect me against anything. ”

Marc “I am skeptical about the idea of ghosts and the paranormal. I think it’s probably because I am studying to become a scientist and I believe in rational thinking. When we die, we don’t come back – that’s silly. People fool themselves into believing this nonsense is true. On the other hand, I believe there may be UFOs. At least, there is probably life on other planets. Science can prove that this is possible.”

Discussion: 1 Do you believe in the supernatural or are you a skeptic? 2 Do you believe that people can have psychic powers? 3 Do you believe in the existence of UFOs or beings from other planets? 4 Do you know of any good ghost stories? 5 Have you ever seen a ghost or something that you couldn’t explain? 6 ‘Bigfoot’ is an example of an unsolved mystery. What others do you know of? 7 ‘The greatest fear is of the unknown.’ Do you agree? 8 Would you be afraid to enter a ‘haunted house’? 9 Do you believe in good and bad luck? 10 Do you believe in karma?

Quickie Which sentence in each pair is correct and why? I afraid of the dark. I am afraid of the dark. I believe that ghosts exist. I believe that the ghosts exist.

Homework Do a puzzle on words related to the supernatural: Puzzle no. 88 on www.roadtogrammar.com