Icame (1)……………………… a magazine article the other day which was about learning languages. it said that there are different types of language learners. some people like to learn about the language, for example, by looking (2)……………………… new words and trying to work (3)……………………… grammar problems. other people like to learn by using the language. they prefer to hang (4)……………………… with native speakers or learn new words by flicking (5)……………………… magazines.

Most families have a few superstitions flowing through them, even if it’s only the older members who still hold to them diligently. And if there’s one feature most of these superstitions have in common, it’s that they’re totally, utterly inexplicable. Like a chocolate kettle paired with a paper teapot, they make no sense whatsoever.

Unlike the above, though, they do tend to have their own backstory. Some superstitions derive from half-forgotten religious practices, but others have origins in the practical wisdom of their times.

In this series we’re going to look at some of the more common family superstitions, and find out where the heck they originally came from. Some of them, you might find, are not quite so ridiculous after all. (Although most of them definitely are.)

In this first part we’re going to look at some very old superstitions, those thought to have originated several centuries ago or even in pre-Christian times.

1) общие

1. Is there a book on the table?

2. Must he work hard today?

3. Are we leaving for Moscow next week?

4. Were we reading the whole evening?

5. Do (или don't) they go to work on Sunday?

6. Is (или isn't) it cold today?

7. Has Ann already begun to read a new book?

8. Do you learn Germany at school?

9. Will they show you how to get there?

2) специальные

1. What is there on the table?

2. How must he work today?

3. When are we leaving for Moscow?

4. How long were we reading?

5. When don't they go to work?

6. When isn't it cold? или What is the weather like today?

7. What has Ann already begun to read?

8. What language do you learn at school?

9. Whom will they show how to get there?

3) разделительные

1.There is a book on the table, isn't there?

2. He must work hard today, mustn't he?

3. We are leaving for Moscow next week, aren't we?

4. We were reading the whole evening, weren't we?

5. They don't go to work on Sunday, do they?

6. It is not cold today, is it?

7. Ann has already begun to read a new book, hasn't she?

8. We learn Germany at school, don't we?

9. They will show you how to get there, won't they?