English Conversation Club

Topic: ‘Easter, Culture & Religion’

(Remember, if there are people you don’t know, at least briefly introduce yourselves. Also remember that you don’t have to limit yourselves to these questions.. the more conversation and interaction the better!)

  1. What are some of the main cultural differences you have noticed so far, between Australia and your home country?

  2. What do the terms 'culture', 'religion' and 'spirituality' mean to you?

  3. From Friday to Monday is a special holiday referred to in English as ‘Easter’. What do you understand about the meaning of ‘Easter’?

  4. What do they do in your country at Easter time? (In the Northern hemisphere it is near the beginning of Spring.)

  5. What are the major festivals/celebrations in your culture eg Chinese new year? When do these occur? How do you celebrate them? Are they associated with any particular cultural or religious beliefs?

  6. What is your religion? Do the members of your family hold to the same beliefs?

  7. What other religions do people practice in your country? Is there tension between different religions?

  8. What do you think about globalisation and its affect on culture? How important is it to maintain individual cultures?

  9. Why do you think some people are more religious than others?

  10. Do you believe in good luck and bad luck? What do you think about superstition?

  11. How important do you think it is for people to have religion and spirituality in their life? Do you think it is more or less important than in the past? Why?

  12. Do you think science can explain everything? Why or why not?

  13. Explain the most important teaching in the religion you know best.

  14. What are some of the daily practices of your religion or other beliefs? What do they mean? Why do you do them?

  15. How acceptable is it to change ones religion in your country? Predict the response of: family members, friends, government