1. 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.”

2. 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