VI. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer.
Every country has its own superstitions. In some countries, people believe four-leaf clovers are good luck. Many people also believe that breaking a mirror is bad luck. Did you know that there are also superstitions about money? Let’s learn about some of these superstitions around the world.
In Russia, there are several superstitions about money. Russians think people should always give money
with their right hand and receive it with their left hand. Otherwise, they might lose money. Also, they believe if someone receives an empty wallet as a gift, he or she will become poor. So, people always make sure to put some money inside the wallets they give as gifts.
Greece also has interesting money superstitions. Greeks say, “Money attracts money.” That is why Greek people always try to carry at least a few coins with them at all times. They believe doing so might bring them more money in the future. Similarly, they believe they will have bad luck if they don’t have any money in their wallet or bank account.
In Japan, the snake is a symbol of money and wealth. Therefore, some people keep a piece of snake skin in their wallet for good luck. Some people think if you see a white snake, you will be lucky forever. On the other hand, they believe that if they kill a snake, they will lose all their money.
These are just a few examples of money superstitions around the world. Although some may seem silly, many people believe in them. Throughout history, these superstitions have actually affected many people’s behavior.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Wallets are used differently in different countries.
B. Believing in superstitions could cause financial problems.
C. There are different superstitions about money around the world.
D. People in different countries have different ways of saving money.
2. What is TRUE about Russian people?
A. They only use wallets that are given as gifts. B. They always carry their wallet in their right hand.
C. They are unlikely to give an empty wallet as a gift. D. They believe it is bad luck to keep coins in a wallet.
3. What do Japanese people keep in their wallet for good luck?
A. snake skin B. ancient coins C. broken mirrors D. four-leaf clovers
4. What can be inferred from this passage?
A. Superstitions teach people lessons about life.
B. Most people these days believe in superstitions.
C. All countries have similar superstitions about money.
D. Some superstitions about money still affect people’s behavior.
5. Which can replace the word “forever” in line 12?
A. fortunately B. always C. instantly D. still
