Traditions, manners, and what feels normal in different places. 20 questions from A1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
Show questions for
A1Beginner
How do people say hello in your country?Then: Do they kiss, hug, or shake hands?
What time do people eat dinner in your country?
Is there a famous dance or song from your country?Then: Do you like it?
Do people take off their shoes at home in your country?
A2Elementary
Have you ever been surprised by a custom in another country?Then: What happened?
What should a visitor never do in your country?
Is it more polite to arrive early or a little late to a party in your country?Then: What happens if you arrive too early?
What is something you learned about another culture from a movie, a book, or a friend?
B1Intermediate
What is a custom from another country that you’d like to bring to your own?Then: Why do you like it?
If a friend from abroad visited your city for a week, which local customs would you tell them about?Then: Which one would surprise them most?
Have you ever made a mistake because you didn’t know a local custom?Then: How did people react?
Which customs in your country do you think are changing the fastest?Then: Do you think that’s a good thing?
What advice would you give someone from abroad about workplace manners in your country?
B2Upper intermediate
How is the idea of being on time different in your culture compared with other cultures you know?
Do you think living abroad changes the way people see their own culture?Then: In what ways?
What are the pros and cons of global brands and streaming making cultures around the world more similar?
Which topics are too personal to discuss with new people in your culture, and why do you think that is?
C1Advanced
Where is the line between appreciating another culture and borrowing from it in a way that feels disrespectful?
Should visitors always adapt to local customs, or are there situations where it’s reasonable not to?Then: Can you think of an example?
Some people argue that traditions survive only when they adapt to modern life. How convincing do you find that idea?
Role plays
Work with a partner or a tutor. Read the situation together, then each person opens only their own card. Use the phrases to help you.
B1 Intermediate
Explaining a custom to a visitor
A visitor brought an expensive gift to a local family’s dinner. The host said thank you but didn’t open it, and now the visitor thinks they made a mistake.
Card A: Visitor
Explain what happened and how you felt. Ask what you did wrong and what you should do next time. Then ask one more question about local manners.
Card B: Local friend
Explain that people here usually open gifts later, in private, and that the gift was fine. Help the visitor feel comfortable and give two tips for next time.
Useful phrases
Don’t worry, it’s completely normal.
Here, people usually…
I was worried that…
Is it OK to…?
Next time, you could…
B2 Upper intermediate
Planning a dinner for an international team
Your team is hosting colleagues from three different countries next week. You and a coworker must choose a restaurant and plan an evening where everyone feels comfortable.
Card A: Coworker A
You want a traditional local restaurant so the guests can experience your culture. Explain why it matters to you and answer your coworker’s concerns.
Card B: Coworker B
You’re worried that some guests have dietary restrictions and the local place has few options. Suggest a solution, then agree on a final plan together.