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Touch wood. Superstitious beliefs have been shown to help promote a positive mental attitude. Although they can lead to irrational decisions, such as trusting in the merits of good luck and
destiny rather than sound decision making. Carrying charms, wearing certain clothes, visiting places associated with good fortune, preferring specific colours and using particular numbers
are all elements of superstition. And although these behaviours and actions can appear trivial, for some people, they can often affect choices made in the real world.
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Superstitions can also give rise to the notion that objects and places are cursed. Such as the "Annabelle the Doll" - who featured in The Conjuring and two other movies - and is said to be
inhabited by the spirit of a dead girl. A more traditional illustration is the "Curse of the Pharaohs," which is said to be cast upon any person who disturbs the mummy of an Ancient Egyptian
person especially a pharaoh.
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Sporting superstitions. Superstition is also highly prevalent within sport - especially in highly competitive situations. Four out of five professional athletes report engaging with at least one
superstitious behaviour prior to the performance. Within sport, superstitions have been shown to reduce tension and provide a sense of control over unpredictable, chance factors.
Superstitious practices tend to vary across sports, but there are similarities. Within football, gymnastics and athletics, for example, competitors reported praying for success, checking their
appearance in the mirror and dressing well to feel better prepared. Players and athletes also engage in personalised actions and behaviours - such as wearing lucky clothes, kits and charms.
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Famous sportspeople often display superstitious behaviours. Notably. basketball legend Michael Jordan concealed his lucky North Carolina shorts under his Chicago Bulls team kit. Similarly.
the tennis legend Björn Bork, reportedly wore the same brand of shirt when preparing for Wimbledon. Rafael Nadal also has an array of rituals that he performs each time he plays. These
include the manner in which he places his water bottles and takes freezing cold showers. Nadal believes these rituals help him to find focus, flow and perform well.
1) Paragraphs A and B imply that:
A. These days people don't believe in superstitions and, thus, don't practice them.
B. Superstitions are believed and practiced by some people in the US for hundreds of years.
C. Superstitions are believed and practiced only by 25% of people in the US.
D. Superstitions are believed and practiced by many people in many parts of the world.
2) Which of the following is NOT a sign that someone is believing or practicing a superstition?
A. Wearing certain attire
B. Reading scientific books
C. Wearing charms.
sh the exam.
