IN SOME ASIAN COUNTRIES, THESE CATS ARE BELIEVED TO BRING GOOD LUCK TO THEIR OWNERS

 In many Asian cultures, especially in Japan and China, there is a belief that certain cats can bring good luck, wealth, or happiness. One famous example is the Maneki-neko, also known as the "beckoning cat." It is a cat statue that raises one paw as if it's waving. People often place it in their shops, homes, or restaurants.

In this topic, we talk about the beliefs and traditions around these lucky cats. We will use the present simple and present continuous to describe habits and actions, the past simple to talk about the origin or history of the belief, and the future tenses (will and going to) to describe what people plan to do. We'll also practice modals, comparatives, and prepositions.

Examples:

• These cats are very popular in Asia.

• I’m buying a lucky cat for my new business.

• People believed these cats helped bring fortune.

• My friend will put one in her office.

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🧠 GRAMMAR

1. Present Simple

   • This cat brings good luck.

   • People believe in this tradition.

2. Present Continuous

   • She is putting the cat on her shelf.

   • They are buying a lucky cat right now.

3. Past Simple

   • The tradition started many years ago.

   • They believed the cat brought money.

4. Future: Will / Going to

   • I will give a lucky cat to my grandmother.

   • We are going to place one in the restaurant.

5. Modal Verbs

   • You should get a lucky cat for your shop.

   • You mustn’t touch the cat’s paw; it’s delicate.

6. Comparatives / Superlatives

   • This cat is more colorful than the old one.

   • That is the most beautiful lucky cat I’ve seen.

7. Prepositions

   • The cat is on the counter.

   • It sits near the entrance.

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📚 VOCABULARY (10 Words with Definition)

Word	Definition
Lucky	Having good fortune
Owner	A person who has something
Statue	A model of a person or animal made of stone or plastic
Raise	To lift something up
Belief	Something you think is true
Tradition	A custom or way of doing things for a long time
Fortune	Great wealth or luck
Entrance	The door or opening to a place
Business	A place where people sell products or services
Shop	A small store

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💬 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• This cat brings good luck.

• It’s a tradition in many Asian countries.

• People believe it can bring money.

• I’m going to buy a lucky cat.

• The cat is sitting near the door.

• That’s the most beautiful one I’ve seen.

• Do you believe in lucky symbols?

• My aunt has one in her house.

• It’s waving with its paw.

• You should try one for your home.

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✏️ SENTENCES

Positive:

• The lucky cat brings happiness.

• Many people place it in shops.

Negative:

• He doesn’t believe in lucky cats.

• They didn’t have a cat statue in their restaurant.

Questions:

• Do you have a lucky cat?

• Is she going to buy one for her store?

Answers:

• Yes, I have one in my kitchen.

• No, but I will get one next week.

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🗣️ LONG CONVERSATION

Emma: Wow! What’s that cat statue on the shelf?

Naoki: It’s a Maneki-neko. It’s a lucky cat from Japan.

Emma: Does it really bring good luck?

Naoki: Many people believe so. It’s waving to welcome fortune.

Emma: That’s interesting. Where did you get it?

Naoki: I bought it in Tokyo. I’m going to give another one to my brother.

Emma: Nice! I think I should get one for my business.

Naoki: You should! It might bring good energy.

Emma: Where should I place it?

Naoki: Near the entrance. That’s the best spot.

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📖 LONG READING

Title: The Cat That Brings Good Luck

In a small city in Japan, there is a shop with a golden cat statue at the door. This cat is a Maneki-neko. The owner, Mr. Hiroshi, says it has brought him good luck for 10 years. Every morning, he cleans the cat and gives it a smile.

Years ago, when Mr. Hiroshi started his business, he didn’t have many customers. One day, a friend gave him the cat as a gift. Soon after, more and more people came to his store. He believes the cat helped his business grow.

Today, many tourists come to see the cat. Some take pictures, and some buy their own lucky cat. Mr. Hiroshi says, “It may be a superstition, but it works for me.”

Questions and Answers:

1. Where is the shop with the golden cat?
   → In a small city in Japan.

2. What does Mr. Hiroshi do every morning?
   → He cleans the cat and smiles at it.

3. What happened after he got the cat?
   → More customers came to his shop.

4. Why do tourists come to his store?
   → To see the lucky cat and take pictures.

5. What does Mr. Hiroshi believe?
   → He believes the cat helped his business.