Quick! Throw some salt over your shoulder!

Woman: Quick! Throw some salt over your shoulder!

Man: What? Why would I want to do that?

Woman: To ward off bad luck, of course.

Man: What bad luck?

Woman: Don't tell me you didn't see that black cat!

Man: Minnie? Don't be ridiculous! That's my neighbour's. He's had her since before I moved in and I don't recall the poor thing ever having given anybody any bad luck at all.

Woman: No? What about the time you broke your leg?

Man: That was when I was still in my old apartment - no cats around.

Woman: And what about the incident with your black eye?

Man: I was so drunk I couldn't walk straight and ran into the door; hardly the cat's fault.

Woman: That's what you say! I wouldn't feel safe in a place with a black cat.

Man: A while back someone tried to break into Jeff's place. Minnie woke him up and he scared away the burglar.

Woman: See? Bad luck for the burglar!

Man: For crying out loud! Whose side are you on? I shouldn't have imagined you supporting a criminal.

Woman: Am not! I am merely illustrating the point that black cats do bring bad luck.

1. Why does the woman want the man to throw salt over his shoulder?

a. to tidy up his clothes

b. to protect from bad luck

c. to declare his love for her

d. to choose the correct lottery numbers

2. What caused the man's black eye?

a. The man was drunk.

b. The woman pushed the man.

c. The black cat brought bad luck.

d. The man's neighbour left the door open.

3. What point is the woman trying to prove?

a. Cats catch mice.

b. Cats have nine lives.

c. Cats are cute and cuddly.

d. Black cats bring bad luck.

4. What would describe the woman best?

a. caring

b. involved

c. obstinate

d. concerned

Solutions

1. b. 2. a. 3. d. 4. c.