Discussion Starters

To tattoo or not to tattoo?

Pre-Reading Warm Up Questions ☀

1. Do you have a tattoo? If yes, what is it? If no, why not?

2. Do people with tattoos get treated differently in your country?
3. Name some reasons why people get tattoos.
4. Do you like tattoos? Why or why not?

Pre-Reading Vocabulary Task ☀

Match the words on the left with the meanings on the right.

1. ponder a. a small establishment that is not well-known

2. rite of passage b. lasts forever; not temporary
3. needle c. a pointy tool that marks the skin with ink
4. grief d. to represent an idea or meaning
5. symbolize e. the allowing of something
6. permanent f. deep sadness related to loss (especially after death)
7. permission g. think about for a while
8. youth h. age group between child and adult
9. consequences i. how a place is viewed or described by others
10. hire j. a tradition that marks an achievement or point in life
11. discrete k. not very noticeable
12. plaster l. cover all over
13. reputation m. to offer employment to a person
14. hygiene n. the things or changes that could happen as a result
15. hole in the wall o. cleanliness related to the body

To tattoo or not to tattoo?

Should I get a tattoo? This is a question many people ponder at some point in their lives. In
some cultures, a tattoo marks a rite of passage. Many people get a tattoo after a loved one dies.
The pain of the needle is nothing in comparison to their grief. Lovers often get tattooed at the
same time. These matching tattoos sometimes outlast the relationships they symbolize. A person's
beliefs are not always as permanent as their religious tattoos either. In some countries, young
people require parental permission to get a tattoo. Youth don't always consider the consequences
of tattooing. Would you hire someone with a large tattoo? Would you marry someone with a
tattoo? What if the tattoo was of an ex-girlfriend or boyfriend? Some people prefer discreet
tattoos on an ankle or hip. Others plaster their entire bodies with tattoos. People even get tattoos
on their faces and tongues. Some tattoo parlors have a good reputation. Their tattoo artists care
about hygiene. It's not wise to get a tattoo at a hole in the wall.

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 Discussion Starters
To tattoo or not to tattoo?

Comprehension Questions ✍
1. What question do many people ask at some point in their lives?
2. Why does the passage mention grief?
3. What does the passage say about tattoos that symbolize religion?
4. Which body parts are mentioned as places for tattoos?
5. What is another word for a respectable tattoo shop?

Vocabulary Review ✍

A. Fill in the blanks with words from the list. Some words will not be used.
needles
grief
1. The tattoo parlor downtown has a good ________________ for careful hygiene.
symbolize
2. The hearts that are_____________ all over his arms __________ the love he has for his children. hole in the wall
3. The fifteen-year-old asked for ______________ to get a _____________ tattoo on her foot. plastered
4. Tattoo Corner is a ___________________ that _____________ artists with little experience. discreet
5. One of the _______________ of getting a large tattoo is that the color will fade over time. permission
6. If you are afraid of __________________, you shouldn't get a tattoo. youth
reputation
hires
B. Choose the word that best describes the highlighted word in the sentence.
consequences

1. The manager is pondering whether or not to hire someone new.

a) asking about b) talking about c) thinking about d) walking about

2. The youth were told not to skateboard on the sidewalks.
a) skaters b) athletes c) teens d) team

3. If you don’t want a permanent tattoo, you can always get a temporary one.
a) respected b) painful c) proper d) lasting

4. Robert’s initial disbelief was followed by a period of grief.

a) caring b) belief c) fear d) sadness

5. Proper hygiene is one of the things young children need to learn before going to school.
a) cleanliness b) speech c) drawing d) behavior

Discussion Questions
1. What procedures must be taken to ensure proper hygiene in a tattoo parlor?
2. Do you think older people regret the tattoos of their youth? Why or why not?
3. Would you watch (or have you watched) a reality show about a tattoo parlor? Why is this a popular subject?
4. Do large tattoos affect a person's chance of being hired? Explain your opinion.

Copyright 2009. This eBook is produced and distributed by Red River Press Inc. All rights reserved. The contents within this e-book/document may only be
photocopied by members of ESL-Llibrary.com in accordance with membership terms and conditions. Contact info@esl-library.com for complete details.
 Discussion Starters
To tattoo or not to tattoo?

ANSWER KEY

Pre-reading Vocabulary Task

1. G 2. J 3. C 4. F 5. D 6. B 7. E 8. H 9. N 10. M 11. K 12. L 13. I 14. O 15. A

Comprehension Answers
1. Many people wonder if they should get a tattoo or not.
2. People who have lost a loved one often get a tattoo.
3. Sometimes people with religious tattoos change their beliefs.
4. The ankle, hip, face and tongue are mentioned as places people get tattoos.
5. A tattoo parlor is another word for a respectable tattoo shop.

Vocabulary Review

A. Fill in the blanks

1. reputation 2. plastered, symbolize 3. permission, discrete 4. hole in the wall, hires
5. consequences 6. needles

B. Choose the correct word

1. C 2. C 3. D 4. D 5. A

EXTRA TASK:

Class Opinion: Write these questions on the board. Have your students walk around the class and do this class survey.

Should tattoos be seen or Do you think getting a tattoo is Would your friends and family
hidden? worth the pain? approve of you having a tattoo?

Copyright 2009. This eBook is produced and distributed by Red River Press Inc. All rights reserved. The contents within this e-book/document may only be
photocopied by members of ESL-Llibrary.com in accordance with membership terms and conditions. Contact info@esl-library.com for complete details.