Praying for concert tickets

Nick's ESL News Lessons

A printable worksheet for news-based English conversation classes.

Date: 2026/07/17

Difficulty: Intermediate B1

PDF: Praying for concert tickets

Vocabulary Match

shrine •• temple
purpose •• better
lottery •• draw
visitors •• opportunities
improve •• goal
chances •• guests

Vocabulary Answers

shrinetemple
purposegoal
lotterydraw
visitorsguests
improvebetter
chancesopportunities

Article

Hidden among the tall buildings of Tokyo is a small shrine with an unusual purpose. Many people visit Fukutoku Shrine to pray for concert tickets. In Japan, tickets for popular concerts are often sold through a lottery, so fans hope the shrine will bring them good luck.

After washing their hands, visitors pray and write the names of their favourite artists or bands on small wooden cards. Nobody knows if the prayers really work, but many fans believe they improve their chances. Today, the quiet shrine is a popular place for music lovers hoping to see their favourite stars live.

Quiz

  1. Why do people visit Fukutoku Shrine?
  2. How are concert tickets usually sold in Japan?
  3. What do visitors do after washing their hands at the shrine?
  4. Why do fans believe the shrine helps them?

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. To pray for concert tickets.
  2. Through a lottery.
  3. They pray and write names on wooden cards.
  4. They believe it improves their chances.

Conversation

A:Have you been to the Fukutoku Shrine?
B:Yes, I went last week to pray for Ado concert tickets.
A:Did you write Ado's name on a card?
B:Of course! I hope it brings me good luck.
A:I heard it's a popular spot for music fans.
B:It sure is! Everyone's desperate to see their idols!

Discussion

  1. Have you ever prayed or wished for something special?
  2. Do you have a good luck charm?
  3. What is your favourite type of music or band?
  4. What concert would you like to see?

Source Material

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260504-the-tokyo-shrine-where-people-pray-for-concert-tickets


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