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外研版英语选修六课文Module 1
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Module 1 Small Talk
Introduction
Read the dictionary definitions of small talk and answer the questions.
1. Which definitions make small talk sound like a positive thing? 2. Which definitions refer to places where small talk might take place? 3. Why is it a problem if someone has no small talk? 4. What do you think is the Chinese for \
small talk informal conversation about things that are not important
Macmillan English Dictionary
small talk light conversation that people make at social occasions about unimportant things: We stood around making small talk.
Collins Cobuild English Language Dictionary
small talk polite friendly conversation about unimportant subjects
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
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small talk conversation about ordinary or unimportant matters, usually at a social event: He has no small talk (i.e. he is not good at talking to people about ordinary or unimportant things).
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Look at the conversation topics below and answer the questions.
careers; cars; examinations; film stars; music; politics; sport; travel; weather; food
1. If you talk about these topics, is the conversation serious or small talk?
2. Which of the topics do you like talking about with your friends?
3. Which of them do you talk about with your parents? 4. Which of them do you talk about with your teacher? 5. Which of them do you never talk about?
Vocabulary and Reading
Complete the sentences with the correct forms of the words in the box. damage; encourage; impress; prepare; recognise
1. The singer was really good! She me a lot! -!
2. He had an accident and his bicycle. them to do better. 3. Don't shout at the children. You should 4. Make sure you homework! 5. At the party, I for your English examination. Do more a boy who used to attend my school. Read the passage and decide what kind of book it is from. Choose from this list. The text is from ____.
How Good Are Your Social Skills?
Have you ever crossed the road to avoid talking to someone you recognise? Would you love to go to a party and talk confidently to every guest? Do you want to make more friends but lack the confidence to talk to people you don't know? And are you nervous about the idea of being at a social event in another country? Don't worry—we can help you!
You needn't worry about situations like these if you have good social skills. And they are easy to learn. People with good social skills communicate well and know how to have a conversation. It helps if you do a little advance planning.
a book to help you prepare for a speaking examination a business course
an English teaching book
a book which tells you what to do at social events
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Here are a few ideas to help you. Learn how to do small talk
Small talk is very important and prepares you for more serious conversations. Be prepared! Have some low-risk conversation openers ready. For example:
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think of a recent news story—not too serious, e.g. a story about a film
star or sports star
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think of things to tell people about your studies
think of \ you can ask people's opinions about—music, sport,
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films, etc.
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think of topics that you would avoid if you were talking to strangers—
and avoid talking about them! That way, you don't damage your confidence!
Develop your listening skills
Listening is a skill which most people lack, but communication is a two-way process—it involves speaking AND listening. Always remember—you won't impress people if you talk too much. Here are some ideas to make you a better listener: Do ...