IV.
Reading and Discussions
Read the following passage, and answer the questions.
Use the words provided below each question.
Small Talk Track 3
A
mericans often have short conversations, called small talk, with
strangers they meet. Such chats occur at bus stops, on buses, in
ords; spoken
elevators, while waiting in line—almost anywhere that strangers
4verbal: of w
7 off limits: not
to be
gather close together. These short verbal exchanges are a way to say hello and
sp ok en of
5 express friendliness. They usually cover a broad range of topics. These may rmitting
8 open-ended: pe
include weather, customer service, movies, TV shows, or consumer products. responses
spontaneous
Personal questions about money, family, religious beliefs and politics are sincere;
16 insincere: not
off limits during these conversations. It’s best to ask open-ended questions. If
hypocritical
you ask visitors whether they like your city, they may say simply, “Yes.” But
10 if you ask “What do you think of our city?” they will have more freedom in
answering. This type of question also shows that you are interested in their
opinion. If you appear interested in what people are saying, they feel more
comfortable talking with you.
Americans end many conversations with the phrase “Have a nice day” or
15 “Have a good day.” Store clerks often say this to customers after purchases
are made. It might sound insincere, but studies have shown that it makes
many people feel better. People get a sense that others care about them,
rather than ignoring them. The American greeting “How are you?” has a
similar effect. The questioner may not really care about the answer, but
20 simply asking the question often raises the other person’s spirits.
1. According to the reading passage, what topics are off-limits for small talk?
personal affairs, money, family, religion, politics
Your answer may begin like: They are personal questions such as ....
2. What topics could you use to start a conversation?
weather, appearances, lunch, weekend, ice breaker, book, exam
Your answer may begin like: It depends, but the weather is probably the number one topic. Actually,
....
16
II. Listening & Speaking
A Model Dialog Track 6
Listen as the teacher reads the model dialog.
(Scenario – Katrina and Axel, her male friend, are talking on the phone.)
Katrina: Hello Axel. Were you invited to the Art Museum opening?
Axel: Yes, Katrina. I have some paintings on display there.
Katrina: That’s great! You can meet a lot of important people.
Axel: Katrina, you know I’m awkward around strangers.
Katrina: Axel, this could really help your career!
Axel: I know. I know. Will you be there?
Katrina: Yes, I will. Just come and try to enjoy it.
Axel: OK. I must admit, it will be good to see you again.
Katrina: You too, but I can’t decide what to wear.
Axel: Your dark green evening gown really looks good on you.
Katrina: Thank you. That’s a good idea.
Axel: What time shall we meet?
Katrina: How about 7:30, at the door on State Street.
Axel: That sounds good Katrina.
Katrina: Promise me you will meet ten new people
before you call it a night.
Axel: Thank you for your concern. I promise. See you soon.
B Group Work
Read the model dialog aloud, with a different group for each character.
C Guided Speaking
With a partner, take turns completing the answers to the questions.
Why won’t you come to our party?
I’m sorry, I (1) ______________________________________.
Do you know the hostess?
Yes, she and I (2) ___________________________________.
Why are you staring at me?
It’s because that jacket (3) ____________________________.
Why are you leaving?
I’m exhausted. Let’s (4) ______________________________.
Where should we meet?
Let’s meet (5) _______________________________________.
How long will it last?
I think (6) __________________________________________.
18
III. Description
Part B Invitations
A Tables
Read the following table, and learn how busy college students are.
College students are busier than ever these days! The same holds for Barbara, a university student
majoring in Business. She is always busy, as the timetable below shows.
Timetable
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
6:30 Wake up
Wake up at 10:00
7:00~8:00 Swim at the Sports Center
8:40~12:20 Classes
With study With study Home
12:30~14:00 At school
group group At school
15:00~18:00 At school
Internship Internship Class Squash at the Sports Center
With book
19:00~20:00 Dinner group Dinner
Computer
20:30~22:00 Baby- sitting Watch TV Watch TV Watch TV Movies Study
Games
22:30 Time to go to bed
B Pair Work
1. Look at the table again, and complete the following sentences.
a. Barbara always _________________ at 7:00 a.m. weekdays.
b. She has meetings with her study group from _______ to ________ on ______________and
________________.
c. She goes to the Sports Center to _______ and ___________________.
2. Compare your schedule with Barbara’s, and share your results with a partner. You may use
expressions given in the memo below.
C Focus on Usage (expressions of time and Memo
frequency) Comparison (Similarity)
I work out five days a week. (Both) A and B have similarities / are
similar....
I have a study group meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 8. In many ways, A and B are the same
I go to bed during the week at 11:00 p.m. / similar....
Contrast (Difference)
A and B differ / are different / are not
the same...
A is not like / unlike / in contrast with ....
In comparison with B, A is less/more ….
Compared to B, A is more ...
19
IV. Reading and Discussions
Read the following invitation and its reply. Then answer the questions. Use the words
provided below each question.
Invitation and Reply Track 7
To: Mike Charles a hearty
3cordially: in
manner
Y
ou are cordially invited to attend the official retirement of Mr. Kevin 3 retirement: with
drawal
cu pation
Dugas, CEO of Lighthouse Publishing. Mr. Dugas is retiring after 35 from one’s oc
7 founder: a pers
on who
5 years in the business. As one of Lighthouse’s most respected clients,
m ething
we would be delighted if you could join us in saying goodbye to Mr. Dugas, establishes so
8 regular: a pers
on who
who as the founder of our company, an award-winning businessman, and a
ng often
regular on the factory floor, will be greatly missed. Please RSVP by returning does somethi
8 RSVP: to resp
ond to an
the enclosed reply card to Stella Davis by August 25th. We hope to have the
invitation
10 pleasure of your company. funny
21 hilarious: very
21 anecdote: an in
teresting
short stor y
From: Mike Charles
T
15 hank you so much for the invitation. I’d love to go, but I’m afraid I
won’t be able to make it. Mike Brothers are opening their first
overseas branch the Friday before, and so I’ll be in Seoul to oversee
things. I won’t be getting back to Seattle until the 7th, and then I’ll have to fly
straight back to the head office in New York. I suppose I’ll just have to send
20 him a card. I’m sure that Kevin will have plenty of interesting stories to tell
and many hilarious anecdotes to share. Too bad I’ll miss it all. I hope you get
a good crowd to send him off. Thanks again for the invitation.
1. According to the reply, why can’t Mr. Charles attend the official retirement of Mr. Dugas?
opening, branch, oversee, Seoul
Your answer may begin like: His company is opening its first overseas branch in Seoul. He’ll ....
2. What are some appropriate ways to respond to formal invitations?
quickly, thanks, regrets, decline, reply card
Your answer may begin like: First, respond as quickly as possible no matter whether you will attend or
not. Second, ....
20