Согласитесь или опровергните утверждения.

 

	1. It is common to use small talk when you are waiting in a long line-up. a) True b) False
	2. Religion is a "safe" topic when making small talk. a) True b) False
	3. It is rude for both children and adults not to make small talk with strangers. a) True b) False
	4. It is inappropriate to make small talk with your mailman. a) True b) False
	5. Sport is not a safe topic when making small talk. a) True b) False
	6. One should never compliment another person's clothes in order to make small talk. a) True b) False
	7. Politics is a controversial subject according to society. a) True b) False
	8. It is common to discuss the weather in an elevator. a) True b) False
	9. It is rude to interrupt a conversation in order to make small talk. a) True b) False
	10. One reason people use small talk is to eliminate an uncomfortable silence. a) True b) False

 

Разделите слова из текста, найдите глаголы. Переведите их на русский язык и составьте с ними предложения.

Entertainmentinvolvefriendweatherconversationpresentationanythingeventemployeestranger

airplanechatreligionoccurrudeletterappropriatefeelcornerreachofficesalary.

 

5. Найдите определение понятия “small talk” и переведите это понятие на русский язык.

1. Any communication process between individuals that is intended to reach a compromise

or an agreement to the satisfaction of both parties.

1. A conversation, such as one conducted by a reporter, in which facts or statements are elicited from another.
2. Casual or trivial conversation, chitchat about unimportant subjects of conversation, as opposed to serious or weighty ones.
3. An exchange of ideas or opinions.
4. Something, such as a lecture or speech that is set forth for an audience.

Посмотрите на фразы, приведенные ниже, и распределите их по соответствующим колонкам таблицы.

 

 

Topics which are safe for small talk
Topics which are best avoided for small talk

 

 

1. "What sort of music do you like?"

2. "You seem to have put on some weight"

3. "Who did you vote for at the last election?"

4. "The garden looks lovely, doesn't it?"

5. "It's a lovely day today, isn't it?"

6. "Do you believe in God?"

7. "Hello. May I introduce myself? My name is Mark"

8. "What a lovely dog. What is his name?"

9. "How is your family?"

10. "Why is British food so bad?"

11. "How much do you earn?"

12. "How old are you?"

13. “I like your watch. A Rolex, isn’t it?”

14. “What do you think of the presentation?”

 

 

Работа в парах. Составьте по образцу небольшой разговор, используя одну или несколько допустимых фраз из предыдущего задания.

Model:

William: Morning, Paul.

Paul: Oh, morning, William, how are you?

William: Fine, thanks. Have a good weekend?

Paul: Yes, thanks. Catch you later.

William: OK, see you.

Прочитайте и переведите диалоги. Ответьте на вопросы.

 

1. What topics do the speakers discuss?

2. Are these topics safe?

3. Do they get on well with each other? Why do you think so?

4. What mistakes do they make?

 

Conversation 1

 

A: Is this your first visit to Russia?

B: Yes, it is, actually. Fascinating place!

A: Yes, that’s right. I come here quite a lot. What do you do, by the way? I see you work for Galaxy.

B: How did you know? … Oh, yeah, my badge. I’m in R&D. Molecular modeling, to be precise.

A: Really? We should talk. Can I offer you a drink?

B: Oh, no, thank you.

A: Are you sure?

B: Well, ok, just a little coffee. And what line of business are you in?

 

Conversation 2

 

A: Hi, Sandra Smith, High Engineering. Would you mind if I join you?

B: Erm, no. Michael Smooth.

A: Pleased to meet you, Mike. Try one of these – they are delicious.

B: No, thanks, but seafood doesn’t agree with me.

A: Oh, then try this cheese instead. It’s good too. Haven’t we met before? In Warsaw, perhaps?

B: I don’t think so.

A: But I was sure I recognised you… You are an Aquarius, aren’t you? I can tell.

B: Well, I don’t know. I’m not really into horoscopes, I’m afraid.

A: When is your birthday?

B: Oh, on the 5 of February.

A: I knew it! A typical Aquarius.

B: Er, yes. If you excuse me, I have to make an urgent phone call. It’s been nice talking to you.