(完整版)外研版英语选修六Module1课文

外研版英语选修六课文Module 1 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"?

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 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.

3.Don't shout at the children. You should them to do better.

4.Make sure you for your English examination. Do more

homework!

5.

Read the passage and decide what kind of book it is from. Choose from this list.

The text is from ____.

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

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.

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: