We’ve all been there: in a lift, in line at the bank or on an airplane, around by people who are, like us, deeply look at their smartphones or, worse, fighting with the uncomfortable silence.

What’s the problem? It’s more likely that none of us start a conversation because it’s challenging, or we think it’s unnecessary. But the next time you find yourself among strangers, consider that small talk is worth the trouble. Experts say it’s an invaluable social practice that results in big advantages.

Small talk is the grease (润滑剂) for social communication, says Bernardo Carducci, director of the Shyness Research Institute at Indiana University Southeast. “Almost every great love story and each big business deal begins with small talk,” he explains. “The key to successful small talk is learning how to connect with others, not just communicate with them.”

In a 2014 study, Elizabeth Dunn, professor of psychology at UBC, invited people on their way into a coffee shop. One group was asked to look for an interaction (互动) with its waiter; the other, to speak only when necessary. The results showed that those who chatted with their waiter reported higher positive (积极的) feelings and a better coffee shop experience. “It’s not that talking to the waiter is better than talking to your husband.” says Dunn. “But interactions with peripheral (边缘的) members of our social network matter for our well-being also.”

Dunn believes that people who reach out to strangers feel a greater sense of belonging (归属感), a relationship with others. Carducci believes developing such a sense of belonging starts with small talk. “Small talk is the basis of good manners.” he says.

1.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 1?

A.Interest in smartphones. B.Unsuitable behaviours in public places.

C.Absence of communication between strangers. D.Impatience with slow service.

2.What does the coffee-shop study suggest about small talk?

A.It improves family relationships. B.It raises people’s confidence.

C.It matters as much as a formal talk. D.It makes people feel good.

3.What is the best title for the text?

A.Conversation Counts B.Advantages of Small Talk

C.Uncomfortable Silence D.Ways of Making Small Talk

A young boy was walking with his father along a country road. When they came _______ a large tree branch (树枝) on the ground in front of them, the boy asked his father, "Do you think I could _______ it?"

His father replied, "If you use all your strength, I am sure you can."

The boy tried his best to lift, pull and push the branch, but it wouldn't move. _______ , he said, "Dad, you were wrong. I can't do it".

"Try again," his father said.

Again, the boy tried hard to push the branch.

He did his best but it stood _______ . "Dad, I can't do it." said the boy.

"Try again. You can't _______ you use all your strength." his father said.

This time, as the boy struggled, his father _______ him. Together they pushed the branch a side.

"Son, I advised you to use all your _______ . You didn't- ask for my help."

This is a valuable _______ . There are many things we can't do alone, but that doesn't mean we can't get _______ : done. We are not alone. ________ us there are family and friends.

We haven't used all our strength ________ we've realized the strength and support from the outside. Our real strength includes inner resources such as faith, courage and even love. It also ________ outer resources such as support, help and encouragement. Just as we should be willing to help ________ , we should be willing to ask others for help.

To ask for support what we need is not a sign of ________ , it is a sign of wisdom. When we ask for help and we are ________ , it just means we have to ask another time, another way, another person.

1.A.across B.through C.down D.along

2.A.carry B.lift C.move D.throw

3.A.Excited B.Surprised C.Expected D.Disappointed

4.A.still B.straight C.alone D.close

5.A.if B.although C.unless D.because

6.A.taught B.encouraged C.praised D.joined

7.A.time B.weight C.energy D.strength

8.A.story B.love C.lesson D.experience

9.A.it B.them C.us D.ourselves

10.A.Among B.Between C.Around D.Against

11.A.as B.until C.till D.since

12.A.controls B.includes C.counts D.decides

13.A.others B.other C.another D.ones

14.A.weakness B.success C.strength D.knowledge

15.A.stopped B.refused C.helped D.understood

违法和不良信息举报电话:027-86699610 举报邮箱:58377363@163.com

精英家教网