In Britain, the best topic is the weather. British __2__ changes quite often. It's also a safe topic. You can start small talk simply by saying“It's a lovely day today, isn't it?”

　　Besides the weather, it's good to talk about gardens __3__ English people. For example, you could say,“Those roses look really beautiful, __4__ ?”English people love their pets. So it's also nice to begin with“What a lovely __5__! What is its name?”

　　In America, people like to talk about sports, __6__ American football and basketball. They also talk about clothes by saying“It's a nice shirt! Where did you get it ?”The weather is a __7__ topic there, too.

　　Of course, there are also a lot of topics to avoid during small talk in western countries.

　　Don't ask people“How old are you?”Age is usually a __8__, especially for women. __9__ ask“How much money do you make ?”It makes people uncomfortable. Don't ask strangers whether they have a girlfriend __10__ boyfriend. Politics or religion is not a good topic for two people who have just met, either.

    Jenny was English. She was a good girl __1__ she was often late for school. One morning she was late again. Mr Black, her teacher, was angry with her when she came into the classroom.

"I'll write to your father __2__ you aren't here on time tomorrow," he told her. Jenny didn't want him __3__ that because her parents __4__ very strict with her. The next day she got up very early and went to school without breakfast. She hurried to school. Just before she ___5___ the school gate, she stopped. She found a small bag ___6___ on the ground. She ___7___and she decided to give it to the headmaster. When she hurried into the classroom, Mr Black was already ___8___ his lessons.

    "Jenny White," he said as soon as he saw her,"I've told you not to come late,but you're late again."

    "I'm sorry,sir," Jenny said."I was late because I found a small..."

    "I won't listen to any excuse," Mr Black stopped her."Because you can't get here on time, I'll write to your father." Jenny could say no more. She sat down ___9___. She couldn't keep ___10___ her tears.

    As soon as the bell rang, the door opened. Mr Smith, the headmaster came in. He was holding a small bag in his hand. "Excuse me, Mr Black,"he said."Is this ___11___?""Why,yes.It is mine, but I didn't know I lost it." Mr Black was surprised.

    "Jenny White found it just before school started. She gave it to me and asked me to __12__ __13__ had lost it." Mr Smith said.

    Mr Black's face turned red. He looked __14__Jenny and said,"I'm sorry, Jenny. I take back __15__ I said."

(    ) 1.A.but           B.and                         C.or                            D.so

(    ) 2.A.if            B.because                    C.while                       D.how

(    ) 3.A.do             B.doing                       C.to do                       D.did

(    ) 4.A.are            B.is                     C.were                        D.was

(    ) 5.A.got            B.reached                   C.arrived                    D.get to

(    ) 6.A.lying      B.lie                            C.lay                          D.lain

(    ) 7.A.picked it up             B.picked up it             C.pick it up        D.to pick it up

(    ) 8.A.begin           B.began            C.begun                       D.beginning

(    ) 9.A.quiet                 B.quite            C.quietly                    D.quitely

(    ) 10.A.from          B.into                         C.out                          D.back

(    )11.A.you          B.yourself                   C.yours                       D.your

(    )12.A.find                  B.find out                   C.look for                    D.get

(    )13.A.who            B.whose              C.whom                             D.that

(    )14.A.to                 B.for               C.round                             D.at

(    )15.A.that         B.which                   C.how                         D.what