阅读下列短文,根据短文中的信息完成文后表格。(每空一词)
Small talk is pleasant conversation about common interests. The ability to make “small talk” is highly valued. But making small talk is difficult not only for English learners, but also for many native speakers of English. Most English learners may have difficulty discussing topics they are unfamiliar with because of lack of(缺少) suitable vocabulary.
Now that we understand the problem, the next step is to improve the situation. Here are some tips to improve small talk skills.
◆Do some research
Spend time on the Internet, books, magazines, TVs to special about the type of people you will meet, and this can make your conversations more interesting.
◆Use the Internet for specific vocabulary
This is a bit like doing research about other people. If you have a business conference, or are meeting people who share a common interest, make use of the Internet to learn specific vocabulary.
◆Ask yourself about your culture
Take time to make a list of common things that you will discuss when making small talk in your own culture. And then check to make sure that you have the English vocabulary to make small talk about those subjects.
◆Find common interests
Once you have a subject that interests both of you, keep to it! You can do this in many ways: discussing travel, discussing the school or friends, discussing the differences between your culture and the new culture.
◆Listen
Don’t get so worried about being able to communicate that you don’t listen. Listening carefully will help you understand and encourage those speaking to you. You might be nervous, but letting others express themselves will improve the quality of the discussion and give you time to think of an answer!
| Title: To be a good small talker | ||
| The problem you may have when making small talk | __56__ have enough suitable vocabulary to cover most topics. | |
| The __57__ useful tips of improving small talk skills | ◆Doing some research | Find some special information about the type of people you’ll meet by __58__ time on the Internet, books, and so on. |
| ◆__59__the Internet for specific vocabulary | Learn specific words you may use when having a business conference or __60__ people ahead of time. | |
| ◆Asking __61__ about your culture | List out some common things that will be __62__ about in your own culture. | |
| Be sure to have the English words to discuss those subjects. | ||
| ◆Finding common interests | Try to chat with each other about something you’re both __63__ in, such as travel, the school, the differences between different __64__. | |
| ◆Listening | Pay more attention to listening to others’ ideas in order to get __65__ understanding. | |