A
In their conversation, Americans often try to be quite frank. They like to talk fairly openly about their families, jobs, and feelings. This is their way to express friendliness and honesty. They like to use phrases such as “Tell it like it is”, and “Get right to the point”. They are trying to say that they do not want to hear only what may be polite or pleasant, but rather they want to know the way things really are or seem to be, as well as a person’s real feelings on many matters. Certain kinds of information, however, are shared with only very close friends; do not ask an American about his or her pay, the daily expense(开支), love affairs, or the age of anyone not nearly your own age. Many people do not like to be asked how much they weigh or details about their marriage, especially at social events.
If people start raising eyebrows at you, this may mean your question or conversation is unexpected or may not be in good taste. Sports are often a safe topic conversation, as are jobs or studies.
56.Americans ______.
A. are satisfied with the question about his or her pay or age
B. are interested in asking questions about his shopping
C. wouldn’t love to be asked the question about his/her romantic(罗曼蒂克)interests
D. would have difficulty in answering you when you ask his name or age
57.If you want to know an American’s weight, you say, “How much do you weigh?”. This question is very ______.
A. polite B. angry C. correct D. rude
58.When you see an American raises his eyebrow at you in a conversation, it means ______.
A. you’d better go on talking B. letting him speak
C. you’d better make an apology D. he might not be prepared for what you say
59.When you meet an American stranger, you may ______ in your conversation.
A. talk about jobs and families B. shake hands with him
C. say “Good day” to him/her D. ask “How old are you?”
B.
|
Talking about the weather |
Beautiful day, isn't it? Can you believe all of this rain we've been having? It looks like it's going to snow. It surely would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now. I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend. We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we? How about this weather? Did you order this sunshine? |
|
Talking about current events |
Did you catch the news today?
Did you hear about that fire on Fourth Street? What do you think about this transit strike? I read in the paper today that the Sears Mall is closing. I heard on the radio today that they are finally going to start building the new bridge. How about those Reds? Do you think they're going to win tonight? |
|
At the office |
Looking forward to the
weekend? Have you worked here long? I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you? Has it been a long week? You look like you could use a cup of coffee. What do you think of the new computers? |
|
At a social event |
So, how do you know Justin? Have you tried the cabbage rolls that Sandy made? Are you enjoying yourself? It looks like you could use another drink. Pretty nice place, huh? I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it? |
|
Out for a walk |
How old's your baby? What's your puppy's (宠物) name? The roses are sure beautiful at this time of year, aren't they? How do you like the new park? Nice day to be outside, isn't it? |
|
Waiting somewhere |
I didn't think it would be so busy
today. You look like you've got your hands full (with children or goods). The bus must be running late today. It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh? I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays. How long have you been waiting? |
60.What might NOT be the right way to start a conversation?
A. Why do you like such a car?
B. The buses are always late here.
C. Your dress looks beautiful on you. I wonder where you bought it.
D. Could I carry some of your shopping for you?
61. What does the person mean by “I’ll have to remember not to come here on Mondays.”?
A. On Mondays, I have to work. B. I have to wait long here on Mondays.
C. I hate waiting on Mondays. D. You should come here on Mondays.
62. If you ask someone “How soon is your birthday?”, you are probably ______.
A. waiting at a doctor’s B. in a shopping mall
C. while meeting a stranger D. at a party
63. Which of the following are proper starters for a walking outside according to this passage?
A. flowers, bad weather, shopping list B. high prices, baby’s age, delayed buses
C. sunshine, buying flowers, fashion D. puppies, flowers, weather
64. The best title for the above form should be ______.
A. Starters of Small Talk B. Examples of Small Talks
C. How to End Small Talks D. Good Lines