Reading and Discussions
Read the following passage, and answer the questions.
Use the words provided below each question.
Small Talk
Americans often have short conversations, called small talk, with strangers they meet. Such chats occur at bus stops, on buses, in elevators, while waiting in line—almost anywhere that strangers gather close together. These short verbal exchanges are a way to say hello and express friendliness. They usually cover a broad range of topics. These may include weather, customer service, movies, TV shows, or consumer products.
Personal questions about money, family, religious beliefs and politics are off limits during these conversations. It’s best to ask open-ended questions. If you ask visitors whether they like your city, they may say simply, “Yes.” But if you ask “What do you think of our city?” they will have more freedom in answering. This type of question also shows that you are interested in their opinion. If you appear interested in what people are saying, they feel more comfortable talking with you.
Americans end many conversations with the phrase “Have a nice day” or “Have a good day.” Store clerks often say this to customers after purchases are made. It might sound insincere, but studies have shown that it makes many people feel better. People get a sense that others care about them, rather than ignoring them. The American greeting “How are you?” has a similar effect. The questioner may not really care about the answer, but simply asking the question often raises the other person’s spirits.
4 verbal: of words; spoken
7 off limits: not to be spoken of
8 open-ended: permitting spontaneous responses
16 insincere: not sincere; hypocritical
1. According to the reading passage, what topics are off-limits for small talk?
personal affairs, money, family, religion, politics
Your answer may begin like: They are personal questions such as ....
2. What topics could you use to start a conversation?
weather, appearances, lunch, weekend, ice breaker, book, exam
Your answer may begin like: It depends, but the weather is probably the number one topic. Actually, ....
