Reading Practice
Making Friends in the USA
Module 1 Small Talk
The song is about __________.
How to make more friends especially in a foreign country?
friends
Lead-in
To get general ideas
Match the main idea of each part Part 1 A. safe talk topics in the USA
Part2---6 B. dangerous topics in the USA
Part 7---8 C.to avoid silence
Part 9 D. conversation in the USA is less lively
The writer thinks that______. A. Americans often ask very personal questions. B. Asians are very different form Americans, and are sensitive to many topics of conversation. C. Americans are easy to make friends with, but they respect your private life. D. Americans don’t like to grow old, so it’s difficult to make friends with them.
Task I: Which one expresses the writer’s opinion?
can can’t
Find out the topics which you can and shouldn’t talk about with Americans
Task II: (1)job, (2)politics, (3)religion, (4)family, (5)leisure interest, (6)sensitive topics, (7)age, (8)money, (9) where you come from, (10) movie
can can’t
(1).(4). (5).
(9). (10). (2). (3). (6).
(7). (8).
Find out the topics which you can and shouldn’t talk about with Americans
Task II: (1)job, (2)politics, (3)religion, (4)family, (5)leisure interest, (6)sensitive topics, (7)age, (8)money, (9) where you come from, (10) movie
To get detailed information
Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answers.
1. When a dull person talks, you should ___. A. ask questions B. change the topic of conversation C. not ask personal questions D. listen
not interesting; boring
2. It’s always OK to talk to Americans about
_______. A. their work B. religion and politics C. age and money D. their private life
3. When Americans make an invitation to visit, ____. A. they don’t really mean it B. they want to find out more about you C. they genuinely want to see you again D. you should accept itreally
4. The best way to talk about personal things is to ____. A. talk about your own private life first B. talk about your job C. discuss the weather D. ask them how old they are
5. It’s best to avoid ______. A. personal questions B. invitation C. spies D. dull people
6. If you meet disagreement when talking with Americans, what are you advised to do? (more choices)
A.Quarrel with them, because you are right.
B. Leave him alone, because you think he is impolite.
C. Change the topic quickly and turn to a safe one. eg. the weather
D. Make compliments. “Oh, that’s a beautiful dress you’re wearing”
Accept it and say “Thank you”
praise / say sth. good
In the USA, conversation is less 1. ______ than in many other cultures, they talk about their 2. ______ more than Asians, but are more 3. ________ about factual matters. Always they are very friendly and 4. ________ to make an invitation. They don’t 5. ______ your private unless you take the 6. __________.
Generally they dislike 7. __________, so it’s easy for them to discuss the 8. _______and make 9. ___________ to avoid disagreement. Age and 10. ______ are dangerous and 11. _______ matters which are advised not to talk, so don’t expect an 12. ________ reply if you asked.
consolidation
livelyfeelings
secretive
hospitable violatelead
arguments
complimentsmoney private
accurate
Fill in the blanks
weather
Para1: Why conversations in America is less lively than in many other cultures?
When someone talks, others are expected to listen, no matter how dull his or her words are.
Para.2: jobs?
• We’re defined by our jobs and we’re usually happy to talk about them, unless you’re a spy.
• 1. Americans talk about their feelings more than Asians, but are more secretive about factual matters.
• 2. Among “families, leisure interests, movies, ethnic background, politics, religion”, which topics are welcomed and which are not?
Para.3
families, leisure interests, movies
ethnic background, politics, religion
sensitive
Para.4 different invitations
friendlyhospitable
… is never made without a genuine desire to…
Do call by and see us!
Para.5
They don’t wish to violate your private life.
But they will happily talk about more private matters if you take the lead.
Para.6
No argument but compliment!How to reply to compliments?
Accept it graciously and say “Thank you!”
Para.7• What are the two dangerous topics of
conversation?• Age and money.
• Isn’t she wonderful for her age!
Para.8
• Some people may not only be open about their income, but show off their wealth.
Para.9
• Should we keep silence for fear that we may have wrong small talks?
embarrassment
It’s not enough to know the topics, what’s the most important is how to begin and continue your talk!
Hey, can we talk?
I’m shy
begin and continue
