Week 1 Lesson 4
Small Talk
Small Talk
One important thing to learn when you are studying English is small talk. What is small talk? Small talk is small easy conversation you can have with people you don't know or with your friends and family. Watch this video to find out more about small talk in English.
One important thing to learn when you are studying English is small talk. What is small talk? Small talk is small easy conversation you can have with people you don't know or with your friends and family. Watch this video to find out more about small talk in English.
Always watch the video three times. First, watch it twice today with English subtitles on, and no translator or phone. Watch it once tomorrow with the English subtitles off. This will reinforce (help you remember) the English you have learned!
Always watch the video three times. First, watch it twice today with English subtitles on, and no translator or phone. Watch it once tomorrow with the English subtitles off. This will reinforce (help you remember) the English you have learned!
Small Talk in English
Small Talk in English
In most English-speaking countries, it is normal and necessary to make "small talk" in certain situations. Small talk is a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward silence between people. Even though you may feel shy using your second language, it is sometimes considered rude to say nothing. Just as there are certain times when small talk is appropriate, there are also certain topics that people often discuss during these moments.
In most English-speaking countries, it is normal and necessary to make "small talk" in certain situations. Small talk is a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward silence between people. Even though you may feel shy using your second language, it is sometimes considered rude to say nothing. Just as there are certain times when small talk is appropriate, there are also certain topics that people often discuss during these moments.
Read through the Who, What, Where, When, Why page to gain a better understanding of small talk. The hardest part about making small talk is knowing how to start a conversation. Review the conversation starters and practice them with a friend. Finally, take the time to see how much you have learned about small talk by taking the Small Talk Quiz. And remember, in an English-speaking environment it is often better to make a few mistakes than to say nothing at all!
Read through the Who, What, Where, When, Why page to gain a better understanding of small talk. The hardest part about making small talk is knowing how to start a conversation. Review the conversation starters and practice them with a friend. Finally, take the time to see how much you have learned about small talk by taking the Small Talk Quiz. And remember, in an English-speaking environment it is often better to make a few mistakes than to say nothing at all!
HOMEWORK
HOMEWORK
Next week, as we meet together on Zoom for the first time, we'll spend some time getting to know each other using small talk
Next week, as we meet together on Zoom for the first time, we'll spend some time getting to know each other using small talk
Your homework is to write 3-5 small talk questions in the past tense or past continuous tense to prepare. Practice them with people in your house, with neighbors, or people at the grocercy store, and bring them with you to class on Monday.
Your homework is to write 3-5 small talk questions in the past tense or past continuous tense to prepare. Practice them with people in your house, with neighbors, or people at the grocercy store, and bring them with you to class on Monday.
Example: "What did you do last weekend?"
Example: "What did you do last weekend?"