What’s the problem? It’s more likely that none of us start a conversation because it’s challenging, or we think it’s unnecessary. But the next time you find yourself among strangers, consider that small talk is worth the trouble. Experts say it’s an invaluable social practice that results in big advantages.

Small talk is the grease (潤滑劑) for social communication, says Bernardo Carducci, director of the Shyness Research Institute at Indiana University Southeast. “Almost every great love story and each big business deal begins with small talk,” he explains. “The key to successful small talk is learning how to connect with others, not just communicate with them.”

In a 2014 study, Elizabeth Dunn, professor of psychology at UBC, invited people on their way into a coffee shop. One group was asked to look for an interaction (互動) with its waiter; the other, to speak only when necessary. The results showed that those who chatted with their waiter reported higher positive (積極的) feelings and a better coffee shop experience. “It’s not that talking to the waiter is better than talking to your husband.” says Dunn. “But interactions with peripheral (邊緣的) members of our social network matter for our well-being also.”

Dunn believes that people who reach out to strangers feel a greater sense of belonging (歸屬感), a relationship with others. Carducci believes developing such a sense of belonging starts with small talk. “Small talk is the basis of good manners.” he says.

【1】What’s the main idea of Paragraph 1?

A.Interest in smartphones.B.Unsuitable behaviours in public places.

C.Absence of communication between strangers.D.Impatience with slow service.

【2】What does the coffee-shop study suggest about small talk?

A.It improves family relationships.B.It raises people’s confidence.

C.It matters as much as a formal talk.D.It makes people feel good.

【3】What is the best title for the text?

A.Conversation CountsB.Advantages of Small Talk

C.Uncomfortable SilenceD.Ways of Making Small Talk

Fun Day

To Celebrate the Year of the Pig

Organized by Lam Tin Youth Center and Kwun Tong High School

Date: 2 February 2019

Time: 10 am—5 pm

Place: Kwun Tong Playground

Fee: $ 20 (buy three get one free)

Programmes: drama, lion dance, magic show and ballet performance

Highlights: 1) enter the lucky draw to win a digital camera

2) learn to make festival food

Join us on the Fun Day! Free soft drinks!

All are welcome!

Note:

★Tickets are available at the General Office of Lam Tin Youth Center.

★For those who would like to be a volunteer, please contact Miss Olivia Wong one week before the activity.

【1】What you have just read is a/an __________.

A.noteB.reportC.advertisementD.poster

【2】How much do you have to pay in total if four of you go together?

A.$ 20B.$ 40C.$ 60D.$ 80

【3】Which of the following statements is true?

A.Festival food will be served free.

B.Tickets are sold in Kwun Tong Hing School.

C.It’s unnecessary to take soft drinks with you.

D.Free digital cameras are provided for everyone.

Looking out of the window, through a break in the clouds, Joe caught a first sight of the town far ______. This was his third visit, and looked like becoming a yearly event. Certainly it was very lucky that they had ______ him to be the guest lecturer again. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, as a matter of politeness, had ______ to meet him at the airport, as he had done before. This time, however, it was not ______, partly because Joe was quite familiar with the city, but mostly because Anna had said that she could ______ the afternoon off in order to come and meet him.

【1】A.seriousB.excitingC.specialD.pleasant

【2】A.DreamsB.ThoughtsC.BloodD.Honour

【3】A.lastB.firstC.seldomD.never

【4】A.luckilyB.properlyC.politelyD.quickly

【5】A.jobB.clothesC.appearanceD.fashion

【6】A.belowB.aboveC.aroundD.behind

【7】A.increasedB.inventedC.invitedD.introduced

【8】A.failedB.refusedC.offeredD.managed

【9】A.helpfulB.commonC.importantD.necessary

【10】A.setB.haveC.putD.keep

2019 Beverly Wuxi Marathon ______________________ that all the athletes were completely satisfied.

Mahershala Ali _______________ since he won Best Oscar Supporting Actor.

—Yes, the price of houses _______ (rise) to above ￥15,000 per square metre in Wuxi and it is likely to get even higher the next few months.

—______. Few of them become your real friends.

A.I can’t agree more.

B.I’m pleased to know that.

C.That’s for sure.

D.That’s not the case.

—Agree with you. ______, people have to keep a balance between us humans and the environment.

A.HoweverB.AnywayC.OtherwiseD.Moreover

A.throughB.towardsC.againstD.beyond