Exercise 1
“SMALL TALK”
Do you have problems when you meet people for the first time?
Is it difficult to think of what to talk about? Don’t worry. You don’t need to talk about yourself; ask the right questions and you can make the other person talk.
When you start a conversation with a new person, ask about the situation you’re in and the people who are there:
What do you think of the party?
1………………………………………………
2………………………………………………
Say something positive and follow it with a question:
This music’s brilliant. Do you know what it is?
The match was great last night. Do you watch the football?
I really like your shoes. 3………………………………………………
Then, ask personal questions about interests and hobbies to show you are interested:
Did you see the film? What was it like?
4……………………………………………… Which one?
What was the last album you bought?
What kind of music is that?
When you feel more relaxed, ask personal questions about relationships and home life:
Where did you grow up?
Are you married? Do you have any children?
5………………………………………………
Holidays are always a good topic if the conversation slows down:
Do you have any holiday plans?
Where did you go for your last holiday?
You can ask about work and studies anytime:
6………………………………………………
or Where do you study?
But be careful – sometimes people don’t want to talk about work at a party!
There are also some topics that are never a good idea.
Money – people usually think talking about money is rude.
So unless you know people very well, don’t ask:
7………………………………………………
or
8………………………………………………
Politics and religion – you don’t want to start an argument!
Age – never guess anyone’s age. They won’t be happy if you get it wrong!
A. Read the article. Complete gaps 1—8 with the questions.
How do you know Ana?
How much do you earn?
Do you live near here?
How much rent do you pay?
What do you do?
How’s the food?
Do you play any sports?
Where did you buy them?
Answer
1/2 How do you know Ana? How’s the food?
3 Where did you buy them?
4 Do you play any sports?
5 Do you live near here?
6 What do you do?
7/8 How much do you earn? How much rent do you pay?
Exercise 2
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS
Communication is quick and easy with digital technology. But is it making us lazy?
Should some things be more personal?
Julie
‘I’d prefer a phone call to a …………… .’
I absolutely hate it when friends cancel by text message. It’s so rude. My friend Sara and I planned to go to the cinema tonight. But I’m pretty sure she’ll cancel – she generally does. I’m waiting for her text message now.
Marc
‘Writing a blog is a lot easier than sending …………… .’
I’m studying in New York, away from my family. And while I’m here I’m writing a blog so my friends and family at home know my news. I particularly like putting all my photos on there because people leave comments. Most of my friends use Facebook but I prefer writing a blog. It’s fairly easy to do and it’s quicker than writing 50 separate emails.
Gin
‘Facebook means I don’t …………… anything.’
I’m really into Facebook.
It’s especially useful for birthdays, that kind of thing. When I check my Facebook page, it tells me whose birthday it is. So I never forget and I can just write a message on their wall. And when people have big news – maybe a new baby or something – you can write a comment straight away.
Claudio
‘I just send an …………… .’
I normally communicate with people by instant message because they’re free. I’ve even finished relationships with girlfriends by IM. In fact, I mainly do that. I know it’s not the best thing to do – but it’s better than a lot of shouting and crying. Some of my friends don’t even send a message. They just stop all communication and wait for her to realise they’re not interested.
A. Read the article and fill in the missing words.
B. Read the article again and answer the questions.
1 Why does Julie think her friend will cancel?
2 What does Facebook help Gin to remember?
3 Why is Marc writing a blog?
4 Why does Claudio prefer sending instant messages?
Answer
A
Julie: text message
Marc: emails
Gin: forget
Claudio: instant message
B
1 because she generally does
2 people’s birthdays, and big news
3 so his friends and family know his news
4 because it’s better than a lot of shouting and crying
Exercise 3
INTERNET DATING:
How is it for you?
Are you looking for that special person? Do you want to meet new people? Lots of people meet their new partner over the Internet. It is particularly popular in the U.S.A., where about 30% of people meet their partner online. We talked to some young people in Ireland about their experiences of internet dating.
JOANNA, 23, CORK
I am dating a man I met on the Internet. His name is Gavin and he is lovely. We have the same hobbies and we laugh about the same things. We rarely argue and our relationship is perfect. I’m so happy.
STEPHEN, 28, DUBLIN
I normally wouldn’t meet someone through the Internet. I prefer to meet people face-to-face. I think it’s difficult to know what a person is like from a photo or some information online. I want to get to know someone properly, and I don’t think you can do that on the Internet.
COLM, 22, GALWAY
I have several friends who I have met online. It’s a great way to meet new people who have similar interests to you. Sometimes people can be rude but most people are very friendly – it’s great fun! I recommend it as a good way of meeting new people. There might be some problems with meeting people online, but lots of people are doing it these days, and it helps people meet new people and make new friends. Good luck!
A. Read the article. Match the statements 1–3 with the people a–c.
1 I don’t think internet dating is a good way to meet people.
2 Most people I’ve met online are friendly.
3 I’m very happy with the person I met online.
a Joanna
b Stephen
c Colm
B. Read the article again and tick (✓) the best endings for the sentences.
1 In the U.S.A. …
a people rarely use the Internet to find love.
b internet dating is a normal way to meet people. ✓
c 30% of young people have a boyfriend or girlfriend.
2 Joanna …
a has met several people online.
b is very happy in her relationship.
c doesn’t think internet dating is right for her.
3 Stephen …
a would like to meet a girl online.
b doesn’t want to put a photo of himself online.
c doesn’t think that you can get to know people online.
4 Colm thinks that …
a it’s difficult to meet people online.
b people are often unfriendly.
c the Internet is a good way to meet people and have fun.
5 The writer of the article thinks that …
a people hardly ever meet someone they like online.
b internet dating can be a good way to meet people.
c internet dating is the best way to meet people.
C. Write a paragraph about different ways of meeting new people. Think about:
• different places to meet new people
• some problems with meeting people for the first time
• the stories in the article
• your own experience.
Answer
A
1 b 2 c 3 a
B
2 b 3 c 4 c 5 a 6 b