Unit 1

Making friends
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 English small talk topics
1.Introductions: Before you can get to know someone, it’s a good
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idea to introduce yourself.
2.Universal Topics: Topics that are universal can be shared by
almost anyone. Things like the weather, current news, sports and
entertainment are usually safe conversation starters.

3. The Day: If you’re not sure what topic to talk about, or don’t
have anything interesting to say, you can just ask someone about
their day, or you can talk about yours.

4. Observations: Some of the best small talk is about where you

and your conversation partner are located. Look around and find
something to comment on.
5, The Workplace: Some conversations are only appropriate in a
work environment. Stay even less personal at work than in more
casual places, and avoid gossiping (talking about other people who
are not present)! Instead, you can talk about the day.

6. Common Interests: When you have something similar with your

speaking partner that means you have something to talk about.

7. Questions: You might have noticed by now that most of these

small talk examples have something in common: They ask
questions. A good way to start a conversation is to make a comment,
then ask a question.
Let’s meet new people!
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What’s your name?

What’s your major?

Lifestyle
What does your name
name

mean? What do you do for a

living?
Are you named after
someone? How do you get to
class?
Do you like your
name?
 Let’s meet new people!
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Home and family
Do you make Friends
Where do you live? online?

Lifestyle
What’s your best friend
Do you like your like?
neighborhood?
What do you and your
Where are your parents Friends do when you
from? get together?
 Too and Either
z Too: is used to say that a positive sentence is also true for
me.
A: I hate fish A: I live in Cucuta A: I can swim well A: I am a teacher
B: I do too B: I do too B: I can too B: I am too

 Either to say that a negative sentence is also true for me.

A: I’m not a horror movies fan A: I don’t like to eat fish A: I can’t play chess
B: I’m not either B: I don’t either B: I can’t either
 Let’s practice
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Complete the responses so the speakers agree.

1. A: I’m from London. 3. A: I don’t speak German.

B:
___________________________
2. A: I love dancing merengue
music
B:
___________________________
B:
____________________________
4. A: I can’t play the guitar .
B:
___________________________
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Use of “Actually”
 Match each conversation starter with a response.

a. Actually, I take the subway. It takes an hour.

1. It’s really chilly in here ____
b. It’s the air conditioning. Actually, I feel OK.
2. Is this your first class here? ____
c. Yes, it is, actually, I’m a little nervous.
3. So, you’re a full time student? ____
d. Thanks. It’s actually from a vintage store.
4. Do you like this neighborhood? ___
e. No, actually I’m from a small town about three hours
5. Do you drive to class? ____
away.
6. I like your sweater ____
f. Yeah, I do, actually. It has some great stores.
7. Do you play guitar or anything? ___
g. Um, part-time, actually, I work in a hotel.
8. So, you’re from around here? ____
h. Actually, I do. And piano.
 Let’s practice
FOOD WEEKEND ACTIVITIES TV SHOWS

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Fruit/ Fish/ Vegetables/ Ice cream Play sports/ Hang out/ Sleep late The news/ Soap opera/ Cartoons

1. I love ______________________________ (type of food)

2. I like to wear ________________________ (item of clothing)
3. I’m not a big _____________________ fan (movies)
4. I like _______________________________ (music)
5. I can’t stand _________________________ (TV show)