In this activity you’ll listen to people making small talk at a party. Small talk is informal conversation with friends and acquaintances in social events or places. What topics are suitable for small talk? Check the ones you’d talk about in a small talk

Current affairs___       health problems___         marital status____         work ______

The weather___              entertainment____       hobbies_____                  salaries ____

Vocabulary

Sample (verb) – try

Apply for – try a position in a school, job,

Same here! – Me too!

Make a fool out of oneself – to act as a fool

Cater – a company or person that provides food and drinks

Sign up for a course – enroll in a course

PART A

Listen to people at a party making small talk. What are they talking about: What closing phrase is used to end the conversation?

1st conversation

TOPIC

CLOSING PHRASE

2nd conversation

TOPIC

CLOSING PHRASE

3rd conversation

TOPIC

CLOSING PHRASE

PART B

Read these expressions commonly used for making small talk, and categorize them under the appropriate heading (S – starting a conversation; I – introducing a topic; C – closing a conversation). Can you add two more expressions for each one?

Can you believe this weather we’re having?                       How’s the job going?

It’s been a long time. How have you been?                        Catch up with you later.

Hi. How’s life been treating you?                                       Sorry, I’ve got to run. Talk to you soon.

How’s everything at school?                                             Well, it’s been nice talking to you.