Small Talk: Conversation Starters and Greetings

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Small Talk Conversation Starters and GreetingsBasic Level

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
IIII. Post-Listening Exercises

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
Learning how to say hello (starting a conversation) and ending a conversation smoothly are very important to making friends. Use this listening activity to help you know what to say at the right time.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Nice weather, isn't it?
>> Yeah, it sure is.
So, how's your brother doing?
>> He's doing okay.
Well, I have to catch this bus.
>> Okay. Nice talking to you.

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen by pressing the "Play Audio" button. Then, select the correct answer for each sentence or question, which may be missing one or more words. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

Media Player

[ What are these different audio choices? ]

[ Other Audio Options: Play RealMedia | Play Window Media ]

1. Hi. Haven't we _______ before?
A. Yes. I believe we have.
B. Nice to meet you too.
C. Nothing special.

2. Long time, ________________.
A. I see you too.
B. It has been a long time.
C. How about you?

3. Hi, how's _________________________?
A. Five people.
B. Oh really?
C. They're fine.

4. So, _________________________?
A. Pretty good.
B. That's too bad.
C. Nothing much.

5. Did you hear __________________________?
A. Oh, what a shame.
B. Hey, that's fantastic.
C. I like my job too.

6. Have you ____________ from Bill ___________________?
A. Yes. He's still working downtown.
B. No. Bill is not here now.
C. Yes. Bill is twenty-three.

7. _____________________________________________________?
A. I'm going skiing.
B. Same to you.
C. I like weekends a lot.

8. _____________________________________________________?
A. And you?
B. I'll tell him.
C. You too.

9. _____________________________________________________?
A. I will.
B. Hello brother.
C. Same to you.

10. _____________________________________________________?
A. You too.
B. I'll get home soon.
C. I know the way home.

Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the sentences again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

Pretend you are sitting at a bus stop waiting for your bus to arrive in about five minutes or so. There is a person sitting next to you whom you don't know (your conversation partner). Start a natural conversation with the person using a variety of small-talk questions and expressions. Then, end the conversation as your bus arrives and you have to get on it.

Now, write your opinions on a similar topic at Randall's ESL Blog HERE.

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