Introductions and Small Talk: Meeting People

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Introductions and Small Talk
Meeting People Basic Level

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

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
Striking up (=starting) conversations and keeping them going is really important to good communication. Think of three questions you might ask a stranger when meeting for the first time. Remember that the questions you ask might depend on the situation.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

So, where do you live?
>> I live in an apartment downtown.
What do you like to do in your free time?
>> I like to jog and play tennis.

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen by pressing the "Play Audio" button. Then, select the correct answer for each sentence, 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. What's your _____________?
A. I'm Nancy.
B. I'm from Russia.
C. I'm a student.

2. Where do you _______________?
A. I'm from Canada.
B. I live in Chicago.
C. I'm fine.

3. How's _________________________?
A. Okay.
B. I'm going to school.
C. No problem.

4. _______________ does she _____________?
A. She likes to work.
B. She's a teacher.
C. She works at City Bank.

5. _____________________ they _______________?
A. They're from Mexico.
B. They are in school.
C. They live in Tokyo.

6. _____________________________________________________?
A. I'm getting married soon.
B My father is a doctor.
C. I have three brothers.

7. _____________________________________________________?
A. I'm fine.
B. Nothing much.
C. That's too bad.

8. _____________________________________________________?
A. He's Japanese.
B. He's from Italy.
C. He's an engineer.

9. _____________________________________________________?
A. I like to exercise.
B. I'm busy this weekend.
C. I don't like sports.

10. _____________________________________________________?
A. He lives in Hong Kong.
B. He works downtown.
C. He's a doctor.

Score =
Correct answers:

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

III. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

With a partner, practice starting and keeping the conversation going. Think carefully about what questions you would ask in each situation:

at a bus stop waiting for the next bus
in a park walking your dog
on the first day of class right before school begins
on a plane waiting for takeoff
at a friend's house for a barbecue
at your 20th high school reunion

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

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