Question

    We’ve all been there: in a lift, in line at the bank or on an airplane, around by people who are, like us, deeply look at their smartphones or, worse, fighting with the uncomfortable silence.

What’s the problem? It’s more likely that none of us start a conversation because it’s challenging, or we think it’s unnecessary. But the next time you find yourself among strangers, consider that small talk is worth the trouble. Experts say it’s an invaluable social practice that results in big advantages.

Small talk is the grease (润滑剂) for social communication, says Bernardo Carducci, director of the Shyness Research Institute at Indiana University Southeast. “Almost every great love story and each big business deal begins with small talk,” he explains. “The key to successful small talk is learning how to connect with others, not just communicate with them.”

In a 2014 study, Elizabeth Dunn, professor of psychology at UBC, invited people on their way into a coffee shop. One group was asked to look for an interaction (互动) with its waiter; the other, to speak only when necessary. The results showed that those who chatted with their waiter reported higher positive (积极的) feelings and a better coffee shop experience. “It’s not that talking to the waiter is better than talking to your husband.” says Dunn. “But interactions with peripheral (边缘的) members of our social network matter for our well-being also.”

Dunn believes that people who reach out to strangers feel a greater sense of belonging (归属感), a relationship with others. Carducci believes developing such a sense of belonging starts with small talk. “Small talk is the basis of good manners.” he says.

1.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 1?

A.Interest in smartphones. B.Unsuitable behaviours in public places.

C.Absence of communication between strangers. D.Impatience with slow service.

2.What does the coffee-shop study suggest about small talk?

A.It improves family relationships. B.It raises people’s confidence.

C.It matters as much as a formal talk. D.It makes people feel good.

3.What is the best title for the text?

A.Conversation Counts B.Advantages of Small Talk

C.Uncomfortable Silence D.Ways of Making Small Talk

Answer

1.C

2.D

3.B

【解析】

文章大意：本文是一篇人生感悟类阅读，作者围绕闲聊的益处展开论述，从公共场合人与人极少交谈的场景开始，逐步论述了闲聊的益处。

1.细节理解题。根据文章第一段可知，该段描述的情景是人们在公共场所不是玩手机就是尴尬地沉默，没有和其他人交流。C项意为不与陌生人交流。符合原文描述。故C项正确。A项意为沉迷智能手机。这只是作者描绘的场景之一，故A项错误。B项意为公众场合不良行为。文中未提及。故B项错误。D项意为对低效的服务不耐烦。文中未提及，故D项错误。故答案为C。

2.细节理解题。根据文章第四段第三句“The results showed that those who chatted with their server reported significantly higher positive feelings and a better coffee shop experience” 结果显示，那些与服务生聊天的人有更高的积极感受和更好的咖啡店体验。可知，它让人感觉很好。故答案为D。

3.标题归纳题。根据文章可知，作者从公共场合人与人极少交谈的场景开始，逐步论述闲聊的益处。故本题答案应围绕闲聊的益处展开。A. 谈话很重要；B.闲聊的好处；C. 令人不安的沉默；D.闲聊的方式，故答案为B。