Page 44 - Speaking at Length with covers

Below are the instructions for small talk practice.

1. Students work in groups of 3–5.
2. Students take turns picking a small talk topic.
3. The student who picks the topic starts/initiates a conversation/small talk using it.
4. The other students respond and join the conversation.
5. After speaking for about 1–2 minutes, the next student chooses a new topic.
6. Students should speak clearly and politely.

3 Performing Role-play

In pairs, choose one of the cards below, and perform a 2 minute-dialogue role-play using the previously
learnt language expressions for initiating and maintaining small talk as well as its relevant vocabulary.

Card 1: Elevator Encounter

You are both in the elevator of a building (school, office, hotel, etc.). Start a polite small talk.

You should:

• Greet the other person

• Comment on the weather, day, or building
• Ask a light personal question (e.g., "Do you work/study here?")
• Respond naturally

Card 2: Waiting Room

You are waiting in a doctor’s office or at the airport. You are sitting next to each other. One

person initiates a small talk.

You should:

• Acknowledge the wait or setting
• Ask about what the other person is waiting for (if
appropriate)

• Share a similar experience
• Keep the conversation going politely

pg. 34