Language Expansion: Starting a Conversation

A. Read the questions below. Think of different ways to answer them.

(Đọc các câu hỏi dưới đây. Hãy nghĩ ra những cách khác nhau để trả lời chúng)

Starting a Conversation

How do you like this weather? Are you enjoying this class?

Did you hear about ___________________? (something in the news, for example)

How long have you been waiting? (for the elevator, the bus, the meeting to begin, etc.)

Answer:

Possible ways to answer:

1. How do you like this weather? Are you enjoying this class?

• I think the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. How about you?

• Yes, I'm enjoying this class so far. The teacher is very knowledgeable and engaging. What do you think?

2. Did you hear about ___________________? (something in the news, for example)

• No, I haven't heard about it. What happened?

• Yes, I did. It's quite concerning, isn't it?

• I'm not sure what you're referring to. Could you please tell me more?

3. How long have you been waiting? (for the elevator, the bus, the meeting to begin, etc.)

• I've been waiting for about 10 minutes. How about you?

• It feels like forever. I hope the wait is worth it.

• Not too long, just a couple of minutes.

B. In pairs, choose one of these situations. Try to make small talk for as long as you can. Then change partners and situations and practice again.

(Theo cặp, chọn một trong những tình huống này. Cố gắng nói chuyện nhỏ càng lâu càng tốt. Sau đó thay đổi đối tác và tình huống và thực hành lại)

at a welcome party for new students waiting in line in the school cafeteria

at the airport walking in the park

Answer:

At a welcome party for new students:

• Hi, my name is [your name]. Are you a new student here?

• Welcome to the school! Have you had a chance to explore the campus yet?

• What classes are you taking this semester?

• Do you have any favorite spots in the city?

Waiting in line in the school cafeteria:

• Hi, do you come here often?

• What do you usually order from this cafeteria?

• Have you tried the new menu item? Is it good?

• What are your plans for the weekend?

At the airport:

• Hi, are you traveling for business or pleasure?

• Have you been to this airport before? Do you know any good places to eat around here?

• What book are you reading? Would you recommend it?

• What's your favorite travel destination so far?

Walking in the park:

• Hi, it's a beautiful day, isn't it?

• Have you been to this park before? What's your favorite spot?

• Do you like to come here often?

• What kind of music do you like to listen to?

C. Two classmates are talking. Fill in the blanks in the conversation.

(Hai bạn cùng lớp đang nói chuyện. Điền vào chỗ trống trong đoạn hội thoại)

A: Have you ever traveled to another country?

B: No, I have (1) ___________ left this country, but I want to go to Colombia someday. Some of my cousins live there.

A: I see. Have you (2) ___________ met met your Colombian cousins?

B: Yes, I have met them (3) ___________. They came here last year.

A: That's nice. Are there any other countries you want to visit?

B: I want to visit Australia someday. Have you (4) ___________. been there?

A: No, I haven't (5) ___________ been there. Why do you want to go?

B: Well, I learned about Australian Rules football last year, but I haven't played the game (6) ___________. Maybe I can play it in Australia!

Answer:

A: Have you ever traveled to another country?

B: No, I have never left this country, but I want to go to Colombia someday. Some of my cousins live there.

A: I see. Have you ever met your Colombian cousins?

B: Yes, I have met them once. They came here last year.

A: That's nice. Are there any other countries you want to visit?

B: I want to visit Australia someday. Have you ever been there?

A: No, I haven't had the chance to go there. Why do you want to go?

B: Well, I learned about Australian Rules football last year, but I haven't played the game yet. Maybe I can play it in Australia!

D. Practice the conversation in C with a partner.

(Thực hành hội thoại trong C với một đối tác)

Answer:

HỌC SINH THỰC HÀNH ĐOẠN HỘI THOẠI VỚI BẠN CỦA MÌNH

E. MY WORLD. In pairs, discuss the questions about traveling.

(Theo cặp, thảo luận các câu hỏi về du lịch)

1. What are some places you have traveled to?

2. Where would you like to go that you haven't been yet?

Answer:

1. What are some places you have traveled to?

• I've been to Thailand, Japan, and Korea before. Have you been to any of those places?

• I went on a road trip to the Grand Canyon last year. It was breathtaking.

• I visited Paris last summer. The Eiffel Tower was amazing.

2. Where would you like to go that you haven't been yet?

• I would love to visit New Zealand someday. The landscapes look stunning.

• I really want to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Have you been there?

• I've never been to Africa, but I would like to go on a safari and see the wildlife.

Conversation (Optional)

F. Close your book and listen to the conversation. What do the speakers decide to do about the homework?

(Đóng cuốn sách của bạn và lắng nghe cuộc trò chuyện. Người nói quyết định làm gì về bài tập về nhà?)

Tom: Excuse me. Are you in my history class?

Rita: Yes! I saw you in class yesterday. |'m Rita.

Tom: Hi, Rita. I'm Tom. Is this your first class with Mr. Olsen?

Rita: Yes, it is, but I’ve heard good things about him. What about you?

Tom: I've taken his classes before, and they've always been good.

Rita: That's great. Have you already done the homework for tomorrow?

Tom: No, not yet. How about you?

Rita: Not yet. Maybe we can call each other to talk about it.

Tom: That's a great idea! I'll give you my number.

Answer:

The speakers decide to exchange phone numbers to discuss the homework for the next day.

Goal check

Move around the class. Walk up to five classmates and start a short conversation. Choose a topic and use "Have you ever ...?"

(Di chuyển xung quanh lớp. Đi bộ đến năm bạn cùng lớp và bắt đầu một cuộc trò chuyện ngắn. Chọn một chủ đề và sử dụng "Bạn đã bao giờ...?")

classes foods movies travels your idea __________

Answer:

Topic: Travels

Conversation 1:

Me: Hi, have you ever traveled to Europe?

Classmate 1: Yes, I have been to France and Italy. Have you?

Me: No, not yet. I hope to visit Spain someday.

Conversation 2:

Me: Hey, have you ever been on a road trip?

Classmate 2: Yes, I have been on a road trip across the US. Have you ever been on one?

Me: No, not yet. It's something I want to do in the future.

Conversation 3:

Me: Hi, have you ever traveled solo?

Classmate 3: Yes, I have been on a solo trip to Thailand. It was amazing. Have you?

Me: No, I haven't. I'm a bit nervous about traveling alone, but it sounds like a great experience.

Conversation 4:

Me: Hey, have you ever traveled to South America?

Classmate 4: Yes, I have been to Brazil and Peru. Have you ever been there?

Me: No, I haven't. I would love to visit Machu Picchu someday.

Conversation 5:

Me: Hi, have you ever backpacked around a foreign country?

Classmate 5: Yes, I backpacked through Southeast Asia. It was a great experience. Have you ever done it?

Me: No, not yet. It's something I want to do before I graduate.