Opinion Paragraph Assignment

| - READING

READING 1 Small Talk: A Big Deal

U N I T OBJECTIVE

I'^'^'^l You are g o i n g t o read an o n l i n e n e w s p a p e r article a b o u t small talk. Use t h e • ^ - ^ - ^ ^ article t o gather i n f o r m a t i o n a n d ideas for y o u r Unit A s s i g n m e n t .

Writing

W h e n y o u q u i c k - w r i t e , t r y t o l<eep w r i t i n g w i t h o u t s t o p p i n g . Focus o n y o u r ideas.

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A . i ' J r U ' i U V i Read t h e t i t l e a n d headings a n d l o o k at t h e p h o t o g r a p h s . W h a t d o y o u t h i n k "small t a l k " means? Check ( / ) y o u r answer.

• t a l k i n g about i m p o r t a n t events i n y o u r life

• t a l k i n g about t h i n g s l i k e traffic or weather

• t a l k i n g about y o u r boss a n d coworkers

B . W U M I t ' i ' i H l H H o w d o y o u feel w h e n y o u m e e t s o m e o n e n e w at school or at work? W h a t d o y o u say t o make h i m or her feel m o r e comfortable? Write for 5-10 m i n u t e s in response. Be sure t o use this section for your Unit A s s i g n m e n t .

C . t W d : i i i y i l ; V < Check ( / ) t h e w o r d s y o u k n o w . Then w o r k w i t h a p a r t n e r t o locate each w o r d in t h e r e a d i n g . Use clues t o help define t h e w o r d s y o u d o n ' t k n o w . Check y o u r d e f i n i t i o n s in t h e d i c t i o n a r y .

appreciate fi/.j lead to (phr. v.)

confidence (n.) ^ maintain (v.) demonstrate (v.) 4^ offensive (adj.) effective (adj.) select (v.) impress (v.) / ' stranger (n.) ^

^ Oxford 3000™ words

D . Go o n l i n e t o listen a n d practice y o u r p r o n u n c i a t i o n .

^ ^ ^ ^ I R e a d i n g a n d W r i t i n g 5

Grammer, M., & Ward, C. (2015). Small Talk: A Big Deal. In Reading and Writing 3 (2nd ed., Q Series, pp. 5-11). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

1

i n WORK WITH THE READING

® A . Read t h e article a n d g a t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t h o w t o make a g o o d first i m p r e s s i o n .

Put a group of s t r a n g e r s in a room together, and they'll probably start a conversation. "Hot today, isn't it?" one might say. "You said it," another replies. Soon enough, comments about today's weather will l e a d t o other people's weather stories about getting stuck in the rain or trying to stay cool during last week's high of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius).

Why do we talk so much about the weather, and why is it important? W h e n we first meet people, we don't begin by telling t h e m our life story. W e start with small talk, a polite conversation about something much less important like traffic or weather. Sometimes it goes nowhere. W e may talk to people in the elevator, at the store, or on the bus, but the conversation quickly ends. Many other times, however, small talk can create something much bigger, including new friendships or even a better job. It just has to be done the right way.

New Friends and Jobs Research suggests that small talk can build new friendships.

W h e n we begin conversations with new people, w e want to feel comfortable, and so do they. We use small talk to find c o m m o n interests. Weather may lead to more interesting topics like summer fashion or winter foods. Once we have a c o m m o n interest, a friendship can begin. The more w e engage in^ small talk, the more friends w e can make.

Small talk even helps people get hired and perform better at work. In order to i m p r e s s at a job interview, you need to bond with the interviewer right away. E f f e c t i v e small talk can make that first impression get you the job. Small talk is equally important after you are hired. In fact, research

' engage i n : to take part in something

U N I T 1 H o w d o y o u m a k e a g o o d f i r s t i m p r e s s i o n ?

m

Introduction

warms the reader up to the topic + gives the main idea(s) of the whole reading ("thesis")

body paragraphs develop the main idea(s)

d e m o n s t r a t e s that just five minutes of small talk can lead to more successful business deals. Effective small talk at the office can also help people get promoted^ more often.

As Easy as 1-2-3 So, how can you make small talk lead to a new

friendship, job, or promotion? First off, find c o m m o n ground. S e l e c t something around you that you share with the other person. At a job interview, look around the room for c o m m o n interests. Perhaps the interviewer has a photo of his children on his desk. " O h , you have kids, too?" you might ask.

Next, keep the conversation going. Compliment^ the other person to make him or her feel comfortable, and ask questions to show interest: " O h , you've been to Paris?" Don't do all the talking, and avoid saying anything offensive that might make the other person feel a w k w a r d . It could create a negative impression and possibly end the conversation.

Third, maintain eye contact. W h e n you look people in the eye, they feel you appreciate what they are saying. Maintaining eye contact is important. It makes you appear honest and builds trust. Without trust, a relationship cannot develop'*, say experts.

The Big Question: To Talk or Not to Talk? Some people shy away from small talk. They might

not have enough c o n f i d e n c e to start up conversations with strangers. A n d let's face it—talking to s o m e o n e you don't know is not the easiest thing to do! Still, experts say with practice, small talk does get easier, even for the shy ones. You just have to take that first step.

Other people avoid small talk because they dislike discussing things like traffic, weather, or sports scores. For them, these topics are just too small. However, w h e n you think about it, small talk is anything but small. In fact, it is actually a very big deal!

- p r o m o t e : to move someone to a higher rank or more ^ c o m p l i m e n t : to praise or express admiration for senior job someone

•* develop: to become better and stronger

Reading and Writing 7

conclusion

brings the reader back to the main ideas(s) + gives concluding thoughts

Vocabulary Skill Review L o o k at t h e sentences in A c t i v i t y B. W h i c h o f t h e v o c a b u l a r y w o r d s in b o l d are nouns? W h i c h are verbs?

B . M t i i r i i ; i i i ^ ! r n Here are some w o r d s f r o m Reading 1. Read t h e sentences. Then m a t c h each b o l d w o r d w i t h its d e f i n i t i o n b e l o w .

1. I t h o u g h t I saw a stranger s t a n d i n g i n f r o n t o f m y a p a r t m e n t b u i l d i n g , b u t then I realized i t was m y f r i e n d w a i t i n g for me.

2. S m i l i n g can demonstrate to other people that y o u are a f r i e n d l y person. S h a k i n g a person's h a n d is another way to show friendliness.

3. I^eople w i t h confidence usually make better p u b l i c speakers because they feel \'ery c o m f o r t a b l e s t a n d i n g i n f r o n t o f a l o t o f people.

4. M a n y people believe Facebook is an eflfective way to keep i n t o u c h w i t h famil)^ and friends w h o live far away.

5. W h e n y o u meet new people i n school, i t can sometimes lead to friendships that last a l i f e t i m e .

6. You s h o u l d select w h a t y o u wear to a j o b i n t e r v i e w carefully. W h a t y o u -wear to an i n t e r v i e w is very i m p o r t a n t .

7. I really appreciate m y f r i e n d s . Tliey always give me g o o d advice.

8. A d e l w a n t e d to impress the i n t e r v i e w e r , so he t o l d h i m about the i m p o r t a n t project he w o r k e d o n .

, 9. One o f the best ways to m a i n t a i n a conversation is to keep asking questions; t h e n i t can easily c o n t i n u e .

. 10. Jokes are a great way to " b r e a k the ice" w h e n y o u meet new people, b u t y o u s h o u l d never tell oflfensive jokes t h a t c o u l d make t h e m feel u n c o m f o r t a b l e or angry.

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a. (phr. V.) to have s o m e t h i n g as a result

b. (n.) the feeling that y o u are sure about y o u r o w n beliefs or abilities

c. (v.) to m a k e someone a d m i r e and respect y o u

d. (adj.) p r o d u c i n g the result that is w a n t e d or i n t e n d e d

e. (v.) to choose someone or s o m e t h i n g f r o m s i m i l a r people or t h i n g s

-€ (n.) a person y o u do n o t k n o w

g. (v.) to enjoy or to u n d e r s t a n d the value o f someone or s o m e t h i n g

h . (adj.) unpleasant or i n s u l t i n g

i . (v.) to show or e x p l a i n h o w to do s o m e t h i n g

j . (v.) to c o n t i n u e to have s o m e t h i n g ; to keep s o m e t h i n g at the same level

C . Go o n l i n e for m o r e practice w i t h t h e vocabulary.

8 UNIT 1 i How do you make a good first impression?

D . Circle t h e m a i n idea of t h e article.

a. Strangers w h o find themselves together i n the same place w i l l probably t a l k to each other.

b. Small t a l k is a p o l i t e conversation w i t h strangers about topics l i k e traffic, weather, or sports.

c. A c c o r d i n g to experts, there are three i m p o r t a n t steps to f o l l o w w h e n y o u engage i n s m a l l t a l k .

d . W h e n s m a l l t a l k is done correctly, i t can i m p r o v e people's social a n d professional lives.

S c . Read t h e s t a t e m e n t s . Write T (true) or F (false). Then correct each false s t a t e m e n t t o make it t r u e according t o t h e article.

1. People do n o t usually t a l k about t h e i r personal lives w i t h strangers.

2. S m a l l t a l k can happen at the store or o n the bus.

3. Small t a l k helps people find shared interests.

4. Small t a l k is o n l y h e l p f u l before y o u get a j o b .

5. Just five m i n u t e s o f s m a l l t a l k helps employees get p r o m o t e d .

6. You s h o u l d never ask new people details about t h e i r f a m i l y .

7. Some people feel u n c o m f o r t a b l e u s i n g s m a l l t a l k .

Eftective s m a l l t a l k can leave a bad first impression o n others. . 8 .

3 for Success Use p r o n o u n referents, such as it a n d they, t o c o n t i n u e an idea in a f o l l o w i n g s e n t e n c e .

Fo Read these sentences f r o m Reading 1. Then answer t h e questions. Find t h e sentences in t h e r e a d i n g t o h e l p y o u .

1. (Paragraph 1) Put a g r o u p o f strangers i n a r o o m together, a n d t h e y ' l l p r o b a b l y start a conversation.

W h o does they refer to?

2. (Paragraph 2) I t just has to be done the r i g h t way.

W h a t does it refer to?

3. (Paragraph 3) W h e n we b e g i n conversations w i t h new people, we w a n t to feel c o m f o r t a b l e , and so do they.

W h o does they refer to?

4. (Paragraph 6) I t c o u l d create a negative impression and possibly end the conversation.

W-hat does it refer to?

5. (Paragraph 7) It makes y o u appear honest and b u i l d s t r u s t .

W h a t does it refer to?,

Critical Thinking

A c t i v i t y G asks y o u t o i d e n t i f y a c a u s a l c h a i n . A causal c h a i n is a series o f causes a n d e f f e c t s . W h e n y o u o r g a n i z e ideas i n t o a causal c h a i n , it w i l l h e l p y o u t o see h o w o n e e v e n t affects a n o t h e r e v e n t , w h i c h t h e n a f f e c t s a n o t h e r e v e n t .

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6. (Paragraph 8) They m i g h t n o t have enough coniidence to start up conversations w i t h strangers.

V\"ho does they refer to?

G , Read p a r a g r a p h 3 of Reading 1 a n d c o m p l e t e this graphic organizer. I d e n t i f y t h e causal chain in t h e p a r a g r a p h . Write t h e correct answers in t h e boxes.

a. We find c o m m o n interests.

tn—Vt'e^a^gffl-tt conversation with a stranger.

c. A new f r i e n d s h i p starts,

d. We discuss m o r e i n t e r e s t i n g topics.

e. We use small t a l k .

H . The author suggests that there is also a wrong way to use small talk. What do you t h i n k the w r o n g way m i g h t be? Write 5 - 8 sentences g i v i n g your o p i n i o n . Then share your paragraph w i t h a partner and compare your ideas.

I . Go o n l i n e t o read Professional Email Etiquette a n d check your c o m p r e h e n s i o n .

WRITE WHAT YOU THINK A o Discuss these q u e s t i o n s in a g r o u p .

1. When was the last t i m e y o u used s m a l l talk? Describe the s i t u a t i o n .

2. D o you agree w i t h the author that small t a l k is "a big deal"? W h y or w h y not?

B . Choose o n e q u e s t i o n a n d w r i t e a p a r a g r a p h in response. Look back at your Quick Write o n page 5 as y o u t h i n k a b o u t w h a t y o u l e a r n e d .

10 UNIT1 I H o w d o y o u m a k e a g o o d f i r s t i m p r e s s i o n ?

Reading Skill Identifying ma

A paragraph is a group of sentences about the same topic. The main idea is usually given i n the first sentence. This is called the topic sentence. Sometimes the topic sentence can also be the last sentence or i n the m i d d l e of a paragraph. The other sentences are called supporting sentences and contain supporting details, such as examples, explanations, facts, definitions, and reasons.

I d e n t i f y i n g m a i n ideas and supporting details is an i m p o r t a n t skill that w i l l help you become a more effective reader. W h e n y o u read, skim for m a i n ideas and scan for details.

A. Read t h e sentences f r o m Reading 1. Write M / f o r t h e m a i n idea of t h e p a r a g r a p h . W r i t e SD f o r t h e s u p p o r t i n g details.

1. Paragraph 3

a. Weather m a y lead to m o r e i n t e r e s t i n g topics l i k e s u m m e r fashion

or w i n t e r foods.

b. Research suggests that s m a l l t a l k can b u i l d n e w friendships.

c. Tlie m o r e we engage i n s m a l l t a l k , the m o r e f r i e n d s we can make.

2. I^aragraph 4

a. I n order to impress at a j o b i n t e r v i e w , y o u need to b o n d w i t h the intervie^ver r i g h t away.

b. I n fact, research demonstrates that just five m i n u t e s o f s m a l l t a l k can lead to m o r e successful business deals.

c. Small t a l k even helps people get h i r e d and p e r f o r m better at w o r k .

3. Paragraph 5

a. So, h o w can y o u make s m a l l t a l k lead to a new f r i e n d s h i p , j o b ,

or p r o m o t i o n ?

b. First off, find c o m m o n g r o u n d .

c. A t a j o b i n t e r v i e w , l o o k a r o u n d the r o o m for c o m m o n interests.

B . Look again at p a r a g r a p h s 1,6, 7, a n d 8 in Reading 1. U n d e r l i n e t h e t o p i c sentence t h a t states each paragraph's m a i n idea. Then c o m p a r e y o u r answers w i t h a partner.