The Business Pre-int tb indd

SuGGeSTeD AnSWeR:

Small talk is talking about relatively unimportant, everyday 

things, e.g. the weather, in order to build up a relationship 

with someone you do not know well.

Reading for detail

2

  Before they read the article, brainstorm a list of topics for 

small talk and taboo topics and write them up on the board. 

SuGGeSTeD AnSWeRS:

Safe topics – the weather; films and books; whether this is the 

first time you have been in / at a particular place, etc.

Unsuitable topics – controversial areas, e.g. politics and 

religion; very personal areas which might include a person’s 

age, salary, health issues, etc.

When students have found the information they need, check 

answers with the whole class. Were any of the topics the 

students thought of mentioned?

AnSWeRS: