e have learnt about how to ask for and give advice and suggestions on Asking For, Giving, and Responding to Advice and Suggestions. Now, let's practice more about asking for and giving advice through a dialogue in a video material. After watching the video, test your understanding by answering the questions in the exercise below.
EXERCISE
I. Answer the following questions by choosing the correct answer; A, B, C, or D.
Where does the conversation most probably take place?
In a classroom
In an office
In a car showroom
In a shopping mall
What relationship do the speakers most likely have?
A teacher and a student
Families
An assistant and a customer
Co-workers
What is the topic of the dialogue?
Advice on buying a new car
Advice on selling Minydy's car
Suggestions on how to buy a new car
Tips on selling and buying a car
What is Mindy planning to do?
Rent a new car
Buy a new car
Repair her car
Sell her car
What happens with Mindy's car?
She just feels bored with her car.
It is not economical and too large.
It often breaks down due to its age.
It has become totally unrepairable.
Which term best describes the car that Windy needs in terms of price?
Expensive
Fashionable
Classical
Inexpensive
How often does Windy drive?
Every day
Only on the weekends
Seldom
Three times a week
What kind of car does Toni suggest Mindy buy?
A sophisticated one
A cheap large new car
An imported small car
A small compact one
What will Mindy probably do after the conversation?
Sell her old car immediately
Check the new model
Reject Toni's advice
Repair her broken car
Why does Toni ask Mindy a few questions before giving advice?
He actually feels as confused as Mindy.
He does not even think Mindy needs a new car.
He needs much time to think of the best solution.
He wants to know what car suits Mindy's needs.
II. Based on the dialogue, state whether the following sentences are TRUE or FALSE.
Toni and Mindi were having a business meeting in their office.
Toni said, "Do you mind if I ask you for some advice?"
Mindy needs advice because she isn't sure about which car to buy.
Mindy's car often breaks down because it's too old.
Toni was busy so he refused to give Mindy advice.
Mindy's car breaks down due to a traffic accident.
Mindy drives her car every day.
Mindy usually goes to the gym three times in a week.
Toni usually goes shopping with Mindy on the weekend.
Toni thinks that a small compact car will be the right choice for Mindy.
Video source:
Small Talk | Making Small Talk | Everyday English, YouTube, uploaded by Learn English by Pocket Passport, Dec 21, 2019, https://youtu.be/dEMXThjVxRg
et's imagine you have just arrived at your office and are ready to start your shift. You meet your colleague of the previous shift whom you are going to replace. What would you say to be polite? Let's imagine again you are sitting in a waiting room, next to a stranger. How would you start conversation in order to break the uncomfortable and awkward silence?
Yes, you need small talk.
What is small talk?
To be short, small talk refers to "basa-basi" in Bahasa Indonesia. It is a social conversation about unimportant and uncontroversial matters, which helps manage interpersonal distance and define the relationships between friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances.
We make small talk when we want to avoid uncomfortable silence and talk to someone we have never met before, or a colleague in order to appear polite and friendly and create a positive interaction. Small talk serves many social functions, such as conversation opener, conversation closing, and silence filler.
Small talk topics should be universal, positive, and situational to enable the conversation to flow naturally. Common small talk topics may range from the weather, sports, entertainment, introduction, occupation, and common interests.
To help you with clearer and more practical understanding of small talk, watch the video below and do the following exercise.
Answer the following questions by choosing the correct answer; A, B, C, or D.
How did the man start the conversation?
By asking the woman's name and nationality
By asking the woman's favorite weather
By creating small talk about the weather
By telling the woman about his hard day
What did the woman think about the weather?
It was a sign that summer had started.
The weather had been oficially forecast.
The officials said that summer was hot.
It didn't look like summer had started.
What did the man say he wanted to buy?
Sun glasses
Sun roof
Some blocks
Sun block
The man said, "My name is John, by the way." From the dialogue, we may conclude that the phrase "by the way" can be used to ....
clarify that an information may have been wrongly perceived
introduce a topic not directly connected with the previous subject
confirm a very important information in an informal conversation
ask about a very casual topic in a formal or non-formal conversation
How did they greet each other in their introduction?
Nice to miss you.
Nights to meet you.
Nice to me, too.
Nice to meet you.
What do we know about the woman's origin?
She lives around the area.
They both live in Hokkaido.
She will move to Hokkaido.
She is from an Asian country.
What did she say about the weather in Hokkaido?
It's warmer in Hokkaido.
It's much colder in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is not as cold as that.
Hokkaido is colder than before.
What did the man say about the weather in his hometown?
It has a little rain.
It's very windy.
It's hotter when it rains.
It often rains.
The man said, "I'm not used to these summer temperatures." What did he imply?
He usually lived in a much colder place.
He cannot do many activities in summer.
The temperature in summer is usual.
He likes summer temperatures more.
What does the woman like to do in summer?
She likes running into the sea.
She likes to take her dog for jogging.
She likes to spend time at the beach.
She usually allows her dog to go out.
What does the man usually do in his hometown during summer?
If it's sunny, he meets up with his friends in a bar.
He spends time sunbathing in a parking lot.
He travels around London to see nice parks.
He often has picnic in the park on sunny days.
Has the woman been to London before?
Yes, she has.
Yes, to visit museums.
No, never.
No, she doesn't want to.
What did the woman want to visit in London?
The beach
The park
The museums
The football game
According to the man, what do the people in his hometown mostly do at the weekend?
They play football with their team.
They play football video games.
They go to their favorite teams.
They watch football games.
Why did the woman relate to "baseball" in the conversation?
To tell which Japanese baseball teams are popular
To describe her favorite sports when she is in Japan
To imply that both games are super popular in Japan
To give information about equally popular sports
In chronological order, the topic of the conversation can be defined as ....
the weather, place of origin, sports, summer activities
the weather, place of origin, summer activities, sports
the weather, place of origin, names, favorite sports
the season, names, activities, personal sports
Based on the dialogue, which of the following statements is FALSE?
The speakers have never met before.
The speakers are probably tourists.
They come from different countries.
They both have the same preference.
What do you think the speakers are most probably doing?
They are making a business trip.
They are meeting new colleagues
They are studying about the weather.
They are enjoying their vacation.
Which of the following topics is best to continue the conversation?
The beaches in London
Favorite sports
Religions
Political view
Which of the following is NOT true about "small talk"?
It is a polite way to start a conversation.
It is mostly about uncontroversial matters.
The topic is often popular and unimportant.
It is effective in political and job interviews.
Video source:
Small Talk | Making Small Talk | Everyday English, YouTube, uploaded by Learn English by Pocket Passport, Jul 6, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVzLd304keA
For more resources on small talk, you can refer to the following pages:
I have these pictures of Indonesia, Margaret. Do you want to look at them?
Margaret:
Oh, I like to look at pictures of other countries, Hadi - and I want to learn about Indonesia. Let me see them! .... Oh, that's an interesting photo. Those are musicians!
Hadi:
Yes.
Margaret:
But Indonesian musical instruments are different from Australian musical instruments.
Hadi:
These are special instruments, Margaret. This is a gamelan orchestra. You see, this instrument has strings. This is a drum, and these are gongs.
Margaret:
Is that a guitar?
Hadi:
No, it isn't. Do you like guitars, Margaret?
Margaret:
Yes, I do. A guitar is a useful instrument. If you play a guitar, you don't need other instruments. You can play songs, and people can sing. .... Oh, look at this photo, Hadi. What are these girls doing?
Hadi:
They're dancing. That's a special Balinese dance.
Margaret:
They're wearing pretty costumes. And is this a gamelan orchestra, too?
Hadi:
Yes, that's right.
Margaret:
Is that dance difficult to learn?
Hadi:
Oh yes. These girls start learning when they're very young. Now look at this, Margaret.
Margaret:
Oh, that's a nice photo, Hadi!
Hadi:
Yes, that's a rice-field. We grow a lot of rice in Indonesia. Rice grows well there.
Margaret:
But what beautiful scenery! Rice-fields, trees, mountains. I think this photo is the prettiest!
Hadi:
Would you like to have it, Margaret?
Margaret:
Are you giving it to me?
Hadi:
Yes.
Margaret:
Oh, thank you very much, Hadi! It's lovely!
EXERCISE
I. Answer the following questions based on the above conversation.
What is the conversation about?
What pictures does Hadi show Margaret?
In your opinion, what makes Margaret interested in the pictures?
What does Margaret say about Indonesian musical instruments?
What does Margaret think about guitars? Why?
What are the girls in the picture doing?
What does Margaret think about their costumes?
Which picture does Margaret like best?
What does Hadi do with the picture?
Rewrite the above dialogue in your book and underline the demonstrative pronouns; this, that, these, those.
II. Complete the following sentences with "this/that" or "these/those".
... is a flower.
... is an office.
... are fingers.
This is ... water.
... are exercises.
... animals eat grass.
... boy is playing football.
... is a library.
... is coffee.
... is an island.
... are university students.
... girl has been here for an hour.
... is a hotel.
... aeroplane is flying above the sea.
Most farmers in ... country grow rice.
III. Write sentences with "this/that" or "these/those" using the nouns provided. Number 1 has been done as an example.
n our daily social life, we often express our admiration, satisfaction, or happiness for someone's achievement or work by giving compliments. The purpose is to show them that we care and are happy for them with what they have done or achieved.
These are examples of compliments and the responses:
Compliments
Responses
What a fantastic performance!
Thanks. I'm happy that everything worked well.
You look gorgeous!
Thank you very much.
You're looking glamorous.
Thanks.
How adorable that is!
Thank you for your compliment.
Well done! You are the best.
Thank you.
I like your new haircut.
Thanks. I'm glad you like it.
That's a nice shirt!
Thanks. It's a gift from my friend in Indonesia.
How elegant you look.
That's very nice of you. Thanks.
My compliments on your great work.
Thanks. I'm just doing my job.
Wow! You’re very clever.
Thank you.
What a great picture! You should be proud of yourself.
Thanks. Glad you like it.
From the examples above, we can see that compliments and admiration can be expressed with:
That’s a nice ...(noun)....
What a great ...(noun)...!
How ...(adjective/adverb)...!
You look ...(adjective)....
I like your ...(noun)...!
I must express my admiration for your ...(noun)....
You're really ...(adjective)....
To respond, we can use thanking expressions, such as:
Thank you for your compliment.
That's nice of you.
I am glad you like it.
EXERCISE
A. Please complete the dialogues below using your own words.
Dialogue 1:
Hari:
What a nice bike you have, Panca.
Panca:
...(1).... It was a present from my Dad on my birthday two years ago.
Hari:
...(2).... That kind of bike is very expensive now.
Panca:
Yes, it is. It's because cycling is becoming very popular now.
Hari:
You're right. Bikes are sold out in many places.
Dialogue 2:
Gani:
I saw your performance in the English speech contest yesterday. ...(3)....
Salma:
...(4).... I practiced hard to prepare for it.
Gani:
It was paid off. You certainly impressed the juries.
Salma:
I hope so. Thank God everything went well.
Dialogue 3:
Tom:
I like your new shoes.
Dio:
...(5)....
Tom:
They look very expensive. Where did you buy them?
Dio:
Well, not really. I bought them at a home industry near my house.
Tom:
...(6).... They look like branded products.
Dio:
Well, when it comes to quality, I'm not a brandminded person.
Tom:
I agree with you. Home industry products often come up with the same quality as that of branded ones, sometimes even better.
Dialogue 4:
Mita:
Hi, Ayu. You look ...(7)... tonight.
Ayu:
...(8).... You, too.
Mita:
I've never seen you wearing that Batik dress. Is that new?
Ayu:
Well, my Mom had it made at a tailor's for me last month.
Mita:
Oh, did she? I think your mom is quite fashionable.
Ayu:
Yes, she really is.
Dialogue 5:
Risa:
Hi, Linda. How are things with you?
Linda:
Never better, thanks. And you?
Risa:
I'm fine, thanks. I heard that your proposal for our next program has been approved. Congratulations.
Linda:
It has. Thanks.
Risa:
I think our manager should thank you for such a great idea in marketing. You're a genius.
Linda:
...(9).... It's all based on my experience in marketing that kind of product for years.
Risa:
...(10)....
Linda:
Well, stop complimenting me. I need everybody's support in order to make it work.
Risa:
You can count on me.
B. Express your compliment in each of the following situations.
You compliment your friend on his/her new hair style.
Your friend is wearing a fancy gown.
Your colleague has been promoted for his hard work.
Your friend has received a flying grade in a TOEIC test.
Your brother has received a photography award.
Your friend's office has been rearranged and it's now very comfortable..
Your father has bought you a new mobile phone.
Your cousin has gone on a diet and now she is slimmer.
Your motorcycle wouldn't start until a friend came and helped you.
Your best friend has won an English speech contest.
t's Saturday evening. Jim and Betty have been working in the garden all day. They're sitting in the living room after dinner.
Jim:
I've worked so hard today, Betty!
Betty:
So have I, Jim! I haven't even read this morning's paper.
Jim:
Neither have I! Where is it?
Betty:
Oh, I think it's on top of refrigerator in the kitchen. Would you mind getting it, Jim? I'm too tired to move.
Jim:
I don't really want to read it.
Betty:
Well, neither do I. You know, my back is quite sore.
Jim:
So is mine. I planted a lot of young plants this afternoon.
Betty:
I didn't stop working all the afternoon.
Jim:
Neither did I. And by three o'clock my back was aching!
Betty:
So was mine. I wasn't able to stand up straight for quite a while afterwards.
Jim:
Neither was I. My whole body feels sore.
Betty:
So does mine. I shan't plant any more young plants for a while.
Jim:
Neither shall I. I'd like to rest for hours now.
Betty:
Jim, you shouldn't work so hard in the garden in future.
Jim:
Neither should you. But we both like to have flowers in the house. At any rate, I like to see flowers in the house.
Betty:
Oh, so do I, Jim. But we can't afford to buy flowers all the time. ... Oh, well, perhaps we'll feel better tomorrow.
Jim:
Perhaps! What are we going to do tomorrow, Betty?
Betty:
If it's fine, I wouldn't mind going for a drive in the car.
Jim:
Neither would I. Let's ask Hadi and Yati to go for a drive with us. Hadi likes going for a drive.
Betty:
So does Yati. She'll enjoy a drive in the country.
Jim:
They're both fond of the country.
Betty:
We can take a picnic lunch, and perhaps we could go to National Park. I'd like that.
Jim:
So would I. Hadi has been there, hasn't he?
Betty:
Yes, and so has Yati. But I don't mind how often I go there.
Jim:
Neither do I. It's a very pleasant place, with all those lovely trees.
Betty:
Oh, I'm looking forward to it! My back feels better already.
Jim:
So does mine. I'll go and phone Hadi immediately.
Betty:
And when you've phoned Hadi, I'll phone Yati. Tell Hadi we'll call for him at half past nine tomorrow morning.
Jim:
All right, Betty.
Betty:
I'll get the newspaper. I'll need it while you're talking to Hadi.
EXERCISE
A. Answer the following questions.
Have Jim and Betty worked hard today, or have they been idle?
Have they read the newspaper?
Where is the newspaper?
Why wouldn't Jim or Betty get the newspaper?
How did their back feel?
What did they do in the garden?
What are they going to do tomorrow?
Who is Jim going to call?
Who is Betty going to call?
Do Hadi and Yati like going for a drive?
Where will they go?
Are they going to eat in a restaurant or are they going to take a picnic lunch?
What time will Jim and Betty pick Hadi up tomorrow morning?
What will Betty do while Jim is talking to Hadi?
Please copy the dialogue and underline all the phrases/sentences with "so" and "neither".
B. Complete the following sentences using "so" or "neither".
Adi: I like mangoes. Jaka: ... do I.
Hendra: Santi doesn't live near here. Udin: ... does Tari.
Kiki: I haven't had lunch. I'm so hungry. Ovin: ... have I.
Tasya: I didn't understand what he was saying. Dena: ... did I. I think he spoke too fast.
Rio: My office has applied new policies as a response to Covid-19 outbreak. Lily: ... has mine.
Yudi: I couldn't go out of town due to the travel restriction. Gita: ... I.
Maya: My father works in a private company. Elsa: ... my father. He often has to work on Sundays.
Dea: Ahmad didn't attend the meeting yesterday. Joni: ... did Hans, his supervisor.
Umi: Many students aren't prepared for online learning during the pandemic. Tika: ... are teachers. Most of them are still adapting to new technologies.
Yana: Eating nutritious food is very important in maintaining our health. Sita: ... is having regular exercise. A little exercise every day can help us stay healthy.
adi is sitting and drinking a cup of coffee when he sees Margaret.
Hadi:
Hello, Margaret!
Margaret:
Oh, hello, Hadi.
Hadi:
Won't you sit down here?
Margaret:
Certainly. What are you doing?
Hadi:
Just drinking coffee and thinking.
Margaret:
Well, now you can drink coffee and talk! I want to be told all the news!
Hadi:
News! What news!
Margaret:
About Jim and Betty's friends, the Fosters - Tom and Nancy. They've just come back from Indonesia, haven't they?
Hadi:
Oh, yes, they arrived home last week. I was invited to Jim and Betty's place a few days ago, and Tom and Nancy were there too.
Margaret:
And did they tell you all about their trip? What did they do? Where did they go?What interested them the most? Did they enjoy themselves?
Hadi:
Yes, I think they enjoyed their holiday very much. They went to Jakarta first - by plane from Sydney. They have some friends in Jakarta, and so they were invited to a lot of places, and they were taken on several visits.
Margaret:
Lucky people!
Hadi:
After they'd been in Jakarta for a few days, a visit to Bandung was arranged for them. They were taken there by car. They were delighted by the scenery in Bandung.
Margaret:
Yes, it must be a beautiful place.
Hadi:
Ah, you'll go there one day, Margaret!
Margaret:
Mm! Did Nancy and Tom speak Indonesian while they were there?
Hadi:
A little. They knew only a few words of Indonesian - but they practiced them whenever possible! They met some Indonesian people who could speak English to them.
Margaret:
Really?
Hadi:
Yes, English is spoken by quite a lot of people in Indonesia now! One day Nancy and Tom were invited to a meeting of a Youth Club. They were asked to give a speech.
Margaret:
In English?
Hadi:
Yes. And after the speech had been given, they were asked a lot of questions about Australia. They found it very interesting.
Margaret:
H'm.
Hadi:
Another day, they went to Borobudur.
Margaret:
Where?
Hadi:
Borobudur. Haven't you heard of it?
Margaret:
I'm not sure, Hadi. Where is it?
Hadi:
It's in Central Java. It's an old Buddhist temple. It was built - oh, a long time ago.
Margaret:
How long ago?
Hadi:
I don't know, Margaret - I'm not a history student!
Margaret:
Neither am I.
Hadi:
I don't think the date is known exactly, but it must have been built - oh, between the eighth and ninth centuries. It was designed very beautifully.
Margaret:
And it's a tourist attraction, is it?
Hadi:
Yes. If you come to the party next week, you'll be shown some pictures of it. Tom and Nancy are bringing some photos that were taken in Indonesia.
Margaret:
Good! I love being shown photos! What else did Tom and Nancy do?
Hadi:
Well, they didn't have much time to go to a lot of places - it was only a very short holiday - but they had a quick visit to Bali. Then they came back to Jakarta, and caught the plane home to Sydney.
Margaret:
And they were met at the airport by Betty and Jim.
Hadi:
Yes. And when Betty and Jim heard all about their holiday, they decided that they must go to Indonesia for a holiday themselves!
Exercise
Answer the following questions.
Where does the above conversation probably take place?
Who are they talking about?
Where have the Fosters been?
When did they arrive?
What places did they visit during their trip?
How long did they stay in Jakarta?
Where did they go after visiting Jakarta?
Did Nancy and Tom speak Indonesian language during their trip?
where did Nancy and Tom give a speech?
What happened after the speech?
Does Margaret know much about Borobudur temple?
What does Hadi know about Borobudur?
Where will Margaret be shown the photos of the trip?
Was it a long holiday, or was it a short one?
What did Betty and Jim decide to do after hearing about the Fosters' holiday?
