B．Did you watch the news today?

　　C．Have you got a boyfriend?

　　D．What do you think of the new computers?

　　解析：选C　细节理解题。根据文章最后一段第三句可知，在不太熟悉的人们之间不要谈论有关私人问题的话题。故选C。

　　3．The underlined part "controversial issue" in the fourth paragraph most probably means "________"．

　　A．debatable question

　　B．acceptable question

　　C．private question

　　D．interesting question

　　解析：选A　词义猜测题。从该词后面所给的例子：比如关于人权的法律方面的问题，可知其意为"有争议的问题"。故选A。

　　4．How is the text organized?

　　A．①②③④/⑤⑥⑦　　 　 B．①②③④/⑤/⑥⑦

　　C．①/②/③④/⑤⑥⑦ D．①/②③④/⑤⑥⑦

　　解析：选D　篇章结构题。第一段定义 small talk, 第二至四段讲闲谈时的保险话题，第五至七段讲一些闲谈时不能提及的话题。故选D。

　　B

　　Are you sick of feeling your tongue turn to a lump of (一块) coal whenever you meet a small talk situation? Follow these smart tips, and you'll become a great conversationalist making lasting impressions wherever you go.

　　Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk, says that connecting with people through conversation doesn't always come instinctively(出于本能地). That means you need much training to improve your speaking abilities. First, have around three things to talk about before you head for an interview. Second, think of four questions you can ask that will make the other person chat. Finally, if you've met the person before, mention something of the previous conversation or introduction to show your interest.

　　The awkward moment when the other person didn't recognize you may make you feel hurt. Before you put too much pressure on a new relationship, be the first to say "hello". You can release (释放) some pressure by saying, for example，"Stephanie Pratt? Hi, good to see you again." Another way to put strangers at ease is to smile and shake their hands when you greet them.

Small talk is always challenging at conferences or large events, especially when you don't know anyone. There's a reason why millions of people read the New York Times every day: to stay knowledgeable about the world they live in. If you find reading a daily newspaper too tedious,_find special topics that interest you. Learn the general news from News, CNN, or Google News. Build a