conversation by asking, "Have you heard about ...？"

　　Last, listening is an important part of small talk, especially when you're entering a conversation that's already in progress. If you want to leave a lasting impression, one of the best ways is to be a great listener. As you listen to others' experiences and opinions, you'll enlarge your knowledge about other cultures and nations, and finally become a more fascinating conversationalist.

　　语篇解读：本文主要讲述了在闲聊时的一些技巧。

　　5．According to Debra Fine, ________.

　　A．many people don't like small talk

　　B．people with a good memory are good at talking

　　C．showing interest is the key to a good conversation

　　D．conversation is a skill that needs training

　　解析：选D　细节理解题。根据第二段中的"Debra Fine ... 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."可知，通过谈话来联系他人是一种技巧，这种技巧不会自然出现，需要进行训练。

　　6．The purpose of small talk is to ________.

　　A．reduce the pressure during a conversation

　　B．build a connection and make a good impression

　　C．make a conversation more interesting

　　D．enlarge the knowledge about other cultures

　　解析：选B　推理判断题。根据第一段中的"making lasting impressions wherever you go"以及第二段中的"says that connecting with people through conversation"可知，闲聊的目的是联系他人并给对方留下好印象。

　　7．The underlined word "tedious" in Para. 4 means "________"．

　　A．short B．limited

　　C．boring D．formal

　　解析：选C　词义猜测题。根据画线词后面的"find special topics that interest you"可知，如果觉得看报纸对你来说有些乏味，那么找些你感兴趣的话题来阅读，故可知画线词的含义。

　　8．What would be the best title for the passage?

　　A．Purpose of small talk

　　B．Topics of small talk

　　C．Smart tips on small talk

　　D．Art of listening in small talk

解析：选C　标题归纳题。文章第一段中的"Follow these smart tips, and you'll become a great