A
Small talk has a reputation for being uninteresting, and for good reason.Pointing out the fact that it's raining seems as ridiculous as pointing out the fact that you have a head — you're fully aware of both things, and don't require an outsider to confirm them.But despite being evident and often painfully dull, small talk has an important role to fulfil, enabling us to leap over a number of social obstacles towards improved, meaningful interaction.
Humans can be sensitive souls.We each have our boundaries and lists of potential upsets, which when broken, cause us to either gently back away to an alternative position in the room, or become cross at the person.Small talk is first a way to test the waters with an unfamiliar person, so that you may better understand their personality.When finding yourself positioned closely to a person who you know little about, it's much safer to point out the rainy sky than to share your political views on a sensitive topic.Until you know the person better, heavier topics should probably be kept under wraps, so you won't find yourself on the receiving end of a cold stare.
Though insignificant, small talk still has great power.When talking with fellow humans, much of our soul is exposed through nonverbal communication.A response to “how was your weekend” can unveil much about the person's character.The length of their response might indicate their level of selfconfidence; the tone of speaking might show how agreeable a person is; their slightly lowered head, as if protecting themselves from attack, a possible sign of a regrettable history of bullying.
As more of a person's character is revealed, we have the insight needed to determine whether to broach more significant topics — the things that we actually want to talk about.Conversation is a great educator, and deep conversation establishes lasting bonds with our fellow humans, forming precious friendships that paint our lives with vibrant colors.Such friendships begin with small talk.
语篇解读：本文是一篇说明文。文章主要说明了闲聊的重要性。
1．What is described in the first paragraph?
A．The first stage of human interaction.
B．Ridiculous human behavior in communication.
C．Absence of communication between strangers.
D．The difficulty of having deep conversations.
解析：选A 段落大意题。根据第一段可知，闲聊是跨越许多社会障碍、改善互动的方式，由此可知，第一段讲述的是：闲聊是人类互动的第一步。故选A。
2．Why do people find themselves “on the receiving end of a cold stare”？
A．Because they are fond of heavy subjects.
B．Because they are enthusiastic about politics.
C．Because they are too sensitive about topics.
D．Because they fail to manage interpersonal distance.
解析：选D 推理判断题。根据第二段可知，如果和聊天的对象不熟悉，闲聊的话题没有控制住敏感度是不“安全的”，提起敏感话题的人将会被冷眼相待，故选D。
3．What might be a sign of friendliness according to Paragraph 3?
A．The length of the answer.
B．The quality of the voice.
C．The position of the head.
D．The distance between speakers.
解析：选B 细节理解题。根据第三段中的the tone of speaking might show how agreeable a person is可知，体现一个人友好、和蔼的标志是说话的语气。故选B。
4．What might be the best title for the text?
A．Reputation of Small Talk
B．Ways of Understanding Personality
C．Significance of Small Talk
D．Challenges of Deep Conversation
解析：选C 标题归纳题。根据第一段中的But despite being evident and often painfully dull, small talk has an important role to fulfil, enabling us to leap over a number of social obstacles towards improved, meaningful interaction.和最后一段中的Conversation is a great educator, and deep conversation establish lasting bonds with our fellow humans, forming precious friendships that paint our lives with vibrant colors.Such friendships begin with small talk.可知，文章主要在说明闲聊的重要性。故选C。
