(2018·全国卷Ⅱ·D)
We've all been there: in a lift, in line at the bank or on an airplane, surrounded by people who are, like us, deeply focused on their smartphones or, worse, struggling with the uncomfortable silence.
What's the problem? It's possible that we all have compromised conversational intelligence. It's more likely that none of us start a conversation because it's awkward and challenging, or we think it's annoying and unnecessary. But the next time you find yourself among strangers, consider that small talk is worth the trouble. Experts say it's an invaluable social practice that results in big benefits.
Dismissing small talk as unimportant is easy, but we can't forget that deep relationships wouldn't even exist if it weren't for casual conversation. Small talk is the grease(润滑剂) for social communication, says Bernardo Carducci, director of the Shyness Research Institute at Indiana University Southeast. “Almost every great love story and each big business deal begins with small talk，” he explains. “The key to successful small talk is learning how to connect with others, not just communicate with them.”
In a 2014 study, Elizabeth Dunn, associate professor of psychology at UBC, invited people on their way into a coffee shop. One group was asked to seek out an interaction(互动) with its waiter; the other, to speak only when necessary. The results showed that those who chatted with their server reported significantly higher positive feelings and a better coffee shop experience. “It's not that talking to the waiter is better than talking to your husband，” says Dunn.“But interactions with peripheral(边缘的) members of our social network matter for our wellbeing also.”
Dunn believes that people who reach out to strangers feel a significantly greater sense of belonging, a bond with others. Carducci believes developing such a sense of belonging starts with small talk. “Small talk is the basis of good manners，” he says.
【语篇解读】 本文是一篇议论文。在当今社会，人们在公共场所或沉迷于智能手机，或与令人不安的沉寂作斗争，人们似乎都不愿意打破沉默与他人交流。作者在文中指出，我们应该从闲聊开始，学会与人交流。闲聊对于人际交往起着重要的作用。
1．What phenomenon is described in the first paragraph?
A．Addiction to smartphones.
B．Inappropriate behaviours in public places.
C．Absence of communication between strangers.
D．Impatience with slow service.
C [推理判断题。第一段指出，在电梯里、在银行排队或者在坐飞机的时候，我们和身边其他人一样忙着看智能手机，或者更糟的是，与令人不安的沉寂作斗争。因此第一段描述了“陌生人之间缺少交流”这一现象，故选C。]
2．What is important for successful small talk according to Carducci?
A．Showing good manners.
B．Relating to other people.
C．Focusing on a topic.
D．Making business deals.
B [细节理解题。根据第三段最后一句“The key to successful small talk is learning how to connect with others, not just communicate with them.”可知，Carducci认为成功的闲聊的关键是学会怎样与其他人产生联系，而不只是与他人交谈。]
3．What does the coffeeshop study suggest about small talk?
A．It improves family relationships.
B．It raises people's confidence.
C．It matters as much as a formal talk.
D．It makes people feel good.
D [细节理解题。根据倒数第二段第三句“The results showed that those who chatted with their server reported significantly higher positive feelings and a better coffee shop experience.”可知，闲聊使得人们感觉良好。故选D项。]
4．What is the best title for the text?
A．Conversation Counts
B．Ways of Making Small Talk
C．Benefits of Small Talk
D．Uncomfortable Silence
C [标题归纳题。通读全文可知，文章主要讨论了闲聊在人际交往中的重要作用。故C项为本文最佳标题。]
