ENG

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Who Can Benefit from Using This Book?

 

Part 1    Phrases for Conversation

  Chapter 1     Small Talk

Openers: Excuse Me…

Talking About Yourself

Showing Interest

Introducing Yourself

Breaking the Ice

Staying in Touch

Saying Good-Bye

Dialogue: Small World

Topics for Practice

  Chapter 2     Past Experiences

Openers: Greetings

Making Introductions

Catching Up

Past Experiences

Transitions and Connectors

Discourse Markers

Enjoyment and Pleasure

Expressing Emotions

Ending the Conversation

Time Expressions

Dialogue: Long Time No See

Topics for Practice

  Chapter 3     Likes, Dislikes, and Interests

Openers: Feeling Things Out

Likes

Dislikes

Preferences

Interests

Desires and Dependency

Indifference

Making Offers

Dates and Invitations

Expressing Emotions

Compliments

Dialogue: What’s for Dinner?

Topics for Practice

  Chapter 4     Objects and Processes

Openers: Take a Look!

Describing Objects

Properties and Features

Cost and Estimates

Use and Availability

Making Comparisons

Making Contrasts

Evaluations and Judgments

Giving Instructions

Expressing Emotions

Dialogue: The New Smartphone

Topics for Practice

  Chapter 5     Problems and Advice

Openers: What’s Wrong?

Stating a Problem

Asking for Help or Advice

Identifying the Cause of a Problem

Sympathy and Understanding

Advice and Assistance

Appreciation and Gratitude

Making Someone Aware of a Problem

Complaints

Reassurances

Reluctance and Avoidance

Expressing Emotions

Dialogue: What’s the Matter?

Topics for Practice

  Chapter 6     Decisions and Goals

Openers: What Are We Going to Do?

Options and Alternatives

Reasons and Purpose

Advantages and Disadvantages

Making a Decision

Indecision and Hesitation

Setting Schedules and Deadlines

Goals and Plans

Encouragement, Recognition, and Congratulations

Expressing Emotions

Dialogue: A Tough Decision

Topics for Practice

Part 2    Phrases for Discussions

  Chapter 7     Opinions

Openers: Asking for an Opinion

Stating an Opinion

Value Judgments

Generalizations

Agreeing and Disagreeing

Supporting an Opinion

Figures and Statistics

Making an Argument

Solutions and Recommendations

Expressing Emotions

Dialogue: The Best Idea I’ve Heard So Far

Topics for Practice

  Chapter 8     Group Discussions

Openers: Opening the Floor

Leading a Discussion

Participating in a Group Discussion

Interruptions

Clarification and Explanations

Misunderstandings

Managing the Discussion

In Conclusion

Dialogue: The Holiday Party

Topics for Practice

  Chapter 9     Serious Subjects

Openers: Common Concerns

Offering Solutions to General Problems

Levels of Language

Direct vs. Indirect Language

Irony, Sarcasm, and Euphemism

Complaints and Demands

Rules and Conditions

Bad News and Good News

Causes and Consequences

Certainty and Possibility

Apologies and Agreements

Dialogue: A Hard Bargain

Topics for Practice

Part 3    Afterthoughts

Chapter 10     Special Occasions

Openers: Words of Welcome

Honors and Awards

Special Occasions

Vacations, Holidays, and Trips

Dining

Personal Notes

Dialogue: Happy Birthday!