Open World p 13. Communication. Speaking

A) Interaction

1. What words do you sometimes mix up? 

2. What languages can you just about get by in?

3. What kind of things do you usually scribble? 

B) Monologue

Student A

1. Tell us about the last time you tried to make polite small talk?

2. What strategies help you to enhance your ability to remember new words?

 Student B

1. What do you normally talk about to make conversation?

2. What can you do in order to make sure you incorporate the new words you learn into your conversations?

make conversation

to say things to someone who you do not know well, in order to be polite

E.g. 

I was just trying to make conversation.

small talk

polite conversation about subjects that are ordinary or unimportant, especially at social occasions.

E.g. 

They made small talk for half an hour.
He has no small talk (= is not good at talking politely about unimportant subjects).
She was good at making small talk to put guests at their ease.

mix somebody/something up (with somebody/something) 

 
​to think wrongly that somebody/something is somebody/something else. Synonym: confuse.

E.g.

I always mix him up with his brother. They look so much alike.  

I think you might be mixing up Wetherall and Newton.  

I must have got the times mixed up
I think you must be mixing me up with someone else.

 

 get by
get by (on/in/with something)
​to manage to live or do a particular thing using the money, knowledge, equipment, etc. that you have. Sp. arreglárselas.

E.g.
How does she get by on such a small salary?
I can just about get by in German (= I can speak basic German).

scribble

to write something quickly and carelessly, especially because you do not have much time.

Sp. garabatear

E.g.

He scribbled a note to his sister before leaving.