Тест 71. Чтение. ЕГЭ по английскому языку

1) Установите соответствие между заголовками 1 — 8 и текстами A — G. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.

1. Through ages and cultures
2. Who were the first ‘fools’
3. Real danger, not a joke
4. Ready for a joke?
5. TV jokes are the best
6. Evolution of the holiday jokes
7. Who introduced different dates
8. A tip for a good joke

A. The 1st of April has no official recognition, but for a long time it has been known as a day to celebrate foolishness. Even though we don’t care where April Fools’ Day comes from, we hold this tradition of making other people look stupid with practical jokes. It’s a day for pranks of all kinds, even online, TV or radio pranks. There is definitely some merriment for those who put their sense of humor into gear and get prepared.

B. According to the most common theory, in the 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII issued a decree about a new standard calendar for Christian Europe. The calendar took his name and centuries later became the standard used internationally. Prior to the 16th century, Europe’s nations operated using the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar moved New Year’s Day from the end of March to January 1, among other changes.

C. Catholic monarchies were the first to follow the changes in the calendar. Protestants followed later. However, some Europeans didn’t like these changes and continued celebrating the New Year between March 25 and April 1. April fools were those who still celebrated the holiday in the spring, and were the subject of pranks by those who had observed the New Year months ago. This practice became an annual tradition of April 1 prank-playing.

D. April Fools’ Day was introduced to the American colonies by British and French settlers. There were other occasions resembling this tradition. Ancient Romans held a festival known as Hilaria to honor the god Attis. Hilaria, of course, resembles the word ‘hilarity’ in English. The modern equivalent of Hilaria is called Roman Laughing Day. In India, people play jokes and throw colorful dyes at each other to celebrate Holi, a Hindi festival.

E. Some pranks and practical jokes can be very old and hackneyed. Some other pranks are off the beaten track. To try something new it is advised to buy a box of donuts in a supermarket and replace them with some Brussel sprouts or other non-delicious food. When the sprouts are put into the box, the closed box should be left on the counter or in a café for any victims to find! This is quite a harmless practical joke.

F. A space rock may have visited the Earth on April Fools’ Day. The news about its flyby was no prank. The asteroid passed within 230,000 kilometers of the Earth during its closest approach, which is just over half the distance between the Earth and the moon’s orbit. Another space rock flew by the Earth on April 4 when it passed at a range just beyond the orbit of the moon. It reminded of real dangers that threaten the humanity without kidding.

G. The style of April Fools’ jokes has changed over the years. Modern pranks tend to center more around sham telephone calls and media-driven foolery. To sum up, April Fools’ Day is a ‘for fun only’ observance, a time when nobody is expected to buy gifts, receive cards or spend money. The primary force behind any pranks is that they should not be harmful but able to be enjoyed by everyone … especially the person upon whom the joke is played.

A	B	C	D	E	F	G

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2) Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A — F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1 — 7. Одна из частей в списке 1—7 лишняя.

Australia Australia is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse nations. Nearly a quarter of the people who live in Australia ___ (A). They come from the United Kingdom and other European countries, but also from China, Vietnam, North Africa, and the Middle East.

First people arrived in Australia about 50,000 years ago. They ___ (B) land bridges when sea levels were lower. The next to land in Australia were Dutch explorers. They came in 1606. In 1788 the British began to settle there. Many settlers ___ (C) as punishment. For a short time, the newcomers lived peacefully with the Aboriginal people.

In 1851, gold was discovered in Australia. A rush to find riches brought ___ (D) 1859, six separate colonies were created which later became part of the British Commonwealth.

Australian culture is founded on stories of battlers, bushrangers and brave soldiers. Today ___ (E) its Aboriginal heritage, vibrant mix of cultures, innovative ideas and a thriving ecosystem.

Australia’s ecosystem is an unusual one because of its remote location. As a result, there are ___ (F) and nowhere else in the world, such as kangaroo and koala.

One of Australia’s most amazing sites rises like an enormous whale’s back from a flat desert called the Red Center. It is a sacred natural formation at the heart of the country and the largest rock in the world!

1. Australia is one of the most
2. were born in other countries
3. Australia also defines itself by
4. many animal species that occur here
5. may have travelled from Asia across
6. thousands of new immigrants, and by
7. were criminals sent to live in Australia

A	B	C	D	E	F

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3) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Показать текст. ⇓

Just how golden is silence? For the British, it’s a well known social law that in several, if not most, public spaces, silence is key. Those who dare speak in a London tube carriage, particularly during rush hours, are condemned to receive dirty looks from other passengers for the duration of their journey.

Waiting for a bus? No, now is simply not the time to discuss last night’s soap opera. And beware, the poor, poor individual who fails to stifle his or her sneeze in an art gallery.

Yet in recent years, it would appear that the ascent of the portable electronic devices has meant that the world is no longer merely our oyster, but also our … office. We’re able to reply to e-mails, finish our essays and fill out tax returns just about anywhere. As a result of this modernization, we find ourselves placing excess value on the level of quiet. As students, I’m sure we’ve all been there. Ever tried to study in a coffee shop and found yourself infuriated by the precise details of your neighbour’s health?

Today’s smartphones, tablets and lightweight laptops allow us to blur the boundary between work and play, which in many respects is fantastic. However, this ease of use sometimes prevents us from being our natural, social selves at times when this is required. Just ask Alex Haigh, the Australian founder of the humorous website stopphubbing.com. This site campaigns against the ‘phubbing’ phenomena – a term coined by Haigh which hybridises ‘phone snubbing’.

Whatever happened to the beauty of mundane conversation? You know, of the glorious ‘Would you look at the weather!’ or the ‘How’s your dog?’ variety? I for one have sat through many an awkward mid-tutorial break, twiddling my thumbs as those around me reach for their iPhones. Eventually, I cave, too. Clearly everyone in the room is extremely sociable – if this can be judged by a sky-high score in video messaging applications. Yet through some unfortunate twist of fate, it just so happens that the exact individuals my pupils absolutely must speak to are anywhere but our current classroom.

Spontaneous phone-enthusiasm is most definitely a 21st century malady. And it’s one we’ve prescribed ourselves to avoid our dreaded fear of awkward silences. Of course, conversation with near-strangers (or even friends) can be difficult.

When asked how I am, I often struggle to think of a more varied answer than merely ‘fine’. Sometimes, I am not fine, and instead concerned with various job applications, endless seminar reading and a formidable pile of washing up in my kitchen. However, actually managing to expand on my current state of mind usually leads to a conversation I don’t regret having.

Chit-chat is rather like going to the gym – arduous at first, but afterwards you’re pleased you made the effort. However, a sudden and excessive interest in any technology we have on our person gives those around us the impression that it’s them we want to avoid, not the ‘er …’ that may result from wondering what to say next.

Of course, being quiet is entirely appropriate in a number of situations. However, the small talk which develops into a great conversation is at risk of being phased out by easily accessible 3G. After all, it is the opportunity to totally relax and engage with our peers, as well as the exciting possibilities that just might arise from a polite ‘How are you?’, that should remain truly golden.

At the beginning of the article the author says that it used to be polite in Britain to
1) avoid looking at people.
2) keep silence in public places.
3) talk while travelling.
4) sneeze in public places.

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4) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Показать текст. ⇓

Just how golden is silence? For the British, it’s a well known social law that in several, if not most, public spaces, silence is key. Those who dare speak in a London tube carriage, particularly during rush hours, are condemned to receive dirty looks from other passengers for the duration of their journey.

Waiting for a bus? No, now is simply not the time to discuss last night’s soap opera. And beware, the poor, poor individual who fails to stifle his or her sneeze in an art gallery.

Yet in recent years, it would appear that the ascent of the portable electronic devices has meant that the world is no longer merely our oyster, but also our … office. We’re able to reply to e-mails, finish our essays and fill out tax returns just about anywhere. As a result of this modernization, we find ourselves placing excess value on the level of quiet. As students, I’m sure we’ve all been there. Ever tried to study in a coffee shop and found yourself infuriated by the precise details of your neighbour’s health?

Today’s smartphones, tablets and lightweight laptops allow us to blur the boundary between work and play, which in many respects is fantastic. However, this ease of use sometimes prevents us from being our natural, social selves at times when this is required. Just ask Alex Haigh, the Australian founder of the humorous website stopphubbing.com. This site campaigns against the ‘phubbing’ phenomena – a term coined by Haigh which hybridises ‘phone snubbing’.

Whatever happened to the beauty of mundane conversation? You know, of the glorious ‘Would you look at the weather!’ or the ‘How’s your dog?’ variety? I for one have sat through many an awkward mid-tutorial break, twiddling my thumbs as those around me reach for their iPhones. Eventually, I cave, too. Clearly everyone in the room is extremely sociable – if this can be judged by a sky-high score in video messaging applications. Yet through some unfortunate twist of fate, it just so happens that the exact individuals my pupils absolutely must speak to are anywhere but our current classroom.

Spontaneous phone-enthusiasm is most definitely a 21st century malady. And it’s one we’ve prescribed ourselves to avoid our dreaded fear of awkward silences. Of course, conversation with near-strangers (or even friends) can be difficult.

When asked how I am, I often struggle to think of a more varied answer than merely ‘fine’. Sometimes, I am not fine, and instead concerned with various job applications, endless seminar reading and a formidable pile of washing up in my kitchen. However, actually managing to expand on my current state of mind usually leads to a conversation I don’t regret having.

Chit-chat is rather like going to the gym – arduous at first, but afterwards you’re pleased you made the effort. However, a sudden and excessive interest in any technology we have on our person gives those around us the impression that it’s them we want to avoid, not the ‘er …’ that may result from wondering what to say next.

Of course, being quiet is entirely appropriate in a number of situations. However, the small talk which develops into a great conversation is at risk of being phased out by easily accessible 3G. After all, it is the opportunity to totally relax and engage with our peers, as well as the exciting possibilities that just might arise from a polite ‘How are you?’, that should remain truly golden.

What did portable electronic devices change in our lives, according to the author?
1) We now need silence more than ever.
2) We work mostly outside an office.
3) We do school tasks in a hurry.
4) We are getting angry with people around.

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5) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Показать текст. ⇓

Just how golden is silence? For the British, it’s a well known social law that in several, if not most, public spaces, silence is key. Those who dare speak in a London tube carriage, particularly during rush hours, are condemned to receive dirty looks from other passengers for the duration of their journey.

Waiting for a bus? No, now is simply not the time to discuss last night’s soap opera. And beware, the poor, poor individual who fails to stifle his or her sneeze in an art gallery.

Yet in recent years, it would appear that the ascent of the portable electronic devices has meant that the world is no longer merely our oyster, but also our … office. We’re able to reply to e-mails, finish our essays and fill out tax returns just about anywhere. As a result of this modernization, we find ourselves placing excess value on the level of quiet. As students, I’m sure we’ve all been there. Ever tried to study in a coffee shop and found yourself infuriated by the precise details of your neighbour’s health?

Today’s smartphones, tablets and lightweight laptops allow us to blur the boundary between work and play, which in many respects is fantastic. However, this ease of use sometimes prevents us from being our natural, social selves at times when this is required. Just ask Alex Haigh, the Australian founder of the humorous website stopphubbing.com. This site campaigns against the ‘phubbing’ phenomena – a term coined by Haigh which hybridises ‘phone snubbing’.

Whatever happened to the beauty of mundane conversation? You know, of the glorious ‘Would you look at the weather!’ or the ‘How’s your dog?’ variety? I for one have sat through many an awkward mid-tutorial break, twiddling my thumbs as those around me reach for their iPhones. Eventually, I cave, too. Clearly everyone in the room is extremely sociable – if this can be judged by a sky-high score in video messaging applications. Yet through some unfortunate twist of fate, it just so happens that the exact individuals my pupils absolutely must speak to are anywhere but our current classroom.

Spontaneous phone-enthusiasm is most definitely a 21st century malady. And it’s one we’ve prescribed ourselves to avoid our dreaded fear of awkward silences. Of course, conversation with near-strangers (or even friends) can be difficult.

When asked how I am, I often struggle to think of a more varied answer than merely ‘fine’. Sometimes, I am not fine, and instead concerned with various job applications, endless seminar reading and a formidable pile of washing up in my kitchen. However, actually managing to expand on my current state of mind usually leads to a conversation I don’t regret having.

Chit-chat is rather like going to the gym – arduous at first, but afterwards you’re pleased you made the effort. However, a sudden and excessive interest in any technology we have on our person gives those around us the impression that it’s them we want to avoid, not the ‘er …’ that may result from wondering what to say next.

Of course, being quiet is entirely appropriate in a number of situations. However, the small talk which develops into a great conversation is at risk of being phased out by easily accessible 3G. After all, it is the opportunity to totally relax and engage with our peers, as well as the exciting possibilities that just might arise from a polite ‘How are you?’, that should remain truly golden.

“Phone snubbing” in paragraph 3 (“a term coined by Haigh which hybridises 'phone snubbing'”) is synonymous with
1) making jokes.
2) using phone.
3) campaigning.
4) being rude.

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6) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Показать текст. ⇓

Just how golden is silence? For the British, it’s a well known social law that in several, if not most, public spaces, silence is key. Those who dare speak in a London tube carriage, particularly during rush hours, are condemned to receive dirty looks from other passengers for the duration of their journey.

Waiting for a bus? No, now is simply not the time to discuss last night’s soap opera. And beware, the poor, poor individual who fails to stifle his or her sneeze in an art gallery.

Yet in recent years, it would appear that the ascent of the portable electronic devices has meant that the world is no longer merely our oyster, but also our … office. We’re able to reply to e-mails, finish our essays and fill out tax returns just about anywhere. As a result of this modernization, we find ourselves placing excess value on the level of quiet. As students, I’m sure we’ve all been there. Ever tried to study in a coffee shop and found yourself infuriated by the precise details of your neighbour’s health?

Today’s smartphones, tablets and lightweight laptops allow us to blur the boundary between work and play, which in many respects is fantastic. However, this ease of use sometimes prevents us from being our natural, social selves at times when this is required. Just ask Alex Haigh, the Australian founder of the humorous website stopphubbing.com. This site campaigns against the ‘phubbing’ phenomena – a term coined by Haigh which hybridises ‘phone snubbing’.

Whatever happened to the beauty of mundane conversation? You know, of the glorious ‘Would you look at the weather!’ or the ‘How’s your dog?’ variety? I for one have sat through many an awkward mid-tutorial break, twiddling my thumbs as those around me reach for their iPhones. Eventually, I cave, too. Clearly everyone in the room is extremely sociable – if this can be judged by a sky-high score in video messaging applications. Yet through some unfortunate twist of fate, it just so happens that the exact individuals my pupils absolutely must speak to are anywhere but our current classroom.

Spontaneous phone-enthusiasm is most definitely a 21st century malady. And it’s one we’ve prescribed ourselves to avoid our dreaded fear of awkward silences. Of course, conversation with near-strangers (or even friends) can be difficult.

When asked how I am, I often struggle to think of a more varied answer than merely ‘fine’. Sometimes, I am not fine, and instead concerned with various job applications, endless seminar reading and a formidable pile of washing up in my kitchen. However, actually managing to expand on my current state of mind usually leads to a conversation I don’t regret having.

Chit-chat is rather like going to the gym – arduous at first, but afterwards you’re pleased you made the effort. However, a sudden and excessive interest in any technology we have on our person gives those around us the impression that it’s them we want to avoid, not the ‘er …’ that may result from wondering what to say next.

Of course, being quiet is entirely appropriate in a number of situations. However, the small talk which develops into a great conversation is at risk of being phased out by easily accessible 3G. After all, it is the opportunity to totally relax and engage with our peers, as well as the exciting possibilities that just might arise from a polite ‘How are you?’, that should remain truly golden.

When everybody around uses phones during mid-tutorial breaks, the author
1) starts sending video messages.
2) begins to talk about the weather.
3) follows their example.
4) tries to speak to her pupils.

🔗

7) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Показать текст. ⇓

Just how golden is silence? For the British, it’s a well known social law that in several, if not most, public spaces, silence is key. Those who dare speak in a London tube carriage, particularly during rush hours, are condemned to receive dirty looks from other passengers for the duration of their journey.

Waiting for a bus? No, now is simply not the time to discuss last night’s soap opera. And beware, the poor, poor individual who fails to stifle his or her sneeze in an art gallery.

Yet in recent years, it would appear that the ascent of the portable electronic devices has meant that the world is no longer merely our oyster, but also our … office. We’re able to reply to e-mails, finish our essays and fill out tax returns just about anywhere. As a result of this modernization, we find ourselves placing excess value on the level of quiet. As students, I’m sure we’ve all been there. Ever tried to study in a coffee shop and found yourself infuriated by the precise details of your neighbour’s health?

Today’s smartphones, tablets and lightweight laptops allow us to blur the boundary between work and play, which in many respects is fantastic. However, this ease of use sometimes prevents us from being our natural, social selves at times when this is required. Just ask Alex Haigh, the Australian founder of the humorous website stopphubbing.com. This site campaigns against the ‘phubbing’ phenomena – a term coined by Haigh which hybridises ‘phone snubbing’.

Whatever happened to the beauty of mundane conversation? You know, of the glorious ‘Would you look at the weather!’ or the ‘How’s your dog?’ variety? I for one have sat through many an awkward mid-tutorial break, twiddling my thumbs as those around me reach for their iPhones. Eventually, I cave, too. Clearly everyone in the room is extremely sociable – if this can be judged by a sky-high score in video messaging applications. Yet through some unfortunate twist of fate, it just so happens that the exact individuals my pupils absolutely must speak to are anywhere but our current classroom.

Spontaneous phone-enthusiasm is most definitely a 21st century malady. And it’s one we’ve prescribed ourselves to avoid our dreaded fear of awkward silences. Of course, conversation with near-strangers (or even friends) can be difficult.

When asked how I am, I often struggle to think of a more varied answer than merely ‘fine’. Sometimes, I am not fine, and instead concerned with various job applications, endless seminar reading and a formidable pile of washing up in my kitchen. However, actually managing to expand on my current state of mind usually leads to a conversation I don’t regret having.

Chit-chat is rather like going to the gym – arduous at first, but afterwards you’re pleased you made the effort. However, a sudden and excessive interest in any technology we have on our person gives those around us the impression that it’s them we want to avoid, not the ‘er …’ that may result from wondering what to say next.

Of course, being quiet is entirely appropriate in a number of situations. However, the small talk which develops into a great conversation is at risk of being phased out by easily accessible 3G. After all, it is the opportunity to totally relax and engage with our peers, as well as the exciting possibilities that just might arise from a polite ‘How are you?’, that should remain truly golden.

According to the author, ‘phone-enthusiasm’ is the result of
1) talking with strangers.
2) feeling embarrassed.
3) exchanging awkward greetings.
4) a stressful lifestyle.

🔗

8) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Показать текст. ⇓

Just how golden is silence? For the British, it’s a well known social law that in several, if not most, public spaces, silence is key. Those who dare speak in a London tube carriage, particularly during rush hours, are condemned to receive dirty looks from other passengers for the duration of their journey.

Waiting for a bus? No, now is simply not the time to discuss last night’s soap opera. And beware, the poor, poor individual who fails to stifle his or her sneeze in an art gallery.

Yet in recent years, it would appear that the ascent of the portable electronic devices has meant that the world is no longer merely our oyster, but also our … office. We’re able to reply to e-mails, finish our essays and fill out tax returns just about anywhere. As a result of this modernization, we find ourselves placing excess value on the level of quiet. As students, I’m sure we’ve all been there. Ever tried to study in a coffee shop and found yourself infuriated by the precise details of your neighbour’s health?

Today’s smartphones, tablets and lightweight laptops allow us to blur the boundary between work and play, which in many respects is fantastic. However, this ease of use sometimes prevents us from being our natural, social selves at times when this is required. Just ask Alex Haigh, the Australian founder of the humorous website stopphubbing.com. This site campaigns against the ‘phubbing’ phenomena – a term coined by Haigh which hybridises ‘phone snubbing’.

Whatever happened to the beauty of mundane conversation? You know, of the glorious ‘Would you look at the weather!’ or the ‘How’s your dog?’ variety? I for one have sat through many an awkward mid-tutorial break, twiddling my thumbs as those around me reach for their iPhones. Eventually, I cave, too. Clearly everyone in the room is extremely sociable – if this can be judged by a sky-high score in video messaging applications. Yet through some unfortunate twist of fate, it just so happens that the exact individuals my pupils absolutely must speak to are anywhere but our current classroom.

Spontaneous phone-enthusiasm is most definitely a 21st century malady. And it’s one we’ve prescribed ourselves to avoid our dreaded fear of awkward silences. Of course, conversation with near-strangers (or even friends) can be difficult.

When asked how I am, I often struggle to think of a more varied answer than merely ‘fine’. Sometimes, I am not fine, and instead concerned with various job applications, endless seminar reading and a formidable pile of washing up in my kitchen. However, actually managing to expand on my current state of mind usually leads to a conversation I don’t regret having.

Chit-chat is rather like going to the gym – arduous at first, but afterwards you’re pleased you made the effort. However, a sudden and excessive interest in any technology we have on our person gives those around us the impression that it’s them we want to avoid, not the ‘er …’ that may result from wondering what to say next.

Of course, being quiet is entirely appropriate in a number of situations. However, the small talk which develops into a great conversation is at risk of being phased out by easily accessible 3G. After all, it is the opportunity to totally relax and engage with our peers, as well as the exciting possibilities that just might arise from a polite ‘How are you?’, that should remain truly golden.

Chatting is compared to a physical exercise because the author thinks it is
1) a rewarding experience.
2) enhanced by technology.
3) impressive for people around.
4) an exercise for your brain.

🔗

9) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Показать текст. ⇓

Just how golden is silence? For the British, it’s a well known social law that in several, if not most, public spaces, silence is key. Those who dare speak in a London tube carriage, particularly during rush hours, are condemned to receive dirty looks from other passengers for the duration of their journey.

Waiting for a bus? No, now is simply not the time to discuss last night’s soap opera. And beware, the poor, poor individual who fails to stifle his or her sneeze in an art gallery.

Yet in recent years, it would appear that the ascent of the portable electronic devices has meant that the world is no longer merely our oyster, but also our … office. We’re able to reply to e-mails, finish our essays and fill out tax returns just about anywhere. As a result of this modernization, we find ourselves placing excess value on the level of quiet. As students, I’m sure we’ve all been there. Ever tried to study in a coffee shop and found yourself infuriated by the precise details of your neighbour’s health?

Today’s smartphones, tablets and lightweight laptops allow us to blur the boundary between work and play, which in many respects is fantastic. However, this ease of use sometimes prevents us from being our natural, social selves at times when this is required. Just ask Alex Haigh, the Australian founder of the humorous website stopphubbing.com. This site campaigns against the ‘phubbing’ phenomena – a term coined by Haigh which hybridises ‘phone snubbing’.

Whatever happened to the beauty of mundane conversation? You know, of the glorious ‘Would you look at the weather!’ or the ‘How’s your dog?’ variety? I for one have sat through many an awkward mid-tutorial break, twiddling my thumbs as those around me reach for their iPhones. Eventually, I cave, too. Clearly everyone in the room is extremely sociable – if this can be judged by a sky-high score in video messaging applications. Yet through some unfortunate twist of fate, it just so happens that the exact individuals my pupils absolutely must speak to are anywhere but our current classroom.

Spontaneous phone-enthusiasm is most definitely a 21st century malady. And it’s one we’ve prescribed ourselves to avoid our dreaded fear of awkward silences. Of course, conversation with near-strangers (or even friends) can be difficult.

When asked how I am, I often struggle to think of a more varied answer than merely ‘fine’. Sometimes, I am not fine, and instead concerned with various job applications, endless seminar reading and a formidable pile of washing up in my kitchen. However, actually managing to expand on my current state of mind usually leads to a conversation I don’t regret having.

Chit-chat is rather like going to the gym – arduous at first, but afterwards you’re pleased you made the effort. However, a sudden and excessive interest in any technology we have on our person gives those around us the impression that it’s them we want to avoid, not the ‘er …’ that may result from wondering what to say next.

Of course, being quiet is entirely appropriate in a number of situations. However, the small talk which develops into a great conversation is at risk of being phased out by easily accessible 3G. After all, it is the opportunity to totally relax and engage with our peers, as well as the exciting possibilities that just might arise from a polite ‘How are you?’, that should remain truly golden.

What is the author’s message, as stated in the last paragraph?
1) Spend more time with friends.
2) Try not to make noise.
3) Find good 3G connection.
4) Do not be afraid of small talk.

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