1. READ THE PASSAGE CAREFULLY
1. Conversation is indeed the most easily teachable of all arts. In order to be a good conversationalist find
subjects that interests you and your listeners. For example, numberless hobbies are there to talk about but
you must talk about other fellow’s hobbies than your own. Therein lies the secret of your popularity. Talk to
your friends about the things that interest them, and with the passage of time you will get a decent reputation
for good fellowship, charming wit, and a brilliant mind. There is nothing that pleases people so much as your
keen interest in their interest.
2. It is important for you to select what subjects to avoid and what subjects to select for good conversation. If
you don’t want to bore others avoid unpleasant subjects. Avoid talking about yourself, unless you are asked to
do so. People are always interested in their own problems not in yours. Sickness or death bores everybody.
The only one who willingly listens to such talk is the doctor, but he gets paid for it.
3. To be a good conversationalist you must know not only what to say, but how to say it. Be mentally quick
and witty. But don’t hurt others with your wit. Finally try to avoid mannerism in your conversation. Don’t bite
your lips or click your tongue, or roll your eyes or use your hands excessively as you speak.
4. Don’t be like that Frenchman who said, “How can I talk if you hold my hand?”
1.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using headings and sub headings.
Use recognisable abbreviations and a format you consider suitable. Also supply a title to it. (5)
Answers
1. What is conversation?
It is an art.
2. What you need to do in order to become a good conversationalist?
To find a subject that interests you and your listeners
3. How can one become a good conversationalist?
By listening to others and talking about the subjects that they like, instead of talking about one’s own likings and interests.
4. How do the people please so much in a conversation?
People are pleased when you talk about their interests, hobbies, etc.
5. What is important to know for good conversation?
It is very important to know which subjects should be avoided and which should be taken up.
6. A good conversationalist must keep in mind two points. What are they?
A good conversationalist knows what to say and how to say.
7. What should one not do while one is in conversation with others?
One should not bite one’s tongue or roll one’s eyes or move one’s hands much.
8. Why does the writer suggest a good conversationalist not to be like the Frenchman?
To highlight the fact that one must not move one’s hands too much, like a Frenchman. Moving hands means language deficiency.
9. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Art of Conversation
How to become a good conversationaslist
1. Conversation is an art
1.1 Conversation is indeed to make people free from boredom
1.2 To become a good conversationaslist find a subject that intrests your friends
1.3 Talk to your friends intrests rather than yours
1.4 you will get a reputation for it
2. What subjects to avoid/to select
2.1 Avoid talking about yourself
2.2 Sickness or death bores everybody
2.3 only who listens is doctor and he gets paid for it
3. What to say / how to say
3.1 mentally quick and witty
3.2 Dont hurt others with your words
3.3 Avoid mannerism in your conversation
Hope it helps