Cultural corner
Read the passage and answer the questions. 1. How does the AAA model work?
The speakers answer the question, add a piece of information, and then ask a question.
2. Is the AAA model a good idea while making small talk with someone you don’t know in China?
I think so.
If 80% of all conversations in English is small talk, then in Britain, about 80% of all small talk must be about the weather! It is a very, very popular topic of conversation. Neighbours will usually greet each other with a comment like: “lovely out this morning, isn’t it?” to be answered by something like “Yes, but rather chilly for the time of year, don’t you think so?”
Someone will rush late into work and say, “Sorry I’m late. It’s the rain. It’s pouring down again. I couldn’t get a taxi.” And a colleague will reply, “yes, terrible, isn’t it? And the weather forecast says it’s going to rain all weekend.” And so on…The pattern is fairly simple: A makes a comment about the quality of the weather. B agrees, and makes a further comment about it. You can get a long way in Britain, just talking about the weather!