Chapter 1 : Narrative Fiction

Part l : Conversation
A. Using Expressions of Starting, Continuing, and Ending a Transactional
Conversation.
1. Transactional Conversation
Conversation is defined as a talk between two or more people in which thoughts,
feelins, and ideas are expressed, questions are asked and answered, or news and
information is exchanged.
There are two types of conversations. The first type is transactional conversations. They
are used for information exchange. The other types are interpersonal conversations.
They are used to establish or maintain social relationships through greetings,
introductions, invitations, and expressing emotions.
In this chapter, we are going to learn transactional conversations. Here are expressions
to start, continue, and end transactional conversations.
Starting a Continuing a Ending a Conversation
Conversation Conversation
How are things? There’s something else I It’s been nice talking to
wanted to ask you. you.
So, how have you been? I actually wanted to talk to I’ve enjoyed talking to
you about… Do you have a you.
few minutes?
What have you been up Before I forget, I wanted to It’s been very interesting
to? talk to you about… talking to you.
What’s new? Since you are here, let me I’ve enjoyed hearing
ask you about… about… But, I have to go
now.
Isn’t the news about. . .? By the way, … I should get going. It was
nice talking to you.
Didn’t you join the Speaking of… It was great talking to
(program) of…? you.
So, what do you think Well, I have a (class) in
about . . .? few a minutes. I better get
going.
Hi, keeping busy? I’d love to continue this
conversation, but I have to
go now.
So, I heard that you are . Well, I don’t want to take
. .? up any more of your time.
It was nice talking to you.
Have you heard about
...?
 When we have a conversation, we should show acknowledgement. To show
acknowledgement, we can use the following expressions.
- Oh, wow! - No way!
- Really? - Oh no!
- That’s interesting/funny/weird. - Right.
- Cool! - That sounds cool.

When the person you are speaking with understands that you are leaving, you can close
the conversation by saying goodbye or using the following expressions.
- Take care.
- Speak to you soon.
- Take it easy.

2. WH QUESTION
When having conversation, we sometimes ask for questions. There are two main types
of questions:yes/no questions and wh-questions. Wh-questions are questiond starting
with wh-words including: what, when, where, who, whom, which, whose, why, and
how. Pay attention to the following table!
Wh- Questions
WH FUNCTION EXAMPLE
What To ask for information about What did the villagers do to the
something. river?
When To ask about time. When did the students clean the
river?
Where To ask about the location of thing Where did the villagers throw their
or place. kitchen waste?
Who To ask what or which person or Who got the Kalpataru?
people.
Whom To ask what or which person or Whom did you see in the river?
people (object)
Which To ask about choice. Which environment would you like
to live?
Whose To ask about ownership. Whose house, is it?
Why To ask for reason. Why the river become dirty?
How To ask about manner or How is the condition of the river?
condition.
ACTIVITY 1
1. Complete the following dialogue!
Setting: A coffee shop
Anna : Hey Sally!......................................! How are you doing?
Sally : Hi Anna! I'm doing great, thanks! It feels like ages since we last caught up.
....................................?
Anna : I'm good too. Just been busy with work lately. How's your new job at the
marketing agency?
Sally : It's been a whirlwind! Lots to learn, but I'm enjoying it. The people are really
friendly.
Anna : That's awesome! I remember you were so excited about that opportunity.
Sally : I am! It's challenging, but I'm learning so much. ....................................? Are
you still working at the library?
Anna : Yep, still there. It's a nice, steady job. I'm actually thinking about going back
to school to get my master's degree.
Sally : Wow, that's ambitious! ............................................................?
Anna : Library science, of course! I'd love to specialize in digital archives.
Sally : That sounds fascinating! ..............................................
Anna : Thanks, I hope so. So, what are you up to this weekend?
Sally : I'm thinking about going to that new art exhibit downtown. Want to join me?
Anna : I'd love to! I've heard good things about it.
Sally : Great! Let's meet up tomorrow afternoon.
Anna : Sounds perfect. I'll see you then.
Sally : ...........................................!

2. Discuss the following questions!

b. What is the purpose of the conversations?

c. Identify the expressions of starting, continuing, and ending the conversations!

d. What can you learn from the dialogue?