Closing topics
Do you find that your English conversations end rather suddenly? Is there anything we can say before 'goodbye' to indicate that we would like to stop talking? The ability to close topics is a very useful but difficult skill. In this programme, you'll hear how native speakers close topics in two real conversations.
After you have listened to the programme, get some more practice by doing the listening activity at the bottom of the page.
You can listen again to the two conversations featured in this programme here:
| Closing topics |
| so... |
anyway... |
but... |
right... |
okay... |
well... |
Use these words with sentences that
- give your final opinion about the topic
- summarise what has already been said
- lead to you saying 'goodbye'
Examples
But, we shall see if it makes a difference... Anyway, I must be off!
So, it's something, anyway, to look forward to...
Well anyway, it's lovely talking to you, but I must get on...
Right... well... I guess I'd better get back |
| Vocabulary |
anecdote
a short story about something that happened to you
e.g. The other night Alan told us a very amusing anecdote about when he played cricket for his school
subtle
an adjective describing something which is not obvious or easily noticeable
e.g. He made a number of subtle changes to the document
It was painted a subtle shade of blue
|
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT?
Listen to this conversation between Matt and William. They are talking about Matt's baby's heart... but Matt needs to go. Try to pick out the words and phrases he uses to close the conversation. You can check your answers by opening the script, which also contains some notes.
