Avoiding Freezing in English Conversations

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Questions and Answers

What is one effective method to describe something when you do not know the specific word?

  • Focus on its color
  • Spell it out phonetically
  • Use a foreign language
  • Describe its function or purpose (correct)

What do approximations help you achieve when describing something you cannot remember the name of?

  • They draw comparisons with similar items (correct)
  • They create a vague understanding
  • They provide a detailed history
  • They offer precise definitions

Which is an example of using a synonym?

  • Difficult - Easy
  • Generous - Kind (correct)
  • Naive - Skeptical
  • Happy - Sad

What word is suggested as an antonym of 'gullible'?

<p>Clever (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended approach for non-native speakers when they forget a word?

<p>Ask someone for help (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase can be an example of a placeholder name?

<p>This thingy that opens bottles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker describe the learning process of a language?

<p>It is essential to ask questions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested attitude towards asking for help in language learning?

<p>It is encouraged and beneficial. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'a bit of a tizzy' mean?

<p>Being confused and distressed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs represents synonyms?

<p>Happy - Joyful (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one effective strategy to avoid freezing during a conversation in English?

<p>Using placeholder names (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a placeholder name?

<p>Doodah (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'whatchamacallit' refer to?

<p>A specific object or item (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is it deemed inappropriate to use the placeholder term 'what's her face'?

<p>In formal situations or business contexts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which descriptive context example helps identify a surgeon?

<p>A doctor who cuts people open (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the creative methods suggested for remembering someone's name in conversation?

<p>Using placeholder names like 'thingamajig' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What word can be used similarly to 'thingamajig'?

<p>Doodah (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid freezing in conversations?

<p>To maintain fluidity and engagement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is a more polite alternative to 'what's his face'?

<p>Can you remind me of his name? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'thingy' and 'thingy do' examples of?

<p>Placeholder names (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should one describe an object if they forget its name?

<p>Describing its function (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can using placeholder names help in conversations?

<p>By keeping the conversation active (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of fluency in conversation?

<p>Maintaining a continuous flow of speech (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is an informal way to refer to something vague?

<p>Whatchamacallit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should someone do if they cannot recall a word during an exam?

<p>Use a placeholder name or context description (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Describe function/purpose

Explain the role or job of something or someone, even if you don't know the exact word.

Approximation

Use words like 'kind of,' 'sort of,' 'similar to' when unsure of a precise word.

Synonyms

Words with similar meanings.

Antonyms

Words with opposite meanings.

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Placeholder terms

Use phrases like "whatchamacallit" or "that thing" when you don't know a word.

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Ask for help

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification of a word or name.

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Gullible

Easily tricked or misled.

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Fluency

The ability to speak or write a language easily and smoothly.

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Freezing

Experiencing a temporary inability to speak due to nervousness or lack of vocabulary.

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Language learning

The process of acquiring a new language actively.

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Placeholder names

Words used to temporarily replace a forgotten word or person's name in conversation.

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Thingamajig

A placeholder word for an unnamed object.

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Thingamabob

A placeholder word for an unnamed object.

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Whatchamacallit

A placeholder word for an unnamed object.

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Doodah

A placeholder word for an unnamed object or person.

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Ujummaflip

A placeholder word for an unnamed person or object.

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What's her/his/his face?

A placeholder phrase for someone's name, informal and potentially rude.

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Avoiding freezing

Finding ways to continue speaking when a word or name is forgotten.

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Contextual description

Describing an object or person with details that help identify the word that's being forgotten.

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Formal/Informal language

Words or phrases used in different situations.

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Speaking Exams

Tests of one's language speaking ability

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Fill the gap

Placeholder terms or phrases that avoid silences.

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Study Notes

Avoiding "Freezing" in English Conversations

  • Placeholder Names: Use "thingy," "thingamajig," "thingamabob" to replace forgotten words or names. These are creative substitutes.
  • "Thingy" Alternatives: "Whatchamacallit," "doodah," "ujummaflip" are other replacement words.
  • Cautions with "What's his/her face": Use with caution; can sound rude in formal or business settings.
  • Contextual Descriptions: If you don't know a word, describe its purpose or function. Instead of saying "surgeon", you could say "a doctor who operates on people."
  • Approximations: Use similar words ("it's a kind of orange...smaller"). This helps identify an item or concept.
  • Synonyms/Antonyms: Use alternative words with similar or opposite meanings to help recall a forgotten word (e.g., "generous" can be described as "kind" or "giving").
  • Seeking Help: Don't hesitate to ask for assistance in recalling a word. Friends or teachers can help.

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