Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

It is not unusual for us to gather with our nearest and dearest on the weekends. But do you know that holidays, much like relationships, can be “made, 【小题1】 and broken” through conversations? Deborag Tannen, a Georgetown University linguistics（语言学）professor, believes so. She offers suggestions to improve communication at the holiday table and beyond. Let’s take a look.

A round dining table is best for 【小题2】 a lively conversation because everyone faces one another.

Avoid 【小题3】 grandparents at the ends of a rectangular table, even though it is the traditional place of honor. Elderly people may feel lonely there because they will be 【小题4】 to hear or keep up with a conversation.

Women prefer to face each other and make eye contact when they talk. Men might look around at other things. “Guys may be more relaxed keeping staring on the TV,” says Tannen. “They’ll still be 【小题5】, though.”

Be 【小题6】 that people have different ways of talking. Each person has a different sense of tone, rhythm, timing and how long of a pause is normal in a conversation. Pay attention to people who seem left out. If you feel you are doing all the talking, hold back to give others a chance to join in. If you feel you aren’t getting a chance to speak, try pushing yourself to start talking before it seems natural or 【小题7】.

Some families find that gatherings go more 【小题8】 if they participate in an outdoor activity. Going to a park for a walk may be more 【小题9】 than sitting around chatting.