Polite or Not Polite?
“Give me your pencil.”
Is this polite or not polite?
❌ Not polite
Can/Could I borrow your pencil?
What’s a common topic for small talk?
A) Weather
B) Salary (급여)
C) Politics (정치)
A) Weather
In Korea, people bow to greet. In the U.S., people usually _____.
Shake hands or say hello with eye contact.
You step on someone’s foot. What do you say?
Apologize
“I’m sorry!”
When someone is talking, what should you do? A) Interrupt B) Wait for your turn C) Look at your phone
B) Wait for your turn
You walk into class and say,
“Hey teacher!” What’s wrong?
❌ Not polite
Too casual — say “Hello” or “Good evening.”
True or False: It’s polite to ask, “How old are you?” in American small talk.
❌ False.
Age is considered a personal question.
True or False: In the U.S., it’s rude to make eye contact with your teacher.
❌ False
It shows confidence and attention.
Your friend says “Thank you.” What’s a natural response?
“You’re welcome.” or “No problem.”
You didn’t hear what your teacher said. Which is correct? A) “What?” B) “Huh?” C) “Sorry, could you say that again?”
C) “Sorry, could you say that again?”
You bump into someone. What should you say in English?
“I’m sorry.” or “Excuse me.”
You meet someone new. What’s a good small talk question?
“Where are you from?”
"What do you do (for work)?"
Etc.
In Korea, people will ask your age when they meet you. Why is this rude in America?
Americans see age as private or personal.
You receive a gift. What should you say?
“Thank you!” or “That’s so kind of you!”
Your classmate says, “Thank you for your help.” What’s the best reply?
“You’re welcome.”
You’re late to class. What’s a polite way to explain it?
“I’m so sorry I’m late. (Explain the reason).”
True or False: In American culture, it’s rude to disagree politely during small talk.
❌ False
You can disagree politely by saying things like “I see your point, but I think…”
In Korea, people say “Did you eat?” to show care. What’s a similar American expression?
“How are you?” or “How’s your day going?”
What’s a polite way to refuse an offer? (제안을 거절하는 정중한 방법은 무엇인가요?)
“No, thank you.” or “I appreciate it, but I’m okay.”
Your classmate looks sad. What could you say politely?
“Are you okay?”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Your friend sneezes. What polite phrase can you say?
“Bless you!”
Your friend says: “I saw a new K-drama!”
What’s a polite follow-up question?
“Oh really? What’s it about?”
“Did you like it?”
What’s one big difference between how compliments are accepted in Korea vs. the U.S.? (한국과 미국에서 칭찬을 받아들이는 방식의 가장 큰 차이점은 무엇입니까?)
Koreans often deny compliments; Americans usually say “Thank you.”
You forgot to do a group project part. What’s a complete polite apology?
“I’m really sorry I didn’t finish my part. I’ll do better next time.”
You accidentally talk over someone. What’s a polite thing to say?
“Oh, sorry! Go ahead/Please continue.”