TESOL/English lesson topics

With "you"
Using "ma'am" or "sir" at the beginning or end of a sentence makes the sentence very formal and polite. Do not use it with friends because it is too polite. It would sound cold.

Strength of language
In meaning, the difference between "freezing" and "cold" is that "freezing" is colder than "cold," but there is a grammatical difference as well. "Freezing" is a non-gradable word which behaves differently grammatically than a gradable word like "cold." For many adjectives there is a non-gradable word or expression which is stronger. Adjusting the strength of your message requires knowing these stronger words and expressions and knowing how to use them.

Encouraging or discouraging conversation
To continue a conversation, use the method short answer + extra information. If you want to stop the conversation, give only a short answer.

Another usual way is the use of question tags.