Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
Have you ever been to a really fancy dinner party at an expensive restaurant? There are more utensils than you can count! It seems like you’re outnumbered by cutlery, cups, and plates. It can be a dining disaster if you’ve never learned culinary etiquette.
There is some good news, though. Fortunately, the basics of proper dining aren’t hard to manage. Always start with the utensil that’s farthest away from your plate and move one item in with each course. Other tips include being polite, talking softly, and, of course, never chewing with your mouth open.
Jeff and Rafael are getting ready for a big dinner party. Who needs to learn some dining do’s and don’t’s quickly? Find out in this English lesson about etiquette.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
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Jeff: Hey! What are you doing? Let’s eat!
Rafael: Jeff, I’m really busy right now. I’m really trying to set this table. I have got to get the cutlery just right. Lots of people are coming over.
Jeff: What? Oh man, you’re too uptight.
Rafael: What? Haven’t you ever heard of culinary etiquette?
Jeff: Why is that important?
Rafael: Well, you’ve got to know your stuff about cutlery. You’ve got to be polite. I mean, it’s a big ordeal, but once people come and they see that the fork is in the right place, just to the left of the knife, you feel really good about yourself.
Jeff: I’d feel really good about myself if I had some food in me.
Rafael: Look, it may seem like I’m being uptight, but you’ll enjoy your food more if it’s presented well.
Jeff: OK, I’ll keep an open mind. Prove me wrong, buddy.
Rafael: For starters, fold your napkin and put it in your lap, Jeff.
Jeff: OK. This is going to be a long night.
Rafael: You’ve got to start somewhere.
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Discussion
Jeff is hungry and wants to eat, but Rafael stops him because the table isn’t set yet. Rafael wants to make sure all the utensils are all in place before the guests arrive.
Jeff really doesn’t understand why Rafael is so worried about where the knives, forks, and spoons go. For him, it’s more important that he have access to the food, and soon! Rafael, on the other hand, tells Jeff that presentation is important, too. In fact, he thinks Jeff might even enjoy his food more if he learns a few basic rules.
How important is etiquette where you live? What are some dining rules that you follow?
Comments
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