Reading Exercise:
At the Restaurant
Read the text and answer the comprehension questions
Going to a restaurant should be relaxing, but in a new country it can feel like hard work. The good news is that a few simple words and polite phrases will take you a long way. Once you know how to read a menu, speak to the waiter and ask for the bill, the whole experience becomes much easier.
Most meals in a restaurant follow the same pattern. You start with a starter, sometimes called an appetizer, then you have your main course, and if you still have room, you finish with a dessert. When the server comes to your table, you do not need long sentences. Something like “I’ll have the soup, please” is perfectly natural and polite.
Being polite matters more than being perfect. Small changes make a big difference, so “Could I have some water, please” sounds much friendlier than “Give me water.” If you want to order, “I would like the steak” works well too. Waiters everywhere appreciate a warm tone and a simple please and thank you.
At the end of the meal, you ask for the bill, or the check in some countries. You can usually pay with cash or by card. In many places it is also normal to leave a tip for good service, though the amount changes from country to country. When in doubt, a friendly smile and a quiet thank you are always welcome.