Fast Food Restaurant

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Part 1: Listen and Read: Listen to the recording about fast food restaurants, answer the questions, and then read along with the audio recording.

When I need a bite to eat, I often drop by a local fast food restaurant and buy a quick meal. I usually order a cheeseburger, a large order of fries, and a medium-size drink. On the cheeseburger, I ask them to put everything on it: onions, lettuce, mustard, ketchup, pickles, and tomato, but I ask them to hold the mayonnaise. I also order some water to wash everything down. If I’m really famished, I might order a chocolate shake. I sometimes pick up something for my roommate who eats like a horse, so I have to order at least three hamburgers. I usually pay with cash, but I sometimes pay for the meal using my debit card. I don’t eat fast food too often because it contains a lot of fat, but more and more restaurants are offering healthier choices like salads and chili, so there’s usually something for everyone.

Part 2: Role Play

Use the Internet to find a menu in English of a restaurant near you (if possible). With a partner, take the roles of a customer and server. Take turns ordering food and taking orders. Think of possible problems that can happen in such situations (e.g., the wrong order, the food is cold, your glass or silverware is dirty, the service is very slow). Think of expressions that can be used to resolve these problems.

Part 3: Discussion

What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating at a fast food restaurant? Consider convenience, cost, and nutrition in your answer.

Part 4: Online Investigation

With so many fast food restaurants in business, it is difficult to know which provides the best value in terms of price and healthy food choices. Using the Internet, compare the food choices at two different restaurants and come up with your recommendations on which place provides the best quality meal. Explain your findings.

Part 5: Online Listening Practice (from www.esl-lab.com):