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• 1993weather5.mp3
• 1993weather1.mp3
• 1993weather2.mp3
• 1993weather3.mp3
• 1993weather4.mp3

 

Read this opening conversation:

John:  Hi, Mom.  I'm home.
Mom:  Welcome home.  So how was your day at school?
John:  It was ok.  Nothing special.
Mom:  What's the weather like today?
John:  It ヤs sunny and warm.
Mom:  It's supposed to rain tomorrow so you'd better take your raincoat with you to school.
John:  OK, but you might have to remind me in the morning.

In this conversation, the mother said:

"What's the weather like today?"


Read these example conversations:

Michael:  What's the weather like today?
Michiko:   It's supposed to rain.

Michael:  How's the weather today?
Michiko:  There's a chance of rain.

Michael:  What's the weather like today?
Michiko:  It might rain.

The topic of weather is so common because it's something that anyone can talk about and it's a safe topic.  A safe topic is one that is not personal.  You can talk about the weather anytime with anyone.  You can use this pattern for any type of weather. Read these example sentences:

"It looks like it's going to be a fine day today"

"It looks like it's going to rain today"

"It looks like it's going to be cold today"



Read these common weather vocabulary words:

"Sunny"   "Cloudy"   "Rainy"   "Snowy"   "Windy"


Read this conversation:

Michiko:  Michael, what's the difference between "weather" and "climate"?
Michael:  Hmm.
Michiko:  Well.
Michael:  That's a good question.
Michiko:  Does that mean you don't know the answer?
Michael:  No, I know.  

The weather is something that changes every day and depends on the atmospheric pressure and so on. The climate is the normal pattern of weather in a given area.  For example, Hawaii is usually sunny and warm, so we would say it's a warm climate.  But some days, it's rainy and cool.  That's the weather.  We would say, today, it's rainy and cool.




Read this conversation:

Michiko:  Excuse me, is this the bus to Ala Moana Shopping Center?
Michael: Yes, it is.
Michiko:  The weather's not too good today, is it?
Michael:  No, it isn't.  It looks like it's going to rain.
Michiko:  Is the weather usually like this in Hawaii?
Michael:  No, it's usually sunny and warm.  How about in Japan?
Michiko:  The weather in Japan is usually cold during this time of year.

In this conversation, the lady is asking about the climate in Hawaii. Read these example sentences:




"Is the weather usually like this in Hawaii?"

"What's the weather usually like in Hawaii at this time of year?"

"What's the climate in Hawaii during this time of year?"


Now read this next conversation:

Michael:  The weather was really bad on my way to work today.  It was snowing hard and the wind was blowing.
Michiko:  Come on, Michael.  This is Hawaii.  It never snows in Hawaii.  You're exaggerating.
Michael:  Well, it was still bad.  The wind was blowing and it was raining.
Michiko: That's winter in Hawaii. What was the weather forecast for today?
Michael:  I don't know.  I didn't watch TV this morning.
Michiko:  I heard on the radio that it  was going to be sunny this afternoon.
Michael:  I hope the weather forecast is right.
Michiko:   Yeah me too.  I'm going to the beach this afternoon.

Weather is a constant source of conversation because it  changes every day.  In the conversation above,  Michiko asked:

"What's the weather forecast for today?"






Another way she could have said the same thing is:

"Did you hear the weather forecast for today?"

or
"Do you know the weather forecast for today?"


Read these example sentences:

"What's the weather forecast for today?"

"Did you hear the weather forecast for today?"

"Do you know the weather forecast for today?"


There are lots of different ways to find out what the weather forecast is going to be.  You can listen to the forecast on Television or radio or you can read the forecast in the newspaper.  Read this
conversation:

Michael:  Did you hear the forecast on the television this morning?
Michiko:  No, I missed it.  What did they say?
Michael:  They said it was going to be sunny today with a 50% chance  of showers in the afternoon.
Michiko:  Does that mean it's going     to rain half of the afternoon.
Michael: No, it means that they are about 50% sure that it's going to rain in the afternoon.




The people who give the weather forecast are never 100% sure of the weather.  Now let's practice.

Read these example sentences:

"There's a slight chance of showers"

"There's a 75% chance of a thunderstorm"

"There's a good chance of clear skies"


The weather forecast can also be helpful when you travel on vacation.
Read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Michael, are you doing anything on your vacation?
Michael:  Yeah, I'm planning to go and visit my parents.
Michiko:  What's the weather like there this time of year?
Michael:  It's mostly sunny and cold.  Sometimes it snows.  Then it really gets cold.
Michiko:  You'd better bring a heavy coat with you.
Michael:  I don't have one here.   In Hawaii, we never need one.
Michiko:  Maybe you can borrow one from a friend.

Did you notice the question that Michiko asked.  She said:

"What's the weather like there  this time of year?"


Another way to say the same thing is:

"How's the weather there this time of year?"


Here are some more weather vocabulary:




"Mostly fair"   "Mostly sunny"   "Partly Cloudy"   "Trade"   "Winds"   "Showers"


We also learned about natural disasters like Hurricane Iniki.  A hurricane can be incredibly destructive.  But there are other natural disasters.



Read these examples:

"Tornado"   "Typhoon"   "Tsunami"   "Tidal Wave"   "Earthquake"   "Flood"   "Twister"

A tornado is like a funnel of wind that can touch the ground and destroy everything in it's path.  It's very unpredictable but not as destructive as a hurricane.  Another word for Tornado is "Twister."

A typhoon is usually an offshore storm.  It's similar to a tornado in the ocean.

The word "Tsunami" comes from Japanese.  It means the same thing as a Tidal Wave.  A tidal wave is a very large wave that can flood large areas.

Michiko:  Michael, what should I do during a tornado?
Michael:  Well, If you are in your house, you should go downstairs to the basement.
Michiko:  What if your house doesn't have a basement?
Michael: Well, in that case you should hide under a table or in a hallway with a strong ceiling.
Michiko:  What if you are in a car?


We've learned a lot of new words tonight.  For example:

"Disaster"   "Evacuation"   "Hypothetical"   "Warning Zone"   "Devastation"   "Collapse"

ポッドキャスト

• 1994body_care5.mp3
• 1994body_care1.mp3
• 1994body_care2.mp3
• 1994body_care3.mp3
• 1994body_care4.mp3

Now, let's start by reading this conversation between co-workers at the office:

Michael:  What's wrong with you today Michiko?  You seem sluggish and your face is pale.
Michiko:  I think I'm coming down with a cold.

Read these example sentences:

"You seem sluggish"

"Your face is pale"


If you are sick, you could use one of these sentences:

"I'm coming down with a cold"

"I'm catching a cold"


In America, when you catch a cold, you do certain things to help you feel better.  We sometimes call them remedies.  Read this next conversation and see if you can find the five remedies in this following conversation:

Mom:  Peter, do you feel all right?
Peter: No, my head feels hot.
Mom:  Swallow this aspirin and I'll put this towel on your forehead.
Peter:  Can I have some chicken broth mom?
Mom:   Yes.  Now put this blanket on and sweat the fever out.
Peter:  O.K.  I want orange juice too.  Don't forget!

 
　　　

Did you hear the remedies in this conversation?  Read some of them again:

"Swallow this aspirin"

"Sip this chicken broth"

"Put this blanket on and sweat the fever out"


Now, read this short conversation:

Michael:  Well, you're back to work!  You had a pretty bad flu right?
Michiko:  No, everyone makes a mountain out of a molehill.  I just caught a cold.

There was an idiom that was used in this dialog.  Did you hear it? The woman said,

"Everyone makes a mountain out of a molehill."


This means to make something bigger than it really is.  People usually do this when they talk about someone else without really knowing all the details.   Read this example sentence:

"Don't make a mountain out of a molehill"





The common cold is just one of the few sicknesses that people get. Another one is a stomach ache.

Read this conversation:

Granddaughter:  Grandpa, I have a stomach ache.
Grandpa: What have you eaten in the last few hours?
Granddaughter:   One dill pickle and 2 bowls of ice cream.
Grandpa:  Ughh!  No wonder!  What kind of pain is it?
Granddaughter:   It's just a dull ache in the pit of my stomach.
Grandpa:  Just rest and take a spoonful of this Pepto-Bismal.

There are several ways to tell someone about your stomach.  For example:

"I have an upset stomach"

"My stomach hurts"

"I have a stomach ache"


There could be several reasons for a stomach ache.  In this conversation, it could have been because of what she ate.  The
question asked was:

"What  have you eaten in the last few hours?"


There are also different kinds of pain.   A sharp pain could be from cutting yourself or when you poke yourself suddenly.  A dull aching pain could feel like when you have a bad headache or stomach.  And a stinging pain might be caused from a bite from an insect.  Now let's practice, everyone.





Read these examples:

"What kind of pain do you have?"

"Is it a sharp, dull or stinging pain?"

"It's just a dull ache in the pit of my stomach"


Now sometimes we eat certain food to help our bodies become healthy. Read this next conversation between a mother and her son:

Mom:  Larry, eat your peas and spinach.
Larry:  Why?
Mom:  It's good roughage for you.
Larry:  What's that mean?
Mom:  It just means that it'll help clean out your system.
Larry:  Yuck.

One thing that will clean out your body is roughage.  This is food such as bran, vegetable peel and so on.

Read this example sentence:

"Roughage will help clean out your system"






When you travel to foreign places you might have trouble with your stomach.

Read this next conversation between a husband and wife:

Michael:  Ow, my stomach feels awful.  I think I'm constipated.
Michiko:  Try this natural herbal laxative.
Michael:  No.  It might give me diarrhea.
Michiko:  Don't worry.  You'll feel better.
Michael:  All right.  I'd better eat more fiber after this.

You might have heard the word constipated.  It means you have trouble going to the bathroom.  On the other hand, diarrhea is excessive frequency and looseness of bowel movements.  Read these example sentences:

"I feel constipated"

"I have diarrhea"


A laxative is something that helps your bowel movement.  Fiber also
helps.  Now, read this next conversation between close friends:

Michiko:  Ehhh!  What's that noise?
Michael:  Sorry Michiko, I just passed gas.
Michiko:  Gross!  You should do it somewhere else.
Michael:  You want me to hold it in?!  I'd be so uncomfortable.
Michiko:  I'll let you off this time, but don't do it again!

Read these example sentences:

"Excuse me for passing gas"

"I just released gas but it was an accident"


Now lread this next conversation between two friends:

Michael:  What's it say on the label?
Michiko:  Why are you trying to watch your weight?
Michael:  No, just trying to keep off the unhealthy stuff.
Michiko:  Well, first you have to know what the ingredients are.
Michael:  I know what protein, calcium, and potassium are but not the rest.
Michiko:  You'd better look it up.

At the store you will find nutrition labels telling you what's in the product.  Some things you should avoid are saturated fat and cholesterol because they can raise blood cholesterol.  Also too much sodium is no good.  Sodium is just another name for salt.  In the conversation, Michiko said,

"What's it say on the label?"





Let's read this next conversation about taking care of your body when you eat spicy food:

Michiko:  Oh my gosh.  My tongue's on fire!
Michael:  Here drink some water.
Michiko:  It's not helping.  I wonder why?
Michael:  Because oil and water don't mix.  You should try some bread or milk to absorb the oil.
Michiko:   How will milk help?
Michael:  The milk acts as a detergent, combining with the oil and washing it away.

If some kind of food is very spicy, you can say

"My tongue is on fire!"

We learned that oil and water don't mix so use bread or milk to absorb the oil.  You can also use the words "soak up."  Now, let's practice, everyone.  Read these example sentences:

"Bread will absorb the oil"

"The sponge will soak up the spilt water"


Read this is final conversation between a brother and a sister.

Michiko:  Oh, there's nothing like a hot shower and a good shampoo.
Michael:  I know what you mean.
Michiko:  I'm going to sleep now.
Michael:  You're going to get sick if you sleep with damp hair.
Michiko:  I'll just put a towel on my pillow and sleep on that.
Michael:  You're so lazy!  Just blow-dry your hair!

The phrase,

"There's nothing like a hot shower and a good shampoo!"


This sentence means that it's very very good and nothing can compare.  You can get sick if you sleep with wet or damp hair.  Damp means slightly wet.  Read this example sentence:

"You're going to get sick if you sleep with damp hair"

ポッドキャスト

• 1994sports5.mp3
• 1994sports1.mp3
• 1994sports2.mp3
• 1994sports3.mp3
• 1994sports4.mp3

Michiko:  Michael, what sports do you like?
Michael:  I really like many different  sports.  But my favorite ones are basketball, golf and ultimate frisbee.

Talking about sports is very common and you can start a conversation with almost anyone using this topic.  American people in general are crazy about sports.   Where do people go to watch these sporting events?  Read these examples:

"Gymnasium"

"The UH volleyball team practices in a gymnasium"

"Stadium"

"The football players were the  first to enter the stadium"

"Arena"

"The arena was packed with people"


How do you know where to sit when you go to these sporting events? Well, when you get inside, you can ask an usher for help.  They usually have ushers available to help you find your seat.

Read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Excuse me, I'm lost. Where is section 7, seat 14?
Usher:  It's across the stadium. Just go all the way around to the other side.
Michiko:  Oh, I see.  Thank you.

Whenever you get lost, you can take your ticket and show it to the usher and they will help you find your seat. If you lose your child, you can ask one of the ushers by saying:

"Excuse me, I lost my child. Could you help me find him?"


If you lose something else like a wallet or a purse, you can go to the lost and found department.  In that case, you can ask the usher these questions:

"Excuse me, where is the Lost   and Found department?"

"Could you tell me where the Lost and Found department is?"


When you go to the Lost and Found department you can ask this question:

"Excuse me, I left my purse here about an hour ago.  Did anyone turn it in?"







Did anyone see my  zoris?


Now, what do you do when you get hungry at a sporting event?    Go to the concession stand of course.  Now let's read a conversation at a football game:

Michael:  Wow, it's half - time already.  This game is going fast.
Michiko:  Yeah, I'm starved.
Michael:  Me too.  I'll go get us some food at the concession stand.  Can I get you anything?
Michiko:  Yeah, could you get me a regular coke and a hot dog?
Michael:  OK, I'll be right back.






Watching a sporting event can give a person a big appetite.  In the conversation above, Michael was being nice.  He asked her if she wanted anything.  He said:

"Can I get you anything?"


If you're hungry, you can use one of these sentences.   Read these example sentences:

"I'm starved"

"I'm starving"

"I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse"


At a sporting event, there are certain rules of etiquette that  you should follow.  Let me briefly explain 2 of the most important ones. Number one, "don't stand up for too long because other people won't be able to see. Number two, don't make too much noise in other people's ears. Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Oh, hi Michiko.
Michiko:  Hi, Michael.  What are you doing?
Michael:  I'm watching a football game.
Michiko:  Who's playing?
Michael:  The Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys.
Michiko:  Who do you want to win?
Michael:  The Cowboys of course.

In this conversation, Michiko came into the room while Michael was watching a game.

If you don't know who the teams are, you can ask these questions:

"Who do you want to win?"

"Whose side are you on?"

"Who are you for?"

"Who are you rooting for?"








Another question that you might ask when you begin watching a game in the middle is:

"What's the score?"

or
"Who's winning?"


A "fan" is someone who is a strong supporter of a team.  They always want them to win.  They might even buy some pictures or posters of the team.  You can be a fan of a person too.  Read these example sentences:

"I'm a baseball fan"

"I'm a Joe Montana fan"


Sometimes fans do things like writing letters to their hero or asking
for autographs.  If you want to ask someone for their autograph you
can ask these questions:

"May I have your autograph?"

"Could you sign this please?"







When you are a child, it's easy to ask for an autograph.  But sometimes adults are embarrassed to ask someone for their autograph.

Read this conversation:

Michiko:  May I have your autograph?
Michael:  Sure, what's your name?
Michiko:  Oh, It's not for me.  It's for my son.  He watches you on
TV all the time.





Every sporting event has rules.  If you don't follow those rules, there are penalties.  These penalties are called different names.  In football or basketball, they are called fouls.   In golf or hockey, they are just called "penalties"  These penalties or fouls are called by a referee or umpire.  Read these examples:

"referee"

"The referee blew his whistle to call a penalty"

"umpire"

"The umpire called a personal foul"


Calisthenics are a kind of exercise.  The most common forms of calisthenics are situps and pushups.   Read these examples:

"calisthenics"

"I do calisthenics every night"


Michael:  Now let's do some calisthenics ourselves.
Michiko:  1  -  2  -  3  -  4.  Ugh!   I can't do it anymore.
Michael:  I guess you're out of shape.
Michiko:  You're right.  Are you out of shape, Michael?
Michael:  I think I'm in pretty good shape.  I have been running a lot these days.

Read these example sentences:

"Are you out of shape?"

"I think I'm in pretty good shape"







Michiko:  Ouch.  I'm so sore from calisthenics.
Michael:   You know what they say,  "no pain, no gain".
Michiko:  What does that mean?
Michael:  It means if you want to get in good shape, you will have to experience some pain.

In this conversation, did you hear the idiom, "no pain, no gain."  It means in order to achieve something, you must spend some effort.

Read these example sentences:

"Stretch your arms up to the sky"

"Run in place"

"Lift your right leg"

"Lift your left leg"

"Bend forward"

"Bend backward"

"Touch your toes with your hands"

"Sway from side to side"


Finally after you exercise, you need to cool down.  You can do some
relaxing exercises like these:

"Roll your head from side to side"

"Stand with your feet apart  and touch the ground with your hands"

ポッドキャスト

• 1994shopping5.mp3
• 1994shopping4.mp3
• 1994shopping3.mp3
• 1994shopping2.mp3
• 1994shopping1.mp3

Let's start by reading this conversation between a mother and her daughter:

Girl:    Mom, we have to go shopping!
Mom:  Why?  What's wrong with your clothes?  They look brand new.
Girl:    They're so old-fashioned!  No one wears those kinds of pants anymore.
Mom:  We just bought these a couple of months ago.
Girl:    Let's just go window shopping then, I'm dying to go!!
Mom:   All right, you win.  Let's go.

Almost all teenage girls like to go shopping.  In this conversation the girl wanted more clothes because she said hers were old-fashioned.  There are other words we can say to describe something old.  For example:

"out-of-date"   "antique"   "unfashionable"   "timeworn"

and  "outmoded"

Read these example sentences:

"My tie has become unfashionable"

"I need to get rid of these timeworn clothes"


Sometimes they just say that something is "out"  That means that it's old fashioned.   In the conversation above, the daughter mentioned that she was "dying" to go shopping.  People use this word to mean a strong desire.  You might hear people "dying" to go to the beach and so on.

Read this example sentence:

"I'm dying to go to that new store"


When someone goes window shopping, that means they are just looking. Another word we can use is browsing.  Read this short conversation at the store:

Salesperson: Hi!  Can I help you with anything?
Customer:  Oh, I'm just browsing.
Salesperson: All right, just let me know if you need anything.
Customer:  O.K.

Usually we read about sales or see them advertised on the TV or the radio.

Read this advertisement on the radio:

"Come by to Simpson's giant annual sale.  Stock up on double AA batteries, only $2 for a pack of four.  Rechargeable batteries, 2 for $1.  And the entire inventory of electronics, 20% off!  Stop by and save big!  It's the sale that   you've been waiting for all year!  Sale ends July 20, so come in and buy now."





Did you understand that advertisement?  Double AA batteries were $2 for a pack of four.  Rechargeable batteries were 2 for $1.   To "stock up" means to store or keep until you need it.  Read this example sentences:

"Did you stock up on toilet paper?"


Now read this next conversation between a customer and salesperson:

Salesperson: Hi, can I help you?
Customer: Yes, what gift would be appropriate for an 82 year old grandma?
Salesperson: Hmm.  How about this bathrobe?
Customer:  Yes, this is kind of nice. Is it 20% off the marked price?
Salesperson: Uh huh.  It's a good deal.
Customer:  All right, I'll take it.  Can I have it gift wrapped?
Salesperson: You have to go upstairs to the third floor.
Customer: I don't have time.  Can I have a box?
Salesperson: Sure.  Here's some tissue paper and a ribbon too.

When you look for a sale, you have to read the signs carefully.  Here are some different kinds of sales.







Read these example sentences:

"Is this 50% off the original price?"

"Is this 20% off the marked price?"


If you can't remember those sentences, you can use this one:

"Is this the actual price?"


Many Americans buy a lot of food at one time and store it in the freezer or in their shelves.  If you have a lot of groceries, you might need to have the bag boy help you carry your things to the car.

Read the conversation between a customer and  a bag boy:

Customer:  Oh my goodness.  I have 5 bags of groceries.
Bag boy:  Can I help you carry your bags into your car ma'am?
Customer:  Yes, I'd appreciate it.
Bag boy:  There, all ready to go.
Customer:  Here's something for your trouble.
Bag boy:  Thank you very much. Have a good day!
Customer:  You too.

You can choose to tip or not to tip, itユs up to you.  If you want to tip them you can say these pleasant sentences:

"Here's something for your trouble"

or
"Thank you for your help"






Nowadays, supermarkets have special stores inside.  They might have a deli, a meat counter or a plant shop.  Read this conversation inside a fish market.

Salesperson:  Hi, have you been helped?
Customer:  No, not yet.  Do I have to take a number?
Salesperson:  We're not using that today.  What can I get for you?
Customer: I'd like two pounds of Aku.
Salesperson:  Is that all?
Customer: Yes.  When should I eat it?
Salesperson:  The sooner, the better.  It's very fresh right now and if you  wait another day, it won't taste as good.  So put it in the refrigerator or it will spoil.
Customer:  All right.  Thanks.

With fresh meat, they may give you instructions like this.  Read these example sentences:

"The sooner, the better"

"The sooner you eat it, the better it will be"

"Eat it as soon as possible"







Now, let's read this conversation between a small boy and his mother:

Michael:  Mommeee…  I want some candy!
Mom:  No, not right now, I don't want you to spoil your appetite.
Michael:  Here.  Let's buy these!!
Mom:  No, don't touch.  This is your last warning.  The next time you're going to get a spanking.
Michael:  You never give me anything I want.
Mom:  That's not true.  I tell you what.  I'll let you choose one box of  cereal.
Michael:  Ooooo.  I like this, this, that, this.
Mom:  Don't  go overboard now. Just one.  Do I have to sound like a broken record?
Michael:  O.K. I'll take that one.

Kids often want too much and beg their parents to buy them something. The parent will scold them and say something like this:

"Don't touch!!  This is your last warning"

"That's enough"

or
"Stop whining"


Did you notice that the mother said,

"Don't go overboard"


This means to stay under control.  If someone says:

"Let's not go overboard"


They want you to stay under control.  Now read this next conversation between a mother and her son shopping for clothes:

Son:    Why do I need new clothes?
Mother:  You'll be starting school soon and your old clothes are worn out.
Salesperson:  Hello, can I help you?
Mother:  Yes.  Do you have any jeans like these in his size?
Salesperson:  I'm sorry.  We're all out of stock in that size.
Mother:  Do you know where I can find them?
Salesperson:  You might try our downtown store.
Mother: O.K. thanks.

There are different reasons that parents buy clothes for their children.  Read these example sentences:

"His clothes are worn out"

"He's grown out of his shirts"


You might want something but can't find the right size.  Read these example sentences:

"Do you have any jeans like these in his size?"

"Do you have any in size 5?"


The store you go to might not have what you are looking for.  It's all right to ask the salesperson if they know where you can find something.

You might want to ask the salesperson where you can find what you are looking for.  Here are some sentences you can use:

"Do you know where I can find them?"

"Do you have any idea where I can find this kind of jeans?"


Now, read this final conversation between a saleswoman and a father:

Salesperson:  This outfit is perfect for your daughter!
Father: Hmm.  But it's a little bit too big.
Salesperson:  That's all right, she'll  grow into it.
Father: Yes.  Kids grow out of their clothes so fast!
Salesperson:   Especially when they become teenagers.  That's when they have their  biggest growth spurt.
Father: All right, I'll take it.  But if she doesn't like it, can I return it?
Salesperson:  Certainly.  Just save the receipt.

Kids do grow into and out of their clothes quickly.  "Grow into" something means that the clothes are too big.  "Grow out" means that the clothes have become too small for the person.  Read these example sentences:

"Your baby daughter will grow into this dress soon."

"My son has grown out of all his clothes."






If you are not sure whether you can return something or not, you can ask this sentence:

"What is your return policy?"

ポッドキャスト

• 1994restaurants3.mp3
• 1994restaurants4.mp3
• 1994restaurants1.mp3
• 1994restaurants2.mp3
• 1994restaurants5.mp3

Read this opening conversation:

Cashier:  Hi, can I help you?
Customer:  Yes, can I have a cheeseburger, french fries and a coke?
Cashier: What size coke do you want?
Customer:  Uh,  I'll take a regular coke, please.

Did you notice that in a fast food restaurant, everybody uses casual language.   For example:

"Hi" instead of "Hello"

"Can I help you?" instead of "May I help you?"


There are different sizes of cokes, for example:

"small"  "regular" and  "large"


When you order something at a restaurant, you can say:

"I'll have a vanilla milk shake"


After the customer orders, the person behind the counter might  ask the customer if they want to order some other food or drink.  They might say:

"Anything else?"

or
"Will that be all?"


Michiko:  So Michael, if the customer doesn't want to order more, should they say: "No, that's all" or  "Yes, that's all"?
Michael:  Well, it depends on the question.  If they say: "Anything else?"  you can say:   "No, that's all."  If they say: "Will that be all?"   you can say:   "Yes, that's all"

Read these examples:

Cashier:     Anything else?
Customer:  No, that's all.

Cashier:   Will that be all?
Customer:Yes, that's all.

Cashier:   Is that everything?
Customer:Yes, that's it.

Remember that when you go into a fast food restaurant, it's important to be fast, especially when you order because other people are waiting.  When the cashier asks you a question, you should tell them what you want quickly.  If you want to think about it for a minute, you can say:

"Just a moment, I need a little more time"

or
"I'm not ready yet"







The next thing you will hear is the price or how much it will cost.
Read this next conversation:

Cashier:  Hi, can I help you?
Customer:  Yes, can I have a cheeseburger , and an order of french fries.
Cashier:     Anything else?
Customer:  Yes, what size coke do you have?
Cashier:     We have small, regular and large.
Customer:  I'll have a regular, please.
Cashier:     Will that be all?
Customer:  Yes, that's all.







Another question that they might ask you at the fast food restaurant is:

"Is this for here or to go"


They want to know if you are going to eat it in the restaurant or take it out.  Read this conversation:

Waitress: Hello, how are you this evening?
Customer:  I'm fine thank you.
Waitress:  Good.  My name is Lori and I'll be your
waitress this evening.  Here's your menu.  I'll be back in a few minutes to take your order.

When you dine at a nice restaurant, you will usually receive a formal greeting.  They might say:

"How are you?"

or
"How are you doing this evening?"


You can just respond normally by saying:

"I'm fine thank you", or "I'm doing great."


Next, the waiter or waitress will probably ask about drinks.  Ordering drinks before a meal is common.  The waiter or waitress might ask you if you want a cocktail or alcohol before the meal.  If you don't want any cocktails, just ask the waiter or waitress for a menu.  Read these next conversations:

Waitress:   Would you like anything to drink?
Customer:  Yes, I'd like a glass of ice tea, please.
Waitress:   Would you like water?
Customer:  Yes, please.


If you only want water, you can say:

"Just water please"


Next your waiter or waitress will probably ask you about appetizers. "Appetizers" are small portions of tasty food given before a meal that will increase your appetite.  Some examples of appetizers are shrimp, oysters, escargot, stuffed mushrooms and prawn.

After you have eaten all the delicious appetizers, It's time to order your entree.  Entree means "the main dish" in French.



        



Read this next conversation:

Waitress: Are you ready to order now?
Customer: Yes, I'd like the steak and lobster combination.
Waitress:  How would you like your steak cooked?
Customer: Medium rare, please.

Read these example sentences:

"How would you like your steak cooked?"

There are 5 different degrees of cooking meat.  They are:

"rare"   "medium rare"   "medium"   "medium well"   "well-done"


After they ask you about the meat, they will ask you more questions.
Read this conversation:

Waitress:    Would you like soup or salad?
Customer:  What kind of soup do you have?
Waitress:    We have French Onion and Clam Chowder.
Customer:   I'll have the Clam Chowder.

Now, read this short conversation:

Waitress:   Would you like dessert?
Customer:  Yes, I'd like apple pie and ice cream.

If you are full, just reply:

"No, thank you."






For example:

Waitress:   Would you like dessert.
Customer:  No, thank you.

During a meal at a formal restaurant, people may politely ask the waiter or waitress to bring them something.  For example:

Waitress:  May I get you something else?
Customer:  May I have some more coffee please?

When going to a formal restaurant, you want to look your best, have good manners, and speak politely.  When you ask for something politely, start with the words:

"May I have…….?"

or
"Could I have……?"


So when customers would like to have more coffee, they can say:

"May I have some more coffee, please?"

or
"Could I have some more coffee, please?"


Read these example conversations:

Waitress:  May I get you something else?
Customer: May I have some more coffee, please?

Waitress:  May I get you anything else?
Customer: Could I have some more coffee, please?

Also the waiter may ask if the customers are enjoying the meal.  They will ask:

"Is everything OK?"

or
"Is everything all right?"


Remember, when you are asking for something politely, use the phrases:

"May I have…..?"

or
"Could I have ……?"


Read these example sentences:

"Would you bring some more butter, please?"

"Would you bring some more pepper please?"


Sometimes, you may need to complain about something.  Have you ever had a hair in your food or  in your soup?   You should tell the waiter or waitress immediately!  For example:

Customer:  Excuse me, there's a hair in my soup.  Could I have another bowl, please?
Waitress:   Of course.  I'm so sorry.







Sometimes, there may be something wrong with your food.  Perhaps it isn't cooked the way you ordered it.  This happened to Michael's steak.  He ordered his steak medium but when he got his steak, it was rare.  For example:

Customer:  Excuse me, I wanted my steak medium, but this is rare.
Waitress:  I'm sorry, I'll take it back.

When you ask for something, don't forget to say "please."  It's makes your sentence   more polite.   Sometimes, you might want an extra plate or spoon.   For example:

"May I have an extra plate, please?"

"Could I have an extra plate please?"


Finally the waitress will ask you, "Are you finished?" or  "May I take your plate?"  If you are done eating you can say, "yes."  If you are still eating, you can say, "No, not yet."  or   "I'm still working on it."    "I'm still working on it" means you are not finished yet. Read these example conversations:

Waitress:   Are you finished?
Customer:  Yes, I am / No, not yet.

Waitress:   May I take your plate?
Customer:  Yes, you may.  Thank you. /  I'm still working on it.

Finally, you will get the bill!   Read these example sentences:

"May we have the bill, please?"

"Can I have the bill, please"