 Speaking

Discuss the following questions:

1. At some party not long ago you met a guy or a girl who was different from the others in the way he or she behaved at the table. Those were really good manners. Can you describe them?

2. You are shocked at you sister’s new boyfriend’s table manners. Why?

3. Do you think some of the table etiquette rules are unreasonable? Which? Why?

4. After a birthday party mother said to her small child: ‘Don’t forget to come up to Mrs. Brown and apologize.’ Why did she say that?

Exercise 2

Part A. Work in pairs and discuss the answers to the following questions.

‘Mind your manners!’

1. What do you say at the start of a meal?

2. Do you usually use a knife or a fork? If so, what hand do you hold them in?

3. Do you use a napkin? If so, where do you put it?

4. Where do you put your fork when you have finished your meal?

5. Where do you put your hands when you’re at the table but not eating?

6. Do you eat cake with a fork or a spoon?

7. What food do you usually eat with your fingers at the dining table?

8. How do you usually drink hot coffee or tea?

9. Do you read during a meal?

10. What do you say and do when someone raises his or her glass?

Part B. Work in groups of three and write down three examples of table manners – two false and one true. Present your three examples of table manners to the rest of the group, let the students guess which is the correct one.

Example:

1. You should always eat thick soup with a knife and fork.

2. In a restaurant, you can attract the waiter’s attention by whistling.

3. After a meal, say goodbye and shake hands with all the other people.

Exercise 3

Open the brackets following the rules of table manners:

1. On receiving the invitation (don’t / give) your “yes” or “no” answer promptly.

2. If you cannot make it (don’t / write or telephone) to express your regret and (don’t / ask) to be excused.

3. (Don’t / come) before the time indicated on the invitation. Try (not to be late / not to come in time).

4. (Don’t / shake) hands with the hostess, unless she extends her hand.

5. (Do not / stand up) when introduced.

6. When leaving a party (do not / thank) the host and hostess, but (do not / attract) attention of other guests.

7. (Do not / press) refreshments, especially strong drinks upon unwilling guests.

8. (Don’t / write) thank-you-notes to thank someone for the party.

9. (Don’t / attract) attention to yourself in public.

10. When eating (do not / take) as much as you want, but (don’t / eat) as much as you take.

11. (Do not / eat) too fast, (don’t / munch) while eating.

12. (Don’t / take ) a little of every dish that’s offered to you.

13. (Don’t / eat) cakes with forks, (don’t /eat) with spoons.

14. (Don’t / gulp) your drink. (Don’t / sip) your drink.

15. (Don’t / wish) each other “Good appetite”.

Exercise 4

You would like to invite your friend to a restaurant but he/she doesn’t want to go because he/she is not sure in his/her table manners. Test your friend using this questionnaire.

	Good	Bad	Neither
Your friend remains standing until shown a chair.
She reaches across the table.
She helps herself to some meat.
As soon as she has some food on her plate, she begins eating.
She talks with her mouth full.
She chews with her mouth closed.
She puts her knife in her mouth.
She puts her napkin on her lap.
She wipes her plate with the roll.
She makes slurping sounds while eating.
She keeps a hand on her lap while eating.
She drinks her soup from the bowl without a spoon.
She picks up a roll with her left hand.
She comments on how good the food is.
She asks for the recipe.
She finishes everything on her plate.
She asks for a second helping.
She puts her elbows on the table.
She tells about a bloody accident on the TV news.
She licks some gravy off her fingers.
She picks up a chicken wing with her hands.
She quietly leaves the table to use the bathroom.
She blows her nose.
She eats quickly.
When offered seconds, she says “No thanks”.
She belches after the meal.
She helps clear the table.
She says “Thank you” to your parents.
She smokes at the table.
She leaves right after dinner.