McDonald's around the world
In this passage, you will hear the following vocabulary:
patron - a regular customer
dine - eat, usually in a restaurant
versatile - various or different types (i.e. Soft drink brands are versatile.)
unique - special
apparent - clear or obvious
Now, listen to the passage:
McDonald's is one of the most recognizable brands in large part because they cater their menu to local tastes. The traditional main course at McDonald's is their world famous hamburger. But there are a number of alternatives in many countries. For example, in New Zealand, a 'Kiwi Burger' is a hamburger topped with a slice of beet and a fried egg. In Mexico, restaurant patrons can dine on McBurritos with spicy salsa instead of ketchup. In Canada, you can buy lobster and accompany it with a 'poutine', which is french fries layered with cheese and gravy. And in Italy, numerous salads are available including ingredients such as shrimp, salmon, tuna and olives.
In addition to varied international main courses, McDonald's also boasts some very creative international beverages. For one, in Ireland, you can order a 'Shamrock Shake', which is a green milk-shake. Japanese McDonald's restaurants have milk shakes flavoured as green tea. And in France, one can order wine or a beer.
Desserts are also versatile. In Hong Kong, you can order a 'red-bean sundae', while in Malaysia pineapple pie is available. You will not find this in Thailand, however, as they have only traditional pie flavours as well as their unique 'sweet-corn pie'.
Although these differences are interesting, going to McDonald's is not just about food. The differences in restaurant style and service are also very apparent. For example, in China, male and female washrooms are separated but share a communal sink to wash your hands. Further, in most Asian countries, the cooks at McDonald's are required to wear face masks when handling the food. And in the Middle East, McDonald's restaurants serve only take-away food during the daytime hours of the holy month of Ramadan.
Now, listen to the passage again.
Questions
Answer these multiple choice questions.
1 - 'Main course' means
a - the main food in a meal
b - the first food eaten in a meal
c - the food accompanying the meal
2 - What is similar between Japanese and Irish McDonald's?
a - They both have green beverages.
b - They both do not serve hamburgers.
c - They both serve alcohol.
3 - In China, male and female patrons
a - wear masks.
b - can not order food during the day.
c - share a sink to wash their hands.
Listen to these words.
patron
versatile
dine
You will use these words in the following sentences.
For example, you will hear:
McDonald's has many ______.
You will say.
McDonald's has many patrons.
Question 1
The fast food market is always reinventing itself. It is a very ______market.
Question 2
We ______at my favourite restaurant for my birthday.
Question 3
The ______at McDonald's are probably not the healthiest people in the world.
Question 4
I think we should hire her. She is very ______.
Question 5
I am a ______of my local library.
Question 6
Let's ______together tonight. I know a great Greek restaurant.
Question 7
In China, KFC has more ______than McDonald's.
Question 8
If you fly Emirates Airlines, you have a ______selection of dinner possibilities.
Question 9
At the wedding reception, everyone ______on a traditional Asian dinner.
Question 10
My mobile phone can not do very many things at the same time. It is not very ______.