XII. Read the text and say how a person should behave when invited to an American home.

When Invited to an American Home...

Here are a few tips to help you know how to behave at an American dinner. First of all, you should always arrive on time. Even 15 minutes late is impolite! If you are going to be late, call your host or hostess ahead of time. It is also not polite to come early. It is always nice to bring your host or hostess something such as flowers, but it is not necessary.

When in the dining room, don’t take a seat until your host or hostess shows you where to sit. Unfold the napkin that is beside your plate, and put it on your lap. Bowls of food are usually passed from person to person around the table. People serve themselves.

Before eating, someone may say grace, or prayers. During grace you should bow your head and remain silent. You can start eating when the host or hostess does. In America it is considered rude to begin eating before everyone has been served.

Take part in the conversation, but don’t talk with your mouth full. If someone asks you a question while your mouth is full, finish chewing before you answer the question.

Do not reach in front of someone for a dish, the salt, or the pepper. Simply say, “Please pass the salt.”

Always compliment the cook by saying, “The meal is delicious/wonderful!” When dinner is over, help clear the dishes off the table. When you are leaving, thank your host or hostess by saying, “Thank you for a nice evening. I enjoyed it very much.”

Americans often send a thank-you note afterwards.

XIII. Humour.

Husband: What? No dinner ready! This is a limit! I’m going to a restaurant.

Wife: Couldn’t you wait a few minutes?

Husband: Will it be ready then?

Wife: No, but then I’ll be ready to come with you.

XIV. Mind different meanings of the word keep. Translate the sentences into Russian:

1. (At parting) Good luck. Keep well. 2. Fine weather we are having. I hope it’ll keep find. 3. - Who keeps house for him? - His grandmother. 4. You may keep the book. I don’t need it. 5. Can you keep a secret? 6. I’m sure he’ll keep his promise/word. 7. You’re very noisy. Will you, please, keep silent. 8. Sorry I’ve kept you waiting. 9. It’s a good piece of advice. I’ll try to keep it in mind. 10. Will you keep me company? 11. He looks young for his age. He has worked out a “keep-fit” programme. 12. I keep on forgetting his address. Will you give it to me? 13. In England traffic keeps to the left. 14. Night watchkeeping on a ship is always hard and tiring. 15. She never tries to keep up with the fashion.

XV. Read and translate the dialogue, make up your own dialogues using the phrases from the suggested ones.

In a Restaurant

Waitress: Good evening! Table for three?

Mr S.: Yes, please!

Waitress: This way, please!

Mr W.: Show us the menu, please!

Waitress: Here you are, Sir. What kind of soup would you like?

Mrs B.: A clear soup for us.

Mr S.: Any thick soup for me, and for the other gentleman too.

Mr W.: And may I have a steak, please?

Waitress: What kind of meat: pork, mutton, veal or beef?

Mr W.: A beefsteak, please.

Waitress: How do you like your steaks?

Mrs B.: I like mine rare (недожаренный).

Mr W.: Make mine medium.

Waitress: And you, Sir? I would recommend fish.

Mr S.: No, thank you. My favourite dish is chicken.

Waitress: Any vegetables? We’ve got cabbage, potatoes and carrots.

Mrs B.: I think I’ll have some cabbage.

Waitress: And for dessert – some cakes?

Mr W.: I’m fond of ice-cream.

Mr S.: Three ice-creams, please!

Mrs B.: Thank you so much! I’ve enjoyed the dinner very much. Everything was delicious.

Mr S.: Waitress, the bill, please!