FE B1 L10 Eating Out Questions to Think

L 1-5 Why are there restaurants everywhere in Taiwan? Why are there all kinds of restaurants in Taiwan? We Chinese honor eating as high as heaven, and Taiwan is very populous and prosperous, which means it is full of people, full of food. So there are restaurants everywhere in Taiwan. And there are all kinds of restaurants because of its internationalization.

L 10 Do you enjoy people-watching? Why/not? If yes, where do you think is a good place to do so? I like to watch people because I’m curious about all walks of life. I don’t like to watch people because I don’t like to be watched, either. I think on the MRT, you can have a good chance to observe people.

L Why do the Chinese say “Gan bei!” to each other during meals? What does that mean to them? Do Westerners do the same thing? “Gan bei!” or “Bottoms up!” means the participants have to drink up all of the wine in the glass. It is used during meals to honor or toast someone, or is simply a boost of hearts’ content. To them, to drink it up is a way to show respect. Westerners do so, too. When they toast, they say, “Cheers!” When they want people to drink up the liquor, they say, “Bottoms up!”

L Name some of the inconveniences to you while eating at a fast food restaurant. I always hate to wait in a long line at the ordering counter, especially when I’m starving. Some people talk so loud that I feel annoyed. Sometimes smoking areas are so close to non- smoking areas. I would get choked!

L “High school students…” Is this statement true to you? Why/not? I never study at a fast food restaurant. I don’t think any restaurant in Taipei can afford “large space.” Sometimes the air is bad.

L 33 Do Chinese restaurants play any music during meals? What kind of music do they usually play? Is it the same with European restaurants? Some of the high-class Chinese restaurants, like European restaurants, will play soft music. But in an ordinary restaurant, there is usually a TV showing various programs.

L Do you think it wonderful to have many choices? What if too many choices? What about every day? I think it’s wonderful to have my own choice once in a while, but not every day, nor with too many choices. It’s not easy to make a good choice, and it has to take a lot of time.

Afterthought Do you think it’s important to eat at home? Why/not? Write down your answer as if you are going to debate with someone. Word bank: Family reunion, family relationship, develop love with each other, family meeting, table talk, sanitary, according to one’s taste, prepare one’s own food…