Weekly Teachers’ English: Traveling to America This week: useful phrases, conversation topics, restaurants

What did you say? Not everyone says, “Hello!” You might hear: - Hi - Hey - Howdy Other common greetings: - What’s up? - What’s going on? (You can answer: “Not much, how about you?”) - How’s it going? (Meaning, “How are you?”)

Let’s talk about the weather! Americans will often make small talk (閒聊) with strangers about the weather. “It’s rainy today.” “Yes, it is.” “Do you think it’ll stop soon?” “I hope so, I can’t stand the rain.”

DON’T ask! In American culture, it is impolite (沒有礼貌) to ask about a stranger’s age, weight, salary, or if they are married.

Sit-down Fast-food Street Food Three types of restaurants: Sit-down Fast-food Street Food It is much more expensive to go to a restaurant in America than in Taiwan, many people eat at home everyday.

Tips $$$ In an American restaurant, you are expected to leave a 15% - 20% tip (小費 ) for the waiter or waitress. It is impolite to not leave a tip or to leave too small of a tip. Only leave a tip at sit-down restaurants. You do not tip at fast-food restaurants, like McDonalds.

America is divided into different regions. Each region has different food, culture, and scenery.