Role-play is an essential part of language learning, as we learnt in a previous post (HERE). Students need to put themselves into simulated contexts to make sure that they know how to respond in typical situations, especially when at a basic or elementary level.
It may seem obvious, but for a role-play you need a minuimum of two people. They can also however be carried out in groups of 3,4 or 5 people. Before starting, you should all choose roles, such as WAITER and CUSTOMER.
(Waiter) Typical questions:
Do you have a reservation?
Have you reserved?
Have you booked a table?
(Customer) with a reservation:
Yes, we have. We called earlier,
Yes, we do. We booked online.
Of course, it is under the name _____
(Customer) No reservation:
No, I haven´t reserved.
There are ___ of us. Is there a table?
Can I have a table for ___ people, please?
Do you have a table for ___ people, please?
(Waiter) Typical questions:
What would you like to order?
What can I get you?
What will it be?
What do you want to eat?
Anything to drink?
What would you like to drink?
(Customer) When you want to ask for something:
Can I order, please?
Can I place my order please?
Might you be so kind as to take our order please?
I would like to order ___
I will have ___
I´ll take ___
I want ___
Can I have ___?
Can I get ___?
Can you bring me ___?
Do I need to order at the bar?
*To be polite, the customer and waiter should always say please and thank you.
(Waiter) Typical questions:
Would you like anything else?
Anything else?
Everything alright?
Can I get you anything else?
How was your meal?
Would you like to see the dessert menu?
Will that be all?
Would you like anything else to drink?
(Customer) typical phrases:
Everything is fine thanks.
The meal was great thanks.
It was delicious thank you.
(Waiter) Typical phrases:
Coming right up.
Of course.
I´ll see what I can do.
I will get your drinks/food straight away.
(Customer) Questions:
Can I have the bill please?
Can we have coffee with the dessert?
Can I pay by card please?
Is the tip included in the bill?
*Tipping in Britain is optional and based on the quality of the service. In other countries it is different, in the USA it is customary to leave about 15%.
(Waiter) Questions:
Would you like to pay with card?
Are you paying all together?
(Customer) Problems with the meal:
My meal is cold.
It is too spicy, hot, cold, salty, sweet.
This isn´t what I ordered.
Sorry, but I asked for ___ and this is ___
Can I change ___ for ___?
Role-play:
W: waiter
C: Customer
W: Good evening, do you have a reservation?
C: Yes, we have booked a table for 4
W: Great. Might you tell me which name it is under?
C: The name is Huckle
W: Ok, I have it here. Would you all like to follow me and I will show you to your seats.
C: Would you like to order drinks?
W: Yes, please. We would like a bottle of red wine and a large bottle of water please.
C: Ok, here are the menus while I get your drinks
W: Here are your drinks. Have you decided what you would like to order?
C: Yes, can we have the roast chicken and two steaks please, and also a salad for my wife. She is a vegetarian.
W: Of course, how would you like the stakes?
C: Medium-rare please
W: Ok, coming straight away
…….
W: Sorry, but who was the salad for?
C: It is for my wife.
W: Here you are. Can I get you anything else?
C: No, that is all thanks.
W: How was your meal?
C: Great thanks.
W: Would you like anything else?
C: No, just the bill please
W: Not even dessert?
C: No thanks
W: Ok, I´ll just go and get it for you then
C: Can we pay with card?
W: Sure
C: Thanks for everything
W: Ok, thanks and have a great evening
