Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a diner
    • ex. The waiter asked the diners if they wanted more drinks.
  2. eat out
    • ex. On weekends, we like to eat out at our favorite restaurant instead of cooking at home.
  3. redo
    • ex. The school is redoing the playground to make it safer and more fun for the children.
  4. seating
    • ex. We need more seating for the party, so we should get extra chairs.
  5. appeal
    • ex. The colorful toys appeal to young children because they are fun to look at.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Restaurants around the world are noticing an increase in customers eating alone and are starting to adjust their services. According to OpenTable, the number of solo diners who make reservations grew 29% in the U.S., 18% in Germany, and 14% in the U.K. Japan even has a word for solo diners: ohitorisama. A survey found that 23% of Japanese people eat out alone now, up from 18% in 2018.

Many restaurants are redoing their seating and menus to appeal to solo diners. Even family restaurants are adding more seats for them. Some restaurants don’t like having a single diner at a table for two, so they don’t allow reservations for less than two people. However, other restaurants think having solo diners is good because they are likely to become loyal customers.

Experts say the increase in solo diners is because of remote work and the pandemic, which made social interactions less important while eating out. Meanwhile, smartphones help people feel connected to others even when they’re alone. The increase is also because more people are living alone. In the U.S., adults living alone rose from 29% to 38% in 2019.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Solo Diners

  • Many restaurants are adjusting their services to appeal to solo diners. Do you see these changes in restaurants in your country as well? Discuss.
  • What offers or services do you think appeal to solo diners (ex. private eating options, discounts)? Discuss.
  • Some places don’t like having a single diner at a table for two. Why do you think this is so? Discuss.

Eating Alone

  • Do you like eating alone? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • According to the article, social interactions have become less important while eating out now. Do you agree with this? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Compare your experience in eating alone and interacting with other people while eating. Discuss.