Objective
To practice ordering food, using polite expressions, and real-world conversation in a restaurant setting.
Level
Beginner to Intermediate (adapt dialogue complexity)
Materials Needed
Sample menus (printed or projected)
Role-play cards (optional)
Props (e.g. notepads, play food, table signs – optional)
How to Run
Step One: Teach Key Vocabulary & Phrases
Go over common restaurant expressions:
– “May I take your order?”
– “I’ll have the ___, please.”
– “Would you like something to drink?”
– “That will be ___ yen/pounds/dollars.”
– “Enjoy your meal!”
Also teach:
– Food and drink names
– Numbers and prices
– Polite forms (please, thank you, excuse me)
Step Two: Set Up Roles
Divide students into groups:
1. Customer(s)
2. Waiter/Waitress/Server
Rotate roles after each round.
Step Three: Use a Menu
1. Give each group a simple, student-level menu.
2. Let customers choose items and waiters write the order.
Step Four: Perform the Role-Play
Students take turns performing:
– Greet → Order → Clarify → Serve → Pay → Thank
Encourage natural tone and body language!
Step Five: Switch & Repeat
1. Let groups swap roles
2. Try new menus or make your own
3. Add challenges: “One customer has an allergy,” “The order is wrong,” etc.
Tips for Success
1. Keep menus simple and visual
2. Praise good manners and creativity
3. Record videos for fun playback
4. Use real restaurant background sounds for immersion!
Adaptations
1. Writing Practice: Write the dialogue as a script first
2. Online Class: Use breakout rooms and Google Slides menus
3. Advanced Level: Add problems like complaints or substitutions
