Speaking Test Part 3:

1. Do you think people eat too much fast food these days?

Yes, I do think that people eat too much fast food these days. Fast food contains a lot of unhealthy ingredients, artificial flavourings and preservatives so it can be really detrimental to your health if you eat it regularly. The truth is, you can’t meet your dietary needs with fast food. Even though it tastes great, there just aren’t enough vitamins and nutrients in it.

2. How can a restaurant attract more customers?

The best way a restaurant can draw in more customers is by providing mouthwatering food, excellent customer service, and an attractive ambiance. If it does all this, news of the restaurant’s quality will almost certainly spread through online reviews, and more importantly via word of mouth. What’s more, they can promote themselves through social media, and advertise their special features, perhaps things like locally sourced ingredients, popular specialties, or reasonably priced set menus.

3. Are expensive restaurants always better than cheap restaurants?

Well there are some advantages to fine dining. Usually, you can be confident that expensive restaurants are hygienic, and the service is usually impeccable. Also, if you want to wine and dine your partner on a special occasion, expensive restaurants are usually a bit more special. But it is also possible to find excellent, cheaper dining options that offer really delicious food and excellent value for money. Many of my favourite restaurants are not expensive, and the staff are still courteous, the food is great, and besides that, the portions are big, so if you’ve worked up an appetite, they’re ideal.

4. Why do some people prefer to eat at home rather than eat at a restaurant?

Some people prefer to eat at home as they have more control over what goes into their food. They can make sure that there are no unhealthy ingredients,  artificial flavourings or preservatives in their dishes. Also, people who have special dietary needs, such as athletes or people with illnesses, might prefer to eat at home to ensure they get the food they need. Finally, some people are just fussy, and it’s easier for them to prepare their own food so they can eat exactly what they like.

5. Do you think people will cook at home less in the future?

It's hard to say for certain, but there does seem to be a trend towards cooking less and dining out or getting food deliveries more often. Perhaps it’s because people have very busy lives and don’t have as much time to go shopping and to cook as in the past. So if this trend continues, people in the future probably will eat out more and cook less themselves.

6. Should governments check the quality of food in restaurants?

Yes, I believe that governments should play a role in inspecting and regulating the hospitality industry. They can make sure that restaurant kitchens are hygienic so that customers are safe and won’t get sick. It’s also important that if a restaurant claims to be able to meet special dietary requirements, such as producing halal, vegan or gluten-free food, it really does this. Government agencies are the only organisations who have the authority to really verify this.