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Teacher answer key

Unit 4: Problems, dietary needs and polite repairs: Answer Key

For teachers. Exercises use only material from the lessons, so check any answer against the lesson if a learner disagrees. Dialogue source: Food Allergy Conversations in Australian Cafés: Clear English for Customers and Staff.

Part 1: Matching

  1. Can you check whether it's made with or near milk? → C (Please find out if the food contains milk or is prepared close to milk.)
  2. magic → H (A small milk coffee linked with Melbourne, made with a ristretto shot)
  3. Is there an allergen information sheet I could look at? → G (Does the café have a written list of allergens in its food?)
  4. ristretto → A (A short espresso shot made with less water)
  5. I'm not sure, so I'll find out for you. → F (I do not know the answer, but I will ask someone who does.)
  6. regular → D (A size name some cafés use, which can mean different sizes in different places)
  7. I'm sorry, we can't prepare that safely for you. → B (We cannot make this item in a way that protects you from the allergen.)
  8. iced latte → E (A cold drink of espresso, milk and ice)

Part 2: Multiple choice

  1. A customer asks, "Is this safe for my allergy?" and you do not know. What is the best answer? → B: I'm not sure, so I'll check with the kitchen for you.
  2. Which response is safest when you do not understand? → A: Sorry, could you say that again?
  3. Which sentence sounds more polite? → D: Could I get a coffee, please?
  4. Why is it smart to ask about size names at a new café? → B: Size names can differ between cafés
  5. Which customer sentence is the clearest? → B: I have a serious cashew allergy. Could you check the ingredients?
  6. Which style is best for practical café English? → A: Short, clear and polite

Part 3: Correct order

  1. Customer: Hi, I have an egg allergy. Can I ask about the banana bread?
  2. Staff: Of course. Thank you for telling me. I don't want to guess, so I'll check with the kitchen about the ingredients.
  3. Customer: Thanks. I also want to know about cross-contact, because I know it's baked with other things.
  4. Staff: Good question. I'll ask about that too. Could you tell me how serious the allergy is, so I can pass it on?
  5. Customer: It's a serious allergy. I have to be very careful.
  6. Staff: Understood. I'll make sure the kitchen knows it's an allergy, not a preference. Please give me a few minutes.
  7. Staff: Thanks for waiting. The kitchen has told me the banana bread contains egg. So that's not suitable for you.
  8. Customer: Thank you for checking. Is there anything else you can confirm?

As printed on the worksheet (top to bottom), the correct numbers are: 3, 2, 4, 1, 8, 5, 6, 7.

Role-play and progress

Answers will vary. Watch for: These lessons teach the language only. They are not allergy, medical or legal advice, and students should tell staff directly about any allergy.

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