Unit 4: Problems, dietary needs and polite repairs

Part 1: Match the phrase to its meaning

Write the letter of the meaning next to each phrase.

Part 2: Choose the best answer

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. A customer asks, "Is this safe for my allergy?" and you do not know. What is the best answer?

   1. Yes, it should be fine.
   2. I'm not sure, so I'll check with the kitchen for you.
   3. I think so, but I'm not sure.

2. Which response is safest when you do not understand?

   1. Sorry, could you say that again?
   2. Say nothing and guess
   3. Pretend you understood

3. Which sentence sounds more polite?

   1. Coffee now.
   2. Give me coffee.
   3. Fast drink.
   4. Could I get a coffee, please?

4. Why is it smart to ask about size names at a new café?

   1. Staff always charge more
   2. Size names can differ between cafés
   3. All cafés use the same sizes

5. Which customer sentence is the clearest?

   1. I can't eat nuts, I think.
   2. I have a serious cashew allergy. Could you check the ingredients?
   3. Is there anything without stuff in it?

6. Which style is best for practical café English?

   1. Short, clear and polite
   2. Slang in every sentence
   3. Very complicated sentences only

Part 3: Put the conversation in order

The lines are mixed up. Write 1 to 8 in the boxes to show the order.

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

Part 4: Role-play

Work with a partner. Use the phrases from Part 1. Then swap roles.

• The drink arrives with the wrong milk. Raise it politely and agree what happens next.
• Ask what is in a drink you have not tried before.

One new phrase I used:

Part 5: My progress

Tick what you can do now.

• I can say my dietary need or allergy clearly and ask staff to check.
• I can politely say the order is not what I asked for.
• I can accept a remake or explanation in a friendly way.