Еда и приёмы пищи

Vocabulary: basic food words

In this section students learn the most common words related to food. Start with categories: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy, drinks and desserts. Knowing the main categories makes it easier to build vocabulary and to form sentences like "I like apples" or "We have rice for dinner." Pay attention to countable and uncountable nouns: some items you can count (eggs, apples), others you cannot count without a unit (milk, rice). Practice by naming items in your kitchen and grouping them into categories.

Fruit - the edible part of a plant that contains seeds, usually sweet; examples include apples, bananas and oranges.

Vegetable - an edible plant or part of a plant used in cooking; examples include carrots, spinach and potatoes.

Meals and meal times

Understanding meal names and times is important for everyday communication. Typical meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner (also called supper in some regions). Breakfast is the first meal of the day, often eaten in the morning. Lunch occurs around midday and may be a light or full meal. Dinner is usually the main meal and is eaten in the evening. In addition, there are smaller eating occasions like snacks and brunch, which combine breakfast and lunch.

Breakfast - the first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning; common breakfast foods include cereal, toast, eggs and fruit.

Lunch - a midday meal, often lighter than dinner, eaten around noon or early afternoon; typical items are sandwiches, salads and soups.

Ordering food and polite phrases

When you are at a cafe or restaurant you need polite language to order. Useful phrases include: "Could I see the menu, please?", "I would like the chicken salad", "Could I have the bill, please?" and "May I have some water?" Use "please" and "thank you" to be polite. Also practice asking questions: "Do you have vegetarian options?", "Is this dish spicy?", and "What is today''s special?" Learning these functional phrases helps students feel confident when dining out.

Menu - a list of food and drinks available at a restaurant or cafe; you ask to see the menu before ordering.

Bill - the list of costs for the food and drink you have consumed at a restaurant; you ask for the bill when you are ready to pay.

Healthy eating and dietary habits

Students should learn the basic principles of a balanced diet: eat a variety of foods, include fruits and vegetables, prefer whole grains, limit sugary drinks and choose lean proteins. Discuss portion sizes and daily routines that support good nutrition, such as regular meals and choosing water over sugary beverages. Vocabulary for health and nutrition includes words like balanced, vitamins, minerals, fibre and calories. Understanding these concepts helps students make informed choices and discuss diet in English.

Balanced diet - a diet that contains the right amounts of nutrients from different food groups to maintain health and energy.

Introduce simple classroom tasks: plan a day of meals for a fictional character, compare two menus for nutritional value, or translate a recipe from your native language into English. These activities reinforce vocabulary and grammar while teaching practical life skills.

Cultural differences and table manners

Different countries have unique eating habits and table manners. In some cultures people eat with forks and knives, in others chopsticks or hands are common. It is important to learn polite behaviour: wait for everyone to be served, say "enjoy your meal" or "bon appétit" where appropriate, and use "please" and "thank you." Discussing cultural norms helps students prepare for travel and social interactions and increases awareness and respect for others.

Table manners - the rules and customs for polite behavior while eating; these vary by culture and situation.

Class practice: role-play different dining situations — a family dinner, a formal restaurant, a fast-food order and a picnic. This prepares students to use appropriate vocabulary and phrases and to understand expectations in different contexts. Encourage students to describe their own family traditions, favourite meals and any special dishes linked to holidays or celebrations.

Cooking verbs and recipes

Learning verbs related to cooking helps students follow recipes and explain how to prepare dishes. Common verbs include chop, slice, boil, fry, bake, grill, stir and mix. Understanding sequence words like first, then, next and finally is important when giving or following instructions. Recipes are excellent practice for imperative forms: "Cut the onions", "Add two cups of water", "Bake for 20 minutes" — these commands help internalize grammar in a meaningful context.

Boil - to heat a liquid until bubbles form and it reaches a high temperature; used for pasta, eggs and some vegetables.

Bake - to cook food in an oven using dry heat; cakes, bread and casseroles are often baked.

Shopping and quantities

When shopping for food, students must understand quantities and packaging. Key phrases include: "How much does this cost?", "I need a kilo of apples", "Could I have half a loaf of bread?" and "Do you sell fresh or frozen vegetables?" Teach weights and measures commonly used in your region (grams, kilograms, litres) and vocabulary for packaging (a can of beans, a bottle of milk, a packet of rice). Real-life role-play at a market or supermarket helps practice numbers, money and polite exchanges.

Encourage students to read simple food labels to learn ingredients, expiry dates and nutritional information. This not only improves English reading skills but also promotes healthier choices and awareness of allergens and dietary restrictions.