Listening Activity: Visit the Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh
In this listening activity, Andrew will tell you about himself, his background, the Edinburgh Hard Rock Café, and Scottish culture.
Waiter at Work
Comprehension:
Answer the questions as fully as you can.
Why did Andrew move around a lot?
Can you mention some of the places he has lived?
Why did he choose to return to Edinburgh?
What does he think about his job at the Hard Rock Café?
The Hard Rock Cafés are involved in charity projects. Which cause is the Edinburgh Hard Rock Café supporting?
In what ways has Andrew contributed to the café’s charity work?
He recommends a special dish. Which one is it?
What is his attitude toward Scotch whisky?
What is your overall impression of Andrew?
How would you characterise his language? Do you think it is a typical Scottish variant? Why or why not?
Talk:
In this activity, your classroom will be transformed into an International English Café. Some students will act as waiters, while others will be guests. The purpose is to practice speaking, listening, and intercultural communication in English.
Before you start, decide on the café’s profile, including its theme or atmosphere, the layout of tables and seating in the classroom, and the dishes and drinks you would like to serve.
Each waiter should have a different cultural background. Examples could include the Philippines, Singapore, a Caribbean island, the United States, Australia, South Africa, or India. Waiters should spend a few minutes preparing answers to questions from the guests about their background, culture, and hometown. You can use articles from NDLA or the Hard Rock Café official website as inspiration.
Guests should prepare questions for the waiters, using the audio recording as guidance. Think about asking about cultural habits, favorite foods, local traditions, or experiences in the café country.
During the activity, guests sit at tables around the classroom while waiters circulate from table to table, taking food orders, answering questions, and engaging in friendly conversation. Try to use English naturally and practice polite, culturally aware interactions.
Discuss:
Use the Hard Rock Café Official Website. Choose three different cafés under “Locations” and study their webpages.
What is your impression of the Hard Rock Café concept? What characterises a typical Hard Rock Café?
What similarities and differences do you notice between the cafés you have studied?
Take a look at the menus. What do they offer? Is it only American food, or do they also serve local specialities? Give examples.
When Hard Rock Café first opened, it was considered very cool, and young people around the world wanted to go there. Is that still the case?