Food Service English Language Course
Comprehensive English language training for food service workers in Rochdale and Greater Manchester. Learning materials focused on kitchen operations, customer service, and restaurant work with roleplay scenarios, professional vocabulary, and instant feedback for hospitality professionals.
Module 1
Job Interview Preparation and Applications
Lesson 1.1: CV writing and job applications
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Phone inquiry about job vacancy - Employer (busy manager checking availability)
Roleplay 2: Dropping off CV in person - Restaurant manager (impressed by initiative)
Roleplay 3: Following up on application - HR assistant (checking application status)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Are you hiring? - Job inquiry
Keen as mustard - Very enthusiastic
Right up my street - Perfect for me
Fancy a chat? - Informal interview request
Colloquial Terms
Chuffed - Pleased or excited
Sorted - Organised or ready
Proper - Very or really
Bob's your uncle - There you go
Technical Terms
References - Previous employer contacts
Availability - When you can work
Experience - Previous work history
Qualifications - Certificates and training
Lesson 1.2: Common interview questions and answers
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Initial interview questions - Interviewer (testing basic suitability)
Roleplay 2: Questions about experience - Manager (concerned about skill gaps)
Roleplay 3: Scenario-based questions - Supervisor (testing problem-solving skills)
Roleplay 4: Questions about availability - Employer (needing weekend coverage)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Right then - Starting conversation
Fair enough - Acceptable answer
That'll do nicely - Good response
Spot on - Exactly right
Colloquial Terms
Brilliant - Excellent
Lovely - Nice or good
Cracking - Great or excellent
Grand - Fine or good
Technical Terms
Strengths - Your best qualities
Weaknesses - Areas for improvement
Motivation - Why you want the job
Career goals - Future work plans
Lesson 1.3: Presenting your experience and skills
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Explaining limited UK experience - Employer (concerned about local knowledge)
Roleplay 2: Highlighting transferable skills - Manager (looking for adaptability)
Roleplay 3: Discussing previous roles - Interviewer (checking work ethic)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Quick learner me - Fast at learning
Give it a go - Try something new
Up for it - Willing to do
Get stuck in - Work hard
Colloquial Terms
Handy - Useful or skilled
Ace - Excellent at something
Sharp - Quick to understand
Sound - Reliable or good
Technical Terms
Transferable - Skills useful elsewhere
Adaptable - Flexible with change
Reliable - Dependable worker
Initiative - Self-starting ability
Lesson 1.4: Asking questions and salary negotiation
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Asking about working conditions - Manager (explaining shift patterns)
Roleplay 2: Discussing pay and benefits - Employer (outlining package)
Roleplay 3: Negotiating start date - Supervisor (needing immediate start)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
What's the score? - What's the situation
Sounds fair - Reasonable offer
I'm thinking more - Higher expectation
When do I start? - Accepting offer
Colloquial Terms
Quid - Pounds (money)
Decent - Good or fair
Tidy - Good amount
Sweet - Excellent deal
Technical Terms
Hourly rate - Pay per hour
Benefits - Extra compensation
Probation - Trial period
Contract - Work agreement
Module 2
Kitchen Basics and Food Safety Communication
Lesson 2.1: Understanding kitchen equipment and procedures
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Equipment orientation - Head chef (showing new equipment)
Roleplay 2: Learning prep procedures - Kitchen supervisor (explaining daily tasks)
Roleplay 3: Equipment malfunction - Colleague (fryer not working properly)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Give us a hand - Help me
Mind how you go - Be careful
That's the ticket - Correct way
Watch yourself - Be cautious
Colloquial Terms
Dodgy - Not working properly
Wonky - Unsteady or broken
Knackered - Broken or tired
Mint - Perfect condition
Technical Terms
Prep station - Food preparation area
Deep fryer - Oil cooking equipment
Grill plates - Flat cooking surface
Refrigeration - Cooling equipment
Lesson 2.2: Food hygiene and safety conversations
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Hygiene training - Food safety officer (explaining regulations)
Roleplay 2: Temperature checking - Supervisor (monitoring food safety)
Roleplay 3: Cleaning procedures - Experienced colleague (showing proper methods)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Safety first - Priority on safety
By the book - Following rules exactly
No messing about - Be serious
Clean as a whistle - Very clean
Colloquial Terms
Minging - Very dirty
Grotty - Unpleasant or dirty
Manky - Disgusting or dirty
Spotless - Completely clean
Technical Terms
Contamination - Food safety risk
Sanitiser - Cleaning chemical
Cross-contamination - Spreading bacteria
Temperature probe - Measuring device
Lesson 2.3: Temperature checks and storage requirements
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Daily temperature logs - Kitchen manager (checking compliance)
Roleplay 2: Storage problem discussion - Colleague (fridge temperature too high)
Roleplay 3: Food delivery inspection - Delivery driver (temperature concerns)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Bang on - Exactly right
Not quite right - Slightly wrong
Well within range - Acceptable temperature
Bit dodgy that - Potentially unsafe
Colloquial Terms
Iffy - Questionable or unsafe
Dicey - Risky situation
Ropy - Poor quality
Sound as a pound - Perfectly fine
Technical Terms
Core temperature - Internal food temperature
Danger zone - Unsafe temperature range
Chilled storage - Refrigerated area
Ambient temperature - Room temperature
Lesson 2.4: Reporting food safety concerns
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Reporting spoiled food - Manager (taking action on waste)
Roleplay 2: Equipment failure report - Supervisor (arranging repairs)
Roleplay 3: Hygiene concern discussion - Head chef (addressing cleanliness issues)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Better safe than sorry - Caution is wise
Red flag - Warning sign
Alarm bells - Cause for concern
Not taking chances - Being cautious
Colloquial Terms
Dicky - Unreliable or faulty
Off - Spoiled or bad
Ropey - Poor condition
Sketchy - Questionable quality
Technical Terms
Incident report - Official documentation
Best before - Quality date
Use by - Safety date
Hazard - Safety risk
Module 3
Customer Service and Taking Orders
Lesson 3.1: Greeting customers and menu explanations
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Welcoming first-time customers - Customer (unsure about menu choices)
Roleplay 2: Explaining daily specials - Regular customer (interested in new options)
Roleplay 3: Busy period service - Impatient customer (wants quick service)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Alright love - Friendly greeting
What can I do you for? - How can I help
Fancy trying - Would you like
Right you are - Understood
Colloquial Terms
Lovely jubbly - Everything's good
Champion - Excellent choice
Smashing - Very good
Top notch - High quality
Technical Terms
Daily specials - Today's featured dishes
House special - Restaurant signature dish
Portion size - Amount of food served
Side dishes - Additional food items
Lesson 3.2: Taking orders accurately
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Complex order with substitutions - Customer (specific dietary needs)
Roleplay 2: Large group order - Group leader (ordering for multiple people)
Roleplay 3: Order clarification - Customer (changing their mind about items)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Let me get this straight - Confirming understanding
So that's - Summarising order
Coming right up - Will be ready soon
Anything else - Additional items needed
Colloquial Terms
Ta - Thank you
Cheers - Thanks
No worries - No problem
Sorted - All organised
Technical Terms
Modifications - Changes to standard dish
Allergies - Food reactions
Substitutions - Replacing ingredients
Order ticket - Kitchen instruction slip
Lesson 3.3: Handling special dietary requirements
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Vegan customer inquiry - Customer (concerned about ingredients)
Roleplay 2: Allergy consultation - Parent (child with nut allergy)
Roleplay 3: Gluten-free options - Customer (celiac disease concerns)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Let me check - Verifying information
I'll double check - Confirming safety
Absolutely certain - Completely sure
Can't guarantee - Possible risk
Colloquial Terms
Proper careful - Very cautious
Safe as houses - Completely safe
Touch and go - Uncertain situation
Better safe - Cautious approach
Technical Terms
Allergens - Substances causing reactions
Cross-contamination - Mixing of ingredients
Gluten-free - Without wheat protein
Vegan - No animal products
Lesson 3.4: Upselling and recommendations
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Suggesting desserts - Customer (considering extra items)
Roleplay 2: Drink recommendations - Customer (looking for wine pairing)
Roleplay 3: Appetiser suggestions - Couple (celebrating anniversary)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Goes down a treat - Very popular
You won't regret it - Good choice
Perfect with - Great combination
Treat yourself - Indulge a bit
Colloquial Terms
Cracking choice - Excellent selection
Banging - Very good
Lush - Delicious
Divine - Excellent taste
Technical Terms
Pairing - Food and drink combination
Appetiser - Starter course
Dessert - Sweet course
House wine - Restaurant's wine selection
Module 4
Working with Colleagues and Teamwork
Lesson 4.1: Shift handovers and daily briefings
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Morning shift handover - Previous shift worker (tired, giving updates)
Roleplay 2: Daily briefing attendance - Manager (explaining day's priorities)
Roleplay 3: End of shift report - Supervisor (collecting daily information)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
What's the crack? - What's happening
All sorted - Everything organised
Heads up - Important information
Keep an eye on - Monitor carefully
Colloquial Terms
Hectic - Very busy
Mental - Extremely busy
Dead - Very quiet
Steady - Consistent pace
Technical Terms
Handover - Information transfer
Priority tasks - Most important jobs
Stock levels - Inventory amounts
Shift pattern - Work schedule
Lesson 4.2: Asking for help and offering assistance
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Requesting help during rush - Busy colleague (stressed but helpful)
Roleplay 2: Offering assistance to newcomer - New worker (grateful but nervous)
Roleplay 3: Equipment problem help - Experienced colleague (showing solution)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Give us a hand - Help me please
I've got you covered - I'll help
No bother - Happy to help
Scratch my back - Return favour
Colloquial Terms
Legend - Helpful person
Star - Great colleague
Diamond - Wonderful person
Absolute gem - Very helpful
Technical Terms
Cover - Work someone's position
Support - Provide assistance
Backup - Additional help
Teamwork - Working together
Lesson 4.3: Communication during busy periods
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Rush hour coordination - Kitchen colleague (managing multiple orders)
Roleplay 2: Table service pressure - Waitress colleague (handling difficult customers)
Roleplay 3: Equipment sharing - Fellow cook (both needing same equipment)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Behind you - Warning in kitchen
Coming through - Moving with hot food
Sharp knife - Warning about danger
Hot behind - Carrying hot items
Colloquial Terms
Manic - Extremely busy
Mad rush - Very busy period
Flat out - Working at maximum
Rushed off feet - Extremely busy
Technical Terms
Priority order - Urgent customer request
Queue system - Order of service
Workflow - Work process
Efficiency - Working effectively
Lesson 4.4: Training new staff members
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Showing procedures to trainee - New employee (eager but uncertain)
Roleplay 2: Explaining safety rules - Trainee (asking many questions)
Roleplay 3: Demonstrating customer service - New colleague (nervous about customers)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Watch and learn - Observe technique
Have a go - Try it yourself
You'll get there - Encouragement
Practice makes perfect - Keep trying
Colloquial Terms
Getting the hang of it - Learning well
Picking it up - Understanding quickly
Natural - Good at something
Brilliant - Doing very well
Technical Terms
Procedure - Standard way of working
Training period - Learning time
Demonstration - Showing how
Skills development - Learning improvement
Module 5
Handling Complaints and Difficult Situations
Lesson 5.1: Dealing with unhappy customers
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Slow service complaint - Angry customer (waited too long for food)
Roleplay 2: Wrong order delivered - Frustrated customer (received incorrect meal)
Roleplay 3: Cold food complaint - Disappointed customer (meal not hot enough)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
I do apologise - Formal apology
Let me sort this - I'll fix it
Bear with me - Please wait
Make it right - Fix the problem
Colloquial Terms
Gutted - Very disappointed
Miffed - Annoyed or upset
Narked - Irritated
Chuffed off - Annoyed
Technical Terms
Compensation - Making up for problem
Refund - Money back
Replacement - New item instead
Service recovery - Fixing bad experience
Lesson 5.2: Food quality complaints
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Overcooked meal complaint - Customer (steak cooked incorrectly)
Roleplay 2: Hair in food incident - Disgusted customer (found foreign object)
Roleplay 3: Taste complaint discussion - Customer (food doesn't taste right)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
That's not on - Unacceptable situation
Straight away - Immediately
No question about it - Definitely agree
Fresh one coming up - New meal ready
Colloquial Terms
Rank - Disgusting
Grim - Unpleasant
Minging - Very bad
Proper disgusting - Very unpleasant
Technical Terms
Quality control - Food standard checking
Food preparation - Cooking process
Kitchen standards - Cooking quality levels
Customer satisfaction - Happy customers
Lesson 5.3: Escalating problems to management
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Serious complaint escalation - Manager (handling major customer issue)
Roleplay 2: Reporting difficult customer - Supervisor (customer being unreasonable)
Roleplay 3: Policy question referral - Manager (explaining company rules)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Need to involve - Bring in manager
Above my pay grade - Management decision
Let me fetch - I'll get someone
One moment please - Brief wait
Colloquial Terms
Kicking off - Getting angry
Doing their nut - Very angry
Losing it - Getting very upset
Right state - Very upset
Technical Terms
Escalation - Moving to higher level
Authority - Decision-making power
Policy - Company rules
Resolution - Problem solution
Lesson 5.4: Service recovery and apologies
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Follow-up after complaint - Customer (checking satisfaction after solution)
Roleplay 2: Offering compensation - Customer (accepting gesture of goodwill)
Roleplay 3: Preventing future problems - Regular customer (ensuring satisfaction)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Make amends - Fix the problem
Little something - Small compensation
On the house - Free of charge
Hope that helps - Offering solution
Colloquial Terms
Sorted now - Problem fixed
Happy days - Everything good
Sweet - Good outcome
Champion - Excellent result
Technical Terms
Goodwill gesture - Compensation offer
Customer retention - Keeping customers happy
Service standards - Quality expectations
Follow-up - Checking satisfaction later
Module 6
Food Preparation and Menu Knowledge
Lesson 6.1: Describing dishes and ingredients
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Menu explanation to tourist - Visitor (unfamiliar with British food)
Roleplay 2: Ingredient inquiry - Health-conscious customer (asking about contents)
Roleplay 3: Cooking method questions - Curious customer (wants preparation details)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Proper tasty - Very delicious
Melt in mouth - Very tender
Packed with flavour - Very tasty
Cooked to perfection - Done exactly right
Colloquial Terms
Scrummy - Delicious
Yummy - Tasty
Gorgeous - Very good
Lush - Delicious
Technical Terms
Seasoning - Salt, pepper, spices
Marinade - Flavouring liquid
Garnish - Food decoration
Texture - How food feels
Lesson 6.2: Cooking methods and preparation times
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Cooking time inquiry - Hungry customer (wants to know waiting time)
Roleplay 2: Special preparation request - Customer (wants meal cooked differently)
Roleplay 3: Kitchen timing coordination - Chef (managing multiple orders)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Takes a bit - Needs some time
Worth the wait - Good despite delay
Coming along nicely - Cooking well
Nearly ready - Almost finished
Colloquial Terms
Jiffy - Short time
Tick - Brief moment
Ages - Long time
Flash - Very quick
Technical Terms
Preparation time - Time to cook
Cooking method - How it's cooked
Medium rare - Cooking level
Al dente - Pasta texture
Lesson 6.3: Allergen information and warnings
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Detailed allergen consultation - Customer (severe food allergies)
Roleplay 2: Menu allergen explanation - Parent (child with multiple allergies)
Roleplay 3: Kitchen allergen check - Chef (confirming safe preparation)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Absolutely certain - Completely sure
Double checking - Verifying safety
Can't be sure - Possible risk
Better safe - Cautious approach
Colloquial Terms
Dodgy territory - Risky area
Playing with fire - Taking risks
Safe bet - Definitely okay
No-go area - Definitely avoid
Technical Terms
Allergen matrix - Allergy information chart
Cross-contamination - Ingredient mixing
Trace amounts - Small quantities
Severity - How serious reaction is
Lesson 6.4: Daily specials and seasonal changes
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Promoting daily special - Regular customer (interested in new options)
Roleplay 2: Seasonal menu changes - Customer (asking about winter menu)
Roleplay 3: Special occasion menu - Customer (planning celebration meal)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Today's special - Featured dish today
While it lasts - Limited availability
Fresh in today - Just arrived
Chef's choice - Cook's recommendation
Colloquial Terms
Cracking deal - Great value
Bargain - Good price
Steal - Excellent value
Worth every penny - Good value
Technical Terms
Seasonal produce - Time-specific ingredients
Market price - Variable cost
Limited availability - Not always available
Chef's special - Cook's featured dish
Module 7
Cash Handling and Payment Processing
Lesson 7.1: Taking payments and giving change
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Cash payment processing - Customer (paying with large notes)
Roleplay 2: Complex bill splitting - Group (dividing payment multiple ways)
Roleplay 3: Change calculation - Customer (checking change amount)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
That'll be - Total cost is
Out of - Payment from amount
Change coming back - Money returned
Keep the change - Tip included
Colloquial Terms
Bob - Shilling (old money reference)
Quid - Pound
Fiver - Five pound note
Tenner - Ten pound note
Technical Terms
Till roll - Receipt paper
Float - Starting cash amount
Transaction - Payment process
Receipt - Payment record
Lesson 7.2: Card payments and technology
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Card machine problems - Customer (payment technology failing)
Roleplay 2: Contactless payment - Tech-savvy customer (using phone to pay)
Roleplay 3: PIN verification issues - Elderly customer (forgotten PIN number)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Pop your card in - Insert card
Just tap - Contactless payment
Machine's playing up - Equipment problems
Try again - Repeat payment attempt
Colloquial Terms
Dicky - Not working properly
On the blink - Broken
Temperamental - Unreliable
Dodgy - Unreliable
Technical Terms
PIN number - Personal identification
Contactless - Touch-free payment
Card reader - Payment device
Transaction failed - Payment unsuccessful
Lesson 7.3: Dealing with payment problems
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Declined card situation - Embarrassed customer (payment refused)
Roleplay 2: Insufficient funds issue - Customer (not enough money)
Roleplay 3: Technical payment failure - Frustrated customer (machine not working)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Not gone through - Payment unsuccessful
Try another card - Alternative payment
Technical hitch - Equipment problem
Sort something out - Find solution
Colloquial Terms
Maxed out - Credit limit reached
Skint - No money available
Strapped - Short of cash
Loaded - Has plenty money
Technical Terms
Declined - Payment refused
Insufficient funds - Not enough money
Technical error - System problem
Alternative payment - Different method
Lesson 7.4: End-of-day till procedures
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Till reconciliation - Manager (checking daily takings)
Roleplay 2: Cash count discrepancy - Supervisor (money doesn't match records)
Roleplay 3: Daily report completion - Colleague (sharing closing procedures)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Cash up - Count money
Balance the books - Match records
Short on - Missing money
Bang on - Exactly right
Colloquial Terms
Spot on - Perfectly accurate
Bob on - Exactly correct
A few quid out - Slightly wrong
Dead cert - Definitely correct
Technical Terms
Till reconciliation - Balancing cash
Daily takings - Total money received
Cash variance - Difference in amounts
Banking - Depositing money
Module 8
Health and Safety in Food Service
Lesson 8.1: Accident reporting and first aid
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Kitchen accident report - Supervisor (colleague cut finger)
Roleplay 2: Customer injury incident - Manager (customer slipped and fell)
Roleplay 3: First aid assistance - Injured colleague (burn from hot equipment)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Call for help - Get assistance
Stay calm - Don't panic
First things first - Immediate priorities
Better safe - Cautious approach
Colloquial Terms
Proper nasty - Very bad injury
Right mess - Bad situation
Bit shaken up - Slightly upset
On the mend - Getting better
Technical Terms
Incident report - Accident documentation
First aid kit - Emergency supplies
Risk assessment - Safety evaluation
Emergency procedure - Safety protocol
Lesson 8.2: Cleaning procedures and chemicals
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Deep cleaning training - Supervisor (showing proper methods)
Roleplay 2: Chemical safety discussion - Health officer (explaining hazards)
Roleplay 3: Cleaning schedule coordination - Colleague (organising daily tasks)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Elbow grease - Hard physical work
Spick and span - Very clean
Good as new - Perfectly clean
Mind the fumes - Careful of chemicals
Colloquial Terms
Mucky - Very dirty
Filthy - Extremely dirty
Pristine - Perfectly clean
Gleaming - Very shiny clean
Technical Terms
Sanitiser - Cleaning chemical
Disinfectant - Germ-killing chemical
Personal protective equipment - Safety gear
Ventilation - Air circulation
Lesson 8.3: Personal protective equipment
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: PPE training session - Safety officer (explaining equipment use)
Roleplay 2: Equipment replacement request - Supervisor (gloves running out)
Roleplay 3: Safety compliance check - Manager (ensuring proper equipment use)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
Kit yourself out - Get equipped
Safety gear on - Wear protection
All kitted up - Fully equipped
Gear up - Prepare equipment
Colloquial Terms
Tooled up - Well equipped
All set - Ready to go
Sorted for gear - Have equipment
Kitted out proper - Well equipped
Technical Terms
Hair restraint - Head covering
Cut-resistant gloves - Safety hand protection
Non-slip shoes - Safe footwear
Apron - Body protection
Lesson 8.4: Emergency procedures and evacuations
Roleplays
Roleplay 1: Fire alarm response - Fire marshal (coordinating evacuation)
Roleplay 2: Gas leak emergency - Manager (ordering immediate evacuation)
Roleplay 3: Medical emergency - Colleague (customer having allergic reaction)
Vocabulary
Common Phrases
All out - Everyone evacuate
Drop everything - Leave immediately
Stay together - Group evacuation
Head count - Check everyone present
Colloquial Terms
Leg it - Run quickly
Scarper - Leave quickly
Do one - Go away fast
Get out sharpish - Leave quickly
Technical Terms
Assembly point - Meeting location
Evacuation route - Exit path
Emergency services - Fire, police, ambulance
Roll call - Checking attendance
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