Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, a big American holiday in November. Many people in the USA have a day off on Black Friday, so they go shopping. It is the start of Christmas shopping.
On Black Friday, many stores have big sales. People can buy clothes, electronics, toys and other things for a lower price. Stores want to sell a lot before Christmas.
The name “Black Friday” started in the 1960s. The police in Philadelphia used this name because the streets were very full of cars and people. There were traffic jams and long lines everywhere. Later, store owners said the name means a day when they can make a lot of money. During the year, some stores are “in the red” (they lose money). On Black Friday, they go “in the black” (they make money).
Today, Black Friday is not only in shops. Many people also buy things online. There are two other shopping days too: Small Business Saturday, to support small local shops, and Cyber Monday, with big online discounts.
Black Friday is now popular in many countries. Some people like it because they can save money. Other people don’t like it because shops are too crowded or because people buy too many things they don’t need.
Reading comprehension
When is Black Friday?
Why do many people go shopping on Black Friday?
Why did the police in Philadelphia call it “Black Friday”?
How do store owners explain the name “Black Friday”?
How has Black Friday changed today?
What is Small Business Saturday?
What is Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is the day after the American holiday Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Black Friday is famous because it is the start of the Christmas shopping season. On this day, many stores offer big discounts on products, and people buy a lot of gifts for family and friends.
The name “Black Friday” has an interesting history. In the 1960s, police in Philadelphia used this name to describe the day after Thanksgiving because the streets were very busy and crowded. Many people went shopping, and there were traffic jams, long lines, and chaos in the stores. Later, store owners gave another explanation. Most stores make losses (“in the red”) during the year, but Black Friday helps them make a profit (“in the black”).
Over time, Black Friday became more popular. Stores started to open earlier in the morning or even at midnight to attract more customers. In recent years, online shopping became very important. Many people buy products online instead of going to stores.
Black Friday is not the only shopping day in November. After Black Friday, there is Small Business Saturday, which encourages people to buy in small local shops. Then comes Cyber Monday, when online stores have big discounts. Together, these days help stores sell many products before Christmas.
Black Friday is popular in many countries now, not just in the USA. However, some people think that Black Friday is too stressful or encourages people to buy too much. Others like it because they can save money and buy gifts for less.
A) Reading comprehension
When is Black Friday celebrated?
Why is Black Friday important for stores?
How did the name “Black Friday” first appear?
How do store owners explain the name differently?
How has Black Friday changed in recent years?
What are Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday?
Why do some people not like Black Friday?
B) Discussion / opinion questions
8. Do you think Black Friday is a good or bad idea? Why?
9. Would you rather shop in a store or online on Black Friday? Why?
10. What could people do to buy gifts without spending too much money or creating too much waste?
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Restaurant idioms and vocabulary
The waiter brings you the wrong dish.
→ React politely.
Your food is too salty.
→ Ask for help.
You want to change your order, but only if it’s not too late.
→ Ask the waiter.
You are allergic to nuts and need to check one dish.
→ Ask a question.
You want the music to be quieter because you cannot hear your friend.
→ Make a polite request.
You don’t understand a dish on the menu.
→ Ask for an explanation.
You want to pay separately.
→ Tell the waiter.
Your drink hasn’t arrived even after 15 minutes.
→ Ask about it.
You want to compliment the food.
→ Say something nice to the staff.
You are in a hurry and need the bill quickly.
→ Explain the situation.
The customer complains that the soup is cold.
→ Apologise and offer a solution.
A customer wants a recommendation.
→ Recommend something from the menu.
A group arrives without a reservation and the restaurant is almost full.
→ Explain the situation.
A customer asks for a vegan option but the menu has none.
→ Offer alternatives.
A customer asks for a discount or a free dessert.
→ Respond politely.
The customer doesn’t understand part of the menu.
→ Explain it clearly.
A customer wants to move to a different table.
→ Agree or explain why it’s not possible.
A child spills a drink.
→ React kindly and helpfully.
A customer complains about long waiting time.
→ Apologise and give information.
A customer wants to split the bill five ways.
→ Explain how it can be done.
Your friend orders something you hate.
→ React politely.
Your friend’s food looks much better than yours.
→ Say something.
You want to taste your friend’s meal.
→ Ask nicely.
Your friend suggests sharing starters.
→ Agree or disagree.
You realise you forgot your wallet.
→ Explain it to your friends.
You want to take a photo of the food.
→ Tell your friends.
Your friend is taking too long to choose a dish.
→ Encourage them politely.
Your friend recommends a dish to you.
→ Respond.
You want to leave a tip, your friend doesn’t.
→ Discuss it.
You think the restaurant is too expensive.
→ Share your opinion.
“Good evening, do you have a table for two?”
“We have a reservation under the name… ”
“Could we sit by the window, please?”
“Is it possible to get a quieter table?”
“Could I see the menu, please?”
“What do you recommend?”
“I’d like the chicken curry, please.”
“Could I have this without mushrooms?”
“Can I get a glass of water as well?”
“Do you have any vegetarian options?”
“Excuse me, could we have some more napkins?”
“My food is a bit cold. Could you warm it up, please?”
“This isn’t what I ordered.”
“Everything is delicious, thank you.”
“Could we have the bill, please?”
“Can we split the bill?”
“Do you accept card payments?”
“Thank you, have a nice evening.”
“Good evening. Do you have a reservation?”
“Please follow me.”
“Here are your menus. I’ll be with you in a moment.”
“Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?”
“What can I get you to drink?”
“Would you like any sides with that?”
“How would you like your steak cooked?”
“Is everything all right?”
“Can I get you anything else?”
“Would you like another drink?”
“Here is your bill. Take your time.”
“Thank you for coming. Have a lovely evening.”
“What are you going to order?”
“That looks good! I might try that too.”
“Are you hungry enough for a starter?”
“Wow, this is really tasty!”
“Do you want to try some of mine?”
“I think I ordered too much.”
“How was your day?”
“We should come here more often.”
“Next time we should try their lunch menu.”
“Do you want to split it equally?”
“I’ll get this one; you can pay next time.”
“Let’s leave a tip — the service was great.”
I - já
you - ty, vy
he - on
she - ona
it - to, ono
we - my
they - oni
I am - I'm - já jsem
you are - you're - ty jsi
he is - he's - on je
she is - she's - ona je
it is - it's - to (ono) je
we are - we're - my jsme
you are - you're - vy jste
they are - they're - oni jsou
