In the US, people prefer waiting for a table to sitting with people they don’t know. If you are sitting at a table with people you don’t know, it is impolite to light up a cigarette without first asking if it will disturb them.
At American restaurants and coffee shops you are usually served tap water(自来水) before you order. You may find the bread and butter is free, and if you order coffee, you may get a free refill.
Most cities and towns have no rules about opening and closing times for stores or restaurants, though they usually do make rules for bars. Especially in large cities, stores may be open 24 hours a day.
Servings in restaurants are often large, too large for many people. If you can’t finish your meal but would like to enjoy the food later, ask your waitress or waiter for a “doggie bag”. It may have a picture of a dog on it, but everybody knows you’re taking the food for yourself. Supper and dinner are both words for the evening meal. Some people have “Sunday dinner”. This is an especially big noon meal.
Tips are not usually added to the check. They are not included in the price of the meal, either. A tip of about 15% is expected and you should leave it on the table when you leave. In some restaurants, a check is brought on a plate and you put your money there. Then the waiter or waitress brings you your change.
小题1:Which statement is TRUE?
A．American people like sitting with people they don’t know.
B．A hostess always seats a small group at a large table.
C．American people never sit with people they don’t know.
D．American people will not light a cigarette if the people who sit at the same table mind their smoking.小题2:What is served before you order?
A．Bread
B．Butter
C．Coffee
D．Cold water小题3:What are the opening and closing times for stores and restaurants in the US?
A．There are no rules about opening and closing times for stores and restaurants.
B．Stores may be open 24 hours a day in every city.
C．Especially in large cities, stores may be open around the clock.
D．You can enter a bar at any time in the US.
