Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. modernize
    • ex. The city plans to modernize its public transportation system.
  2. automate
    • ex. Our company plans to automate its production process with new machines.
  3. inventory
    • ex. The store checks its inventory every month to make sure it has enough products.
  4. accuracy
    • ex. The new software improves the accuracy of the company's financial reports.
  5. hospitality
    • ex. Red Hotel is known for its warm hospitality and friendly staff.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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McDonald’s will spend $8.5 billion (more than ¥1.3 trillion) over the next 10 years to modernize its restaurants around the world. The company wants to improve its kitchens, automate some tasks, and make restaurants more efficient. It also plans to add lockers for delivery orders, larger play areas, and better kitchen designs. New technology will help with inventory, staff schedules, and order accuracy.

McDonald’s is also testing new food choices. The company plans to test hand-breaded chicken in more U.S. markets and Ireland next year. It also plans to offer grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, egg bites, and bowls. These products are designed to give customers more protein and different portion sizes.

The company is expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in restaurants. Its ArchIQ system can help with inventory and schedules, while its Archy system can take drive-thru orders in English and Spanish. McDonald’s says Archy has a 90% accuracy rate. The company says the technology will allow workers to spend more time helping customers. It will also provide new training focused on hospitality and food quality as part of its plans to modernize the business.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

McDonald’s and Fast-Food Restaurants

  • Do you think modernizing fast-food restaurants is a good idea? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What do you think is the most important thing a fast-food restaurant should offer (ex. good food, fast service)? Why? Discuss.
  • Would you prefer a fast-food restaurant with more technology or more human service? Why? Discuss.

Food Choices and Hospitality in Restaurants

  • Do you think restaurants in your country should offer healthier or more balanced food choices? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What makes a restaurant feel welcoming to you? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what makes a restaurant experience worth coming back for (ex. friendly service, pleasant atmosphere)? Discuss.