Table Manners and Customs
Go to Text A
Text Reading
First Reading
Second Reading
Detailed Study of Text B
Summary of Text B
Time For Fun
First Reading
Read the text and then decide whether the following statements
are True or False according to the text.
1. Using the knife only for cutting is considered good table
manners in Great Britain.
(
T
)
2. British people don’t like foreign table manners.
(
)
F
3. Sitting on a cushion before a low table is typically Japanese
table manners.
(
1/2
T
)
First Reading
4. Western table manners differ greatly from country to country.
(
F
5. How to use a knife while eating is quite different among
Western countries.
(
T
)
6. It seems that salt used to be something valuable in Britain.
(
2/2
T
)
)
Second Reading
Read the text again and answer the following questions.
1. What are considered good manners at table in Britain nowadays?
The following are considered good manners at table in Great
Britain today: eating with the mouth closed; not letting any of the
food fall off the plate; using the knife only for cutting; and not
trying to take food across the table.
1/4
2. How are the western eating styles taken up by people in the East?
Give examples.
When they are richer and more educated, some people in the
East have taken up the table manners and customs of
western people, such as replacing the cushions with tables
and chairs, or with the lady of the house presiding at one end
of the table.
3. Do western people have same or different table manners?
Western people in different countries have different table
manners, although the differences are not so marked.
2/4
4. What is the slight difference in the use of the knife at British
and American meals?
At America meals, the knife should be put down after
use, while during British meals, the knife should be
kept in the right hand all the time.
5. How do the drinking customs in North America differ from
those in Europe?
In Europe, water, wine or beer is drunk with meals and
coffee or tea is taken afterwards, while North America a
beverage such as coffee, tea or milk is drunk with meals.
3/4
6. How did ancient men and women have their meals?
The women waited on the warriors and afterwards ate what
they left.
7. What was used to help with eating food before forks appeared
in Europe?
By using their fingers or hands.
8. Why did the French King order that table knives should have
rounded ends in the 17th century?
To prevent people from stabbing each other while they were
eating.
4/4
Detailed Study of Text B
Table Manners and Customs
In Great Britain today good manners at table include eating with the
mouth closed; not letting any of the food fall off the plate; using the
knife only for cutting; and not trying to take food across the table. In
other parts of the world there are also rules for people to follow when
they are eating, but they are not the same as those of Britain. Indeed,
what are considered good table manners in some other countries are
what British people try hardest to avoid. In Arabia, for instance, the
people at a feast take pieces of food with their fingers and belch loudly
to show that they have appreciated it.
1/5
Detailed Study of Text B
Table Manners and Customs
In Great Britain today good manners at table include eating with the
Table Manners. The word “manners” used in the plural form
mouth closed; not letting any of the food fall off the plate; using the
means habits and customs. Table manners are the way people
knife only for cutting; and not trying to take food across the table. In
behave at meals.
other
parts of thegood
worldmanners
there are
for people
to follow when
It's considered
in also
somerules
societies
to leave
a little
on but
yourthey
plate.
they
are food
eating,
are not the same as those of Britain. Indeed,
It isn’t
manners
to make
many inquiries
what
aregood
considered
good
table too
manners
in some into
other countries are
people’s personal affairs.
what British people try hardest to avoid. In Arabia, for
instance, the
Close
people at a feast take pieces of food with their fingers and belch loudly
to show that they have appreciated it.
1/5
Detailed Study of Text B
Table Manners and Customs
In Great Britain today good manners at table include eating with the
closed;
letting any
the food fall off the plate; using the
fall mouth
off: to come
offnot
(something)
by of
falling
knife only for cutting; and not trying to take food across the table. In
A button has fallen off my coat.
other parts of the world there are also rules for people to follow when
they
but they
arebicycle
not theagain?
same as those of Britain. Indeed,
Hasare
thateating,
child fallen
off the
Close
what are considered good table manners in some other
countries are
what British people try hardest to avoid. In Arabia, for instance, the
people at a feast take pieces of food with their fingers and belch loudly
to show that they have appreciated it.
1/5
Detailed Study of Text B
Table Manners and Customs
In Great
Britain
today
manners
at table
... there
are also
rules
for good
people
to follow
wheninclude
they eating with the
are
eating,
but they
notany
the of
same
those
of the plate; using the
mouth
closed;
not are
letting
the as
food
fall off
Britain.
knife only for cutting; and not trying to take food across the table. In
— …when people are eating they act according to some
other parts of the world there are also rules for people to follow when
rules, but these rules are different from those of Britain.
they
are (...)
eating,
but they
are not
same people,
as those
of Britain. Indeed,
the
same
as: used
to mean
twothe
or more
things,
what
tableother
manners in some other countries are
etc. are
thatconsidered
are exactly good
like each
He gets
the people
same pay
me buttoheavoid.
has his
office.
what
British
try as
hardest
In own
Arabia,
for instance, the
I think at
thea same
as you
do about
this.with their fingers and belch loudly
people
feast take
pieces
of food
Close
to show that they have appreciated it.
1/5
Detailed Study of Text B
Table Manners and Customs
In Great Britain today good manners at table include eating with the
Indeed, what are considered good table manners in some
closed;
letting
anypeople
of the try
food
fall off to
the plate; using the
othermouth
countries
arenot
what
British
hardest
knife only for cutting; and not trying to take food across the table. In
avoid.
— Indeed,
certain
of behaving
at table
are considered
other parts
ofways
the world
there are
also rules
for people to follow when
good
in some
other
but British
people
theymanners
are eating,
but they
arecountries
not the same
as those
of Britain. Indeed,
would try their best to avoid them.
what are considered good table manners in some other countries are
翻译
what British people try hardest to avoid. In Arabia, for instance, the
事实上，一些其它国家认为的餐桌上的好礼仪，
people
at a feast take pieces of food with their fingers and belch loudly
英国人却极力地避免。
Close
to show that they have appreciated it.
1/5
Detailed Study of Text B
Table Manners and Customs
In Great Britain today good manners at table include eating with the
mouth closed; not letting any of the food fall off the plate; using the
appreciate: v. to recognize and enjoy the good qualities of
knife only for cutting; and not trying to take food across the table. In
something; understand something and show consideration
other parts of the world there are also rules for people to follow when
or sympathy
they are eating, but they are not the same as those of Britain. Indeed,
You can’t fully appreciate foreign literature in translation.
what are considered good table manners in some other countries are
I really appreciate a good cup of tea.
what British people try hardest to avoid. In Arabia,Close
for instance, the
people at a feast take pieces of food with their fingers and belch loudly
to show that they have appreciated it.
1/5
The richer and more educated people in the East have, however, to
a great extent taken up the table manners and customs of western
people. Tables and chairs have replaced the cushions of the past, and
the lady of the house presides at one end of the table in the same way
that Western women do. Many Japanese, however, still feel it would
be wrong to eat unless they were sitting on a cushion before a low
table with a tray of food on it. In many parts of the world both
traditional and Western styles of eating exist side by side.
2/5
The richer and more educated people in the East have, however, to
a great extent taken up the table manners and customs of western
people. Tables and chairs have replaced the cushions of the past, and
The richer and more educated people in the East have, however,
the lady
of the
house
presides
one end...of the table in the same way
to a great
extent
taken
up the
table at
manners
that Western
women
do. Many
Japanese,
however,
feel it would
— However,
the richer
and more
educated
people in
the Eaststill
have
largely
accepted
and unless
learnedthey
to practice
the table
be wrong
to eat
were sitting
on manners
a cushion...before a low
翻译 table with a tray of food on it. In many parts of the world both
traditional and Western styles of eating exist side by side.
然而，富裕而且受教育多的东方人在很大程度上接受西方的
餐桌礼仪和习俗。
2/5
The richer and more educated people in the East have, however, to
a great extent
taken
the table
to a great/large
extent:
to up
a great
/ largemanners
degree and customs of western
people.
Tables
the cushions
These
policies
areand
to achairs
large have
extentreplaced
responsible
for the of the past, and
region’s
economic
problem.
the lady
of the house
presides at one end of the table in the same way
cf. to athat
certain
extent
/ to some
extent:
used to mean
that still feel it would
Western
women
do. Many
Japanese,
however,
something is partly, but not completely, true
be wrong to eat unless they were sitting on a cushion before a low
take up: to learn or start to perform a certain activity, especially
table with a tray of food on it. In many parts of the world both
for pleasure; start or begin something, especially a job
traditional and Western styles of eating exist side by side.
She has taken up golf.
She has taken up a job as a teacher.
2/5
Close
The richer and more educated people in the East have, however, to
a great extent taken up the table manners and customs of western
replace:
vt. to
use something
of something
else; of the past, and
people.
Tables
and chairsinstead
have replaced
the cushions
start doing something instead of someone else
the lady of the house presides at one end of the table in the same way
These PCs have replaced the old system network.
that Western women do. Many Japanese, however, still feel it would
I’mwrong
replacing
Sueunless
on thethey
team.were sitting on a cushion before a low
be
to eat
Close
table with a tray of food on it. In many parts of the world both
traditional and Western styles of eating exist side by side.
2/5
The richer and more educated people in the East have, however, to
a great extent taken up the table manners and customs of western
... both
traditional
styles
of eating
exist
people.
Tables and
and Western
chairs have
replaced
the cushions
of the past, and
side by side.
the lady of the house presides at one end of the table in the same way
—...there are both traditional and Western table manners.
that Western women do. Many Japanese, however, still feel it would
side by side:
wrong
eat unless
theybywere
on ain cushion
before a low
1. ifbethings
or to
groups
exist side
side, sitting
they exist
the
table place
with aor tray
foodtime.
on it. In many parts of the world both
same
at theofsame
traditional
and Western
styles side
of eating
The two communities
exist happily
by side. exist side by side.
2. next to each other
The children sat side by side watching television.
Close
2/5
In the West there are differences between table manners in
various countries, although they are not so marked. In North
America it is polite to cut up meat and then put the knife down, take
the fork in the right hand and eat with it. Most European people, like
the British, keep the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right all
the time when they are eating food that has to be cut. In the British
Isles and Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland)
special knives and forks are used for eating fish. In France, Belgium
and Italy, however, it is correct to keep the same knife for every
course, wiping it on a piece of bread.
3/5
In the West there are differences between table manners in
various countries, although they are not so marked. In North
America it is polite to cut up meat and then put the knife down, take
... in various countries, although they are not so
the fork in the right hand and eat with it. Most European people, like
marked.
British, keep
the fork
in the left
and to
the
knife in the right all
—...the
in different
countries,
although
it is hand
not easy
notice
the time
when they are eating food that has to be cut. In the British
these
differences
翻译Isles and Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland)
在西方，不同的国家有不同的餐桌礼仪，尽管这些
special knives and forks are used for eating fish. In France, Belgium
差异不那么明显。
and Italy, however, it is correct to keep the Close
same knife for every
course, wiping it on a piece of bread.
3/5
In the West there are differences between table manners in
various countries, although they are not so marked. In North
America it is polite to cut up meat and then put the knife down, take
course: n. a part of a meal which is served separately from
the fork in the right hand and eat with it. Most European people, like
the other parts
the British, keep the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right all
a four-course lunch
the time when they are eating food that has to be cut. In the British
A traditional British main course consists of a meat
Isles and Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland)
dish with potatoes and other vegetables.
special knives and forks are used for eating fish.
In France, Belgium
Close
and Italy, however, it is correct to keep the same knife for every
course, wiping it on a piece of bread.
3/5
Drinking customs at table also vary in different countries. In
Europe, water, wine or beer is drunk with meals and coffee or tea is
taken afterwards. In North America a beverage such as coffee, tea
or milk is drunk with meals.
Table manners of course have changed with time. The earliest
meals were also the simplest. They were eaten sitting on the ground
round a fire, and everyone took his food from a pot on the fire or cut
bits from the animal or bird that had been cooked. The women
waited on the warriors and afterwards ate what they left.
4/5
vary: v.
Drinking customs at table also vary in different countries. In
1.to be different
Europe, water, wine or beer is drunk with meals and coffee or tea is
Teaching methods vary greatly from school to school.
taken
afterwards.
2.to
change
often In North America a beverage such as coffee, tea
His
vary
according to the weather.
or mood
milk isseems
drunk to
with
meals.
cf. change:
v. manners of course have changed with time. The earliest
Table
1.meals
to become
different
were also
the simplest. They were eaten sitting on the ground
Susan has changed a lot since I last saw her.
round a fire, and everyone took his food from a pot on the fire or cut
2. to stop having or doing one thing and start
bits
fromor
the
animal
or bird that
been cooked. The women
having
doing
something
else had
instead
waited
on thefrom
warriors
and
afterwards
ate what they left.
We’ve
changed
traditional
methods
of production
to an automated（自动化的）system.
4/5
Close
Drinking customs at table also vary in different countries. In
Europe, water, wine or beer is drunk with meals and coffee or tea is
taken afterwards. In North America a beverage such as coffee, tea
or milk is drunk with meals.
Table manners of course have changed with time.
Table manners of course have changed with time. The earliest
Please
paraphrase
thethe
sentence.
meals
were also
simplest. They were eaten sitting on the ground
Asround
time went
by,and
table
manners
also
become
a fire,
everyone
took
hishave
foodchanged/
from a pot
on the fire or cut
different.
Close
bits from the animal or bird that had been cooked.
The women
waited on the warriors and afterwards ate what they left.
4/5
Drinking customs at table also vary in different countries. In
Europe, water, wine or beer is drunk with meals and coffee or tea is
taken afterwards. In North America a beverage such as coffee, tea
wait on someone: to serve food to someone at their table
or milk is drunk with meals.
The staff
who
waited of
on course
us at dinner
excellent.
Table
manners
have were
changed
with time. The earliest
They
seemed
verythe
unhappy
to wait
customers
there. on the ground
meals
were also
simplest.
Theyonwere
eaten sitting
他们似乎不愿意伺候那里的顾客。
round a fire, and everyone took his food from a pot on the fire or cut
Close
bits from the animal or bird that had been cooked. The women
waited on the warriors and afterwards ate what they left.
4/5
Fingers were used to eat food throughout the middle ages. Food
was eaten off wooden dishes with the noblemen sitting above a large
salt cellar called simply “the salt”. The ordinary people sat below the
salt. In the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547), people were still eating
with their hands after cutting the food with a clasp knife which was
always carried at the belt. Forks were not used in England until the
17th century.
Table manners did not always include quiet behavior. Quarrels
often took place at table, and in the 17th century King Louis XIV of
France ordered that all knives should have rounded ends to prevent
people from stabbing each other while they were eating.
5/5
Fingers were used to eat food throughout the middle ages. Food
was eaten off wooden dishes with the noblemen sitting above a large
salt cellar called simply “the salt”. The ordinary people sat below the
the middle age: also the Middle Ages, the period in
salt. In the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547), people were still eating
European history between about AD 1100 and 1500
with their hands after cutting the food with a clasp knife which was
or sometimes, in a wider sense, between AD 500
always carried at the belt. Forks were not used in England until the
and 1500.
17th century.
Table manners did not always include quiet
behavior. Quarrels
Close
often took place at table, and in the 17th century King Louis XIV of
France ordered that all knives should have rounded ends to prevent
people from stabbing each other while they were eating.
5/5
Fingers were used to eat food throughout the middle ages. Food
was eaten off wooden dishes with the noblemen sitting above a large
Food was
off wooden
with
theordinary
noblemen
sitting
salt eaten
cellar called
simplydishes
“the salt”.
The
people
sat below the
above a large salt cellar called simply “the salt”.
salt. In the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547), people were still eating
Note the sentence structure here: a main clause + with + N + V-ing.
with their hands after cutting the food with a clasp knife which was
翻译
always carried at the belt. Forks were not used in England until the
人们用木碟子吃东西，而贵族们坐在一个就叫“盐”的大盐窖上.
17th
century.
eat off:
to eat
(one’s food) from (certain dishes)
Table manners did not always include quiet behavior. Quarrels
Does the Queen really eat her meals off gold plates?
often took place at table, and in the 17th century King Louis XIV of
France ordered that all knives should have rounded ends to prevent
Close
people from stabbing each other while they were eating.
5/5
Fingers were used to eat food throughout the middle ages. Food
was eaten off wooden dishes with the noblemen sitting above a large
salt cellar called simply “the salt”. The ordinary people sat below the
salt. (1491-1547)
In the reign of
Henry
(1509-1547),
people
were still eating
Henry VIIL:
one
of theVIII
most
famous English
Kings
with not
theirused
hands
cutting
thethe
food
with
a clasp knife which was
Forks were
in after
England
until
17th
century.
— Only always
in the 17th
century
didbelt.
people
in England
forks. until the
carried
at the
Forks
were notbegin
usedtoinuse
England
17th century.
Close
Table manners did not always include quiet behavior. Quarrels
often took place at table, and in the 17th century King Louis XIV of
France ordered that all knives should have rounded ends to prevent
people from stabbing each other while they were eating.
5/5
Fingers were used to eat food throughout the middle ages. Food
was eaten off wooden dishes with the noblemen sitting above a large
salt cellar called simply “the salt”. The ordinary people sat below the
salt. In the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547), people were still eating
with
their
hands after
cutting
the foodwho
with
clasp
knife which was
Louis
XIV:
(1638-1715)
a King
of France,
is aalso
called
the Sun
Kingcarried
because
beauty
and
riches
his court
always
at of
thethe
belt.
Forks
were
notofused
in England until the
at Versailles.
17th century.
Close
Table manners did not always include quiet behavior. Quarrels
often took place at table, and in the 17th century King Louis XIV of
France ordered that all knives should have rounded ends to prevent
people from stabbing each other while they were eating.
5/5
Fingers were used to eat food throughout the middle ages. Food
was eaten off wooden dishes with the noblemen sitting above a large
salt cellar called simply “the salt”. The ordinary people sat below the
salt. In the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547), people were still eating
prevent (from): vt. to stop someone from doing something
with their hands after cutting the food with a clasp knife which was
The rain prevented me (from) coming.
always carried at the belt. Forks were not used in England until the
His back injury may prevent him from playing in
17th century.
tomorrow’s game.
Table manners did not always include quietClose
behavior. Quarrels
often took place at table, and in the 17th century King Louis XIV of
France ordered that all knives should have rounded ends to prevent
people from stabbing each other while they were eating.
5/5
Summary of Text B
Table manners in our world differ from country to country and
from region to region. Western style of eating is considered to have
largely influenced Eastern countries. But even Western countries
themselves differ in this respect. People in these countries do not
use the knife and fork in the same way. There are also differences
in drinking customs. And naturally table manners have seen many
changes throughout history, from ancient times, through the Middle
Ages, to the 17th century. These changes include the kinds of food,
the containers for holding food and special rules of behavior.
Click the title to continue…
Time For Fun
1
Six-year-old Linda returned unimpressed from her first day at
school. Asked how she got on, she replied, “Every morning we are
going to have roll call. We all have to sit at our desks and when the
teacher calls our name we have to answer, ‘Prisoner’”.
2
Etc.: Sign used to make others believe you know more than you do.
3
A professor, telling a student that there was no excuse for his poor
spelling, said “You should consult a dictionary whenever you are in
doubt. It’s as simple as that.”
The student appeared confused. “But, sir,” he replied. “I’m never in
doubt.”
1/2
4
Doctor: I have some bad news and some very bad news.
Patient: Well, might as well give me the bad news first.
Doctor: The lab called with your test results. They said you have 24
hours to live.
Patient: 24 hours! That’s terrible! What could be worse? What’s the
very bad news?
Doctor: I’ve been trying to reach you since yesterday.
2/2