English II
Unit 6
Activity 1
Read the following responses. Think of the questions they might answer:
1. When catering for a large group, a buffet is usually a better option than a formal dinner. Buffets
allow guests to choose from a variety of dishes and serve themselves, which caters to different
tastes and dietary preferences. It also helps in accommodating a larger number of people
efficiently, as they can serve themselves at their own pace.
2. It is generally recommended to prepare as much food as possible in advance for a large event.
Preparing in advance helps to save time and ensures that the food is ready to be served on time.
It allows the catering staff to focus on other important tasks during the event and helps in
streamlining the overall process. However, it's also good to have certain dishes prepared on-site
to maintain freshness and provide a better dining experience.
3. To avoid long queues for drinks, a catering company can employ a few strategies:
- Set up multiple drink stations or bars throughout the event space to distribute the crowd
evenly.
- Increase the number of bartenders or servers to speed up the drink service.
- Offer pre-portioned drinks or drink packages that can be easily picked up by guests,
reducing the wait time.
- Use self-serve drink stations with different beverage options, so guests can help
themselves without waiting in line.
Activity 2
Decide which summary explains better the text you have read. Say why the other ones are
incorrect.
Summary A: Buffets are the recommended choice for large events because they allow hungry guests
immediate access to food. At a recent 25th anniversary party for a company, Sandra Kellerman set up
long tables with hors d'oeuvres and twelve large buffet stations. Skilled chefs cooked at action stations to
provide both food and entertainment. Kellerman also emphasizes the challenge of judging the right
quantity of food for such events and mentions that they used real plates, glassware, and cutlery. The drink
service was efficient, with experienced staff able to serve three people at a time.
Summary B: Buffets are the best option for large events with thousands of guests, according to Sandra
Kellerman, an executive chef. She cites an example of a 25th anniversary party she catered for with
3,000 employees, where buffet stations offered a variety of hot and cold items. Kellerman emphasizes the
importance of preparing enough food without excessive waste and mentions that the amount of meat was
crucial due to the primarily male guests. The event used real plates, glassware, and cutlery and had
experienced staff serving drinks quickly.
Summary C: Buffets are the optimal catering option for large events, according to Sandra Kellerman. She
shares an example of a recent 25th anniversary party where 3,000 employees were served at twelve
buffet stations with a variety of hot and cold items. The chefs cooked at action stations while guests
watched. To avoid food waste, Kellerman mentions that some items were only cooked when required.
Another consideration was the predominantly male guest list, which influenced the amount of meat
prepared. The event used real plates, glassware, and cutlery and had experienced staff serving drinks
efficiently.
Activity 3
Decide whether the statements are true or false.
1. Sandra Kellerman is the executive chef and owner of London-based Kellerman Catering.
2. Buffets delay food access to the guests at any event.
3. Kellerman Catering prefers buffets for parties with thousands of guests.
4. At the 25th-anniversary party, hors d'oeuvres were not available for the guests when they arrived.
5. At the 25th-anniversary event, long tables with hors d'oeuvres were set up, and twelve large buffet
stations offered both hot and cold items.
6. Sandra Kellerman doesn't prepare any food before the event.
7. The servers at Kellerman Catering are experienced with working at large venues like stadiums.
8. At last week's event, Kellerman Catering used disposable plates, glassware, and cutlery.
9. The tables for the drink service were designed so each table could serve three people at a time.
10. The servers at Kellerman Catering lack experience working at large venues.
