Take an Interview — Food, Meals, and Eating Habits
An interviewer will ask you questions. Answer the questions and be sure to say as much as you can in the time allowed.
No time for preparation will be provided. You will have 45 seconds to answer each question.
You have agreed to take part in a research study about national cuisine, personal eating habits, meal routines, dining out, and attitudes toward different diets. You will have a short online interview with a researcher.
Interviewer: Thank you for speaking with me today. I’m conducting a study about food traditions in different countries. [2-second pause] To begin with, how would you describe your national cuisine, and which traditional dishes would you recommend to a foreign visitor?
What makes Russian cuisine distinctive is ___. — Что делает русскую кухню особенной, так это ___.
If a foreign visitor wanted to try something traditional, I would recommend ___. — Если бы иностранный турист хотел попробовать что-то традиционное, я бы порекомендовал(а) ___.
Although some dishes may seem ___, they tend to ___. — Хотя некоторые блюда могут казаться ___, они обычно ___.
Although some dishes may seem rather heavy, they tend to be to people’s taste, and you cannot really go wrong with borscht or dumplings.
Interviewer: People’s eating habits often depend on their schedule, health goals, and personal preferences. How would you describe your own eating habits?
At the same time, I do not follow excessively strict rules, and I occasionally indulge in a dessert because I believe the main thing is to eat in moderation.
Interviewer: Some people eat three regular meals a day, while others prefer several smaller meals or skip meals when they are busy. What is your usual meal routine?
On particularly busy days, I sometimes have to grab a bite on the go or have something small to tide me over until a proper dinner.
Interviewer: Dining out has become a regular part of life for many people. How often do you eat out, and what do you see as the main advantages and disadvantages of eating in restaurants?
Much as I enjoy going to cafés, I would not do it every day because inflated prices can quickly push the cost beyond my budget.
Interviewer: There are many different approaches to eating, including vegetarian, vegan, low-carbohydrate, low-fat, and intermittent-fasting diets. What is your attitude toward such diets?
Я не возражаю против того, чтобы люди придерживались вегетарианского, низкоуглеводного или другого специального рациона, при условии, что он основан на надёжных рекомендациях.
What concerns me about restrictive diets is the risk of nutritional deficiencies and the assumption that there is a one-size-fits-all solution.
Какую бы диету человек ни выбрал, она должна учитывать его индивидуальные потребности и поддерживать здоровье в долгосрочной перспективе, а не служить быстрым решением проблемы.