B2 – Upper Intermediate
Tip culture refers to the custom of leaving a gratuity or “tip” for service workers in certain countries, particularly in the United States. It is customary to leave a tip for a variety of service providers, such as servers in restaurants, bartenders, hairdressers, and taxi or ride-share drivers, among others.
Tipping culture in the United States can be controversial. Some people argue that tipping culture is out of control and places an undue burden on consumers, while others believe that tipping is an important way to ensure that service workers are fairly compensated for their work.
Watch the video to learn more about it and be able to discuss the questions below:
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the phrase “tipping point” mean? “The pressure to tip has reached its tipping point.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does the word “tab” mean in this sentence, “Patrons often feel guilted into adding a few bucks to the tab.”? Use it in a sentence.
- What does the phrase “strike back” mean, “Some service workers are striking back.” Make one sentence using the phrase.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you give tips or have you given tips before? Is tipping customary in you country? What do you think of tipping?
- What are your thoughts on pre-set tipping options?
- What is your reaction to delivery people waiting for orders to pile up for those people who do not tip upfront?
- What is your opinion that some service workers are taking into account whether you tip or not upfront and that could impact the quality of their service?
- Do you agree with what the etiquette experts say about tipping? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
- Which workers do you think should be given tips? Explain why.