Question

Fast food How did the hamburger become the most popular, most typical American food? It got its name from the German town of Hamburg, which was famous for its steak. German immigrants to the United States introduced the “hamburger steak”. McDonald’s sells hamburgers, one of the world’s most famous fast food restaurants. You can find them in Japan, Germany, Panama, Guatemala, Australia, Portugal, Hong Kong and even Moscow. In fact, there are 13,000 in 120 countries. What makes American fast food so popular? Lee Cho, a South Korean, says: “I often go to McDonald’s. It’s clean, less expensive than other restaurants and saves time.” Natalia, a girl from Moscow, says “I find the hamburgers very tasty”. Older people are very critical of this sort of food. Lots of young people in the USA are overweight and parents blame these high-calorie foods that their children eat in large quantities. Write answers. 1. How did hamburger get its name? 2. Why do people go to McDonald’s? 3. What makes American fast food so popular? 4. Why do older people criticize this sort of food? 5. Do you think that fast food leads to overweighting.

Answer 1

1. How did the hamburger get its name?

The “hamburger” got its name from the German town of Hamburg, which was famous for its steak. German immigrants to the United States introduced the “hamburger steak”.

2. Why do people go to McDonald’s?

The main reason is because McDonald’s sells hamburgers, and it is one of the world’s most famous fast food restaurants. Many people admit that "tasty" food is sold there.

3. What makes American fast food so popular?

According to many fast food fans, fast food restaurants are "clean, less expensive than other restaurants", and they are "time-saving".

4. Why do older people criticize this sort of food?

Older people criticize this sort of food because lots of young people in the USA are overweight. Parents blame these high-calorie foods that their children eat in large quantities.

5. Do you think that fast food leads to overweighting?

In my opinion, being overweight is not caused by eating fast food.

Sedentary lifestyle is the main problem here. Secondly, poor eating habits can also lead to serious health problems.

Answer 2

1. The hamburger got its name from the German town of Hamburg. German immigrants introduced the "hamburger steak" to the United States, which eventually evolved into the modern hamburger.

2. People go to McDonald's for various reasons, but some common factors include the perception that it is clean, less expensive than many other restaurants, and it saves time. McDonald's is known for its quick service and consistent quality across its many locations.

3. Several factors contribute to the popularity of American fast food:

   • Convenience: Fast food restaurants offer quick and easy access to meals, making them suitable for people with busy lifestyles.
   • Consistency: Chains like McDonald's maintain consistent quality and taste in their offerings, ensuring customers know what to expect.
   • Marketing and branding: Fast food brands often employ effective marketing strategies that create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
   • Affordable pricing: Fast food is often more affordable than dining at full-service restaurants, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.
   • Broad menu options: Fast food menus typically cater to a variety of tastes, offering items like burgers, chicken, salads, and more.

4. Older people sometimes criticize fast food because it tends to be high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium. They may see it as contributing to health problems, such as obesity and heart disease, especially when consumed in excess. They may also have a preference for traditional, homemade meals and view fast food as a departure from healthier eating habits.

5. There is a correlation between fast food consumption and the risk of overweight and obesity. Fast food items are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain. However, it's essential to note that individual choices and overall dietary habits also play a significant role in determining whether fast food leads to overweighting. Moderation and a balanced diet are key to maintaining a healthy weight, even when occasionally indulging in fast food.