新视野大学英语视听说 Unit 5-3

Task 2: McDonald’s
W: John, I’m really hungry!
M: Just get anything you want, it’s on me today. I’m thinking about a hamburger and some chicken McNuggets.
W: Thanks, man. That sounds good. I love milkshakes here.
M: Me, too. The formula¹ of McDonald’s is really special.
W: Right. And no matter where you go in the world, you can always see similar menu items and the same high level of quality in McDonald’s.
M: It’s true. They also do well because of diversity. I mean, they sell different products according to people’s tastes and preferences in different areas.
W: Right. Like the Spicy² Chicken Sandwich and Seafood³ Soup that they sell in China. They could never sell that here!
M: But I’ve heard that McDonald’s is really losing market share in the States now, and has closed down some restaurants.
W: Yeah. It’s just so difficult to stay competitive⁴ when there so many fast food chains in the States. I mean there are KFC, Pizza Hut, and A&W, just to name a few.
M: It seems that they’re doing better overseas,’ cause they’re really able to sell American culture.
W: Yeah. They use all the media they can, and they do a good job.

1. They will probably eat a hamburger, some chicken McNuggets, and the shakes.
2. McDonald’s is so successful because of its formula and diversity.
3. You can always see similar menu items and the same high level of quality.
4. McDonald’s is losing market share in the States now and has closed down some restaurants. Because there’re so many fast food chains in the U.S. that it’s difficult for McDonald’s to stay competitive.
5. Because they’re able to sell American culture by using all the media they can.
 

1 formula   

n.公式；配方，外方；规则，一定的做法

参考例句：

• His father is acting on his formula.他的父亲总是按他的原则办事。
• Here are some applications of Taylor's formula.下面举例说明泰乐定理的应用。

2 spicy   

adj.加香料的；辛辣的，有风味的

参考例句：

• The soup tasted mildly spicy.汤尝起来略有点辣。
• Very spicy food doesn't suit her stomach.太辣的东西她吃了胃不舒服。

3 seafood   

n.海产食品，海味，海鲜

参考例句：

• There's an excellent seafood restaurant near here.离这儿不远有家非常不错的海鲜馆。
• Shrimps are a popular type of seafood.小虾是比较普遍的一种海味。

4 competitive   

adj.竞争的，比赛的，好竞争的，有竞争力的

参考例句：

• Some kinds of business are competitive.有些商业是要竞争的。
• These businessmen are both competitive and honourable.这些商人既有竞争性又很诚实。