Question: What is your opinion on tipping at restaurants?

Sample Answer (The AREA technique):

Answer: In my opinion, tipping at restaurants is a customary and important practice to show appreciation for good service.

Reason: The reason why tipping is important is because it serves as a form of recognition and motivation for servers and other staff who work hard to ensure a pleasant dining experience for customers, and also helps to supplement their income, which may not be enough due to low wages or lack of benefits.

Example: For instance, when I receive excellent service at a restaurant, I like to leave a generous tip, usually around 15-20% of the total bill. This not only shows my gratitude for the attentive and friendly service, but also helps to support the livelihood of the staff.

Alternative: However, I also believe that the responsibility of fair compensation and benefits should not solely fall on customers, and that restaurants should strive to provide a living wage and decent working conditions for their staff, as well as transparency and clarity about their tipping policies.