Mastering IELTS Reading: December 2024 Insights and Strategies

Reading Passage: The History of Tea

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with a rich history spanning thousands of years. Originating in ancient China, tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 BCE. According to legend, leaves from a nearby tea plant accidentally blew into his boiling water. The Emperor was intrigued by the pleasant aroma and decided to drink the infusion, marking the beginning of tea’s journey.

Tea cultivation spread to Japan around the 9th century, where it became an essential part of Japanese culture, especially in the form of the tea ceremony, or "chanoyu." This ceremonial practice emphasizes simplicity, mindfulness, and respect. In contrast, tea reached Europe much later, during the 16th century, introduced by Portuguese traders. It gained immense popularity in England during the 17th century, eventually leading to the creation of the iconic British "afternoon tea" tradition.

Today, tea is grown in over 40 countries, with China, India, and Sri Lanka being the largest producers. The global tea industry is worth billions of dollars, catering to various tastes with black, green, white, and herbal teas. Recent research also highlights the health benefits of tea, such as its potential to reduce heart disease risks, boost immunity, and improve mental focus.

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Questions

1-5: True/False/Not Given

1. Tea was first discovered in Japan.

2. Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea in 2737 BCE.

3. The Japanese tea ceremony focuses on luxury and wealth.

4. Tea was introduced to Europe by Portuguese traders.

5. India is the largest producer of tea in the world.

6-10: Matching Information

Match the paragraph (A, B, or C) to the information below:

6. The origin story of tea.

7. The introduction of tea to Europe.

8. Countries where tea is currently grown.

9. Cultural practices related to tea.

10. The health benefits of tea.

11-15: Multiple Choice

11. Who discovered tea according to legend?

a) Portuguese traders

b) Emperor Shen Nong

c) Japanese monks

d) British merchants

12. When did tea cultivation spread to Japan?

a) 2737 BCE

b) 9th century

c) 16th century

d) 17th century

13. Which country is NOT mentioned as a major tea producer?

a) India

b) Sri Lanka

c) China

d) Japan

14. What does the Japanese tea ceremony emphasize?

a) Mindfulness and simplicity

b) Luxury and wealth

c) Trade and commerce

d) Entertainment and fun

15. Which is NOT a type of tea mentioned?

a) Black

b) Green

c) Oolong

d) White

16-20: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with words from the passage.

16. Tea was discovered when leaves fell into ________ water.

17. Portuguese traders introduced tea to ________ during the 16th century.

18. The ________ tea tradition became popular in England in the 17th century.

19. China, India, and ________ are the top tea producers today.

20. Drinking tea may help reduce ________ disease risks.

21-30: Matching Sentence Endings

Match the beginnings of the sentences (21-25) with the correct endings (A-F). One option will not be used.

Beginnings:

21. Tea was discovered…

22. The Japanese tea ceremony…

23. Portuguese traders…

24. British "afternoon tea"…

25. Research has shown that tea…

Endings:

A. emphasizes mindfulness and simplicity.

B. is a rich source of vitamins.

C. in 2737 BCE by Emperor Shen Nong.

D. in England became a cultural tradition.

E. was introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

F. may improve mental focus.

31-40: Short Answer Questions

Answer using no more than three words.

31. Who is credited with discovering tea?

32. When did tea cultivation reach Japan?

33. What is the Japanese tea ceremony called?

34. Who introduced tea to Europe?

35. Which country popularized "afternoon tea"?

36. Name two types of tea mentioned in the text.

37. How many countries grow tea today?

38. Which region is the largest tea producer?

39. What are two health benefits of tea?

40. What is the global value of the tea industry?

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Answers

1-5: True/False/Not Given

1. False

2. True

3. False

4. True

5. Not Given

6-10: Matching Information

6. A

7. B

8. C

9. B

10. C

11-15: Multiple Choice

11. b) Emperor Shen Nong

12. b) 9th century

13. d) Japan

14. a) Mindfulness and simplicity

15. c) Oolong

16-20: Fill in the Blanks

16. boiling

17. Europe

18. afternoon

19. Sri Lanka

20. heart

21-30: Matching Sentence Endings

21. C

22. A

23. E

24. D

25. F

31-40: Short Answer Questions

31. Emperor Shen Nong

32. 9th century

33. Chanoyu

34. Portuguese traders

35. England

36. Black, Green

37. Over 40

38. Asia

39. Boost immunity, reduce heart disease

40. Billions of dollars