A Brief History of Tea
Read A Brief History of Tea and check the IELTS Reading answers. The story of tea began in ancient China over 5,000 years ago. According to legend, the Emperor Shen Nung was a skilled ruler, creative scientist and patron of the arts. His far sighted edicts required, among other things, that all dri…
Passage preview
The story of tea began in ancient China over 5,000 years ago. According to legend, the Emperor Shen Nung was a skilled ruler, creative scientist and patron of the arts. His far sighted edicts required, among other things, that all drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution. One summer day while visiting a distant region of his realm, he and the court stopped to rest. In accordance with his ruling, the servants began to boil water for the court to drink. Dried leaves from a nearby bush fell into the boiling water, and as the leaves infused, the water turned brown. As a scientist, the Emperor was intrigued by the new liquid, drank some, and found it very refreshing. And so, according to legend, tea was created.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- boisterous adjective
Characterized by energetic, noisy, and cheerful behavior; often used to describe rowdy or uncontrolled social gatherings
For a brief period, the tea ritual devolved from a silent practice into a boisterous social event.
- confirmed adjective
Having a particular habit, belief, or way of life that is firmly established and unlikely to change
The British King and Queen were confirmed tea drinkers, which helped popularize the drink across England.
- controversy noun
Prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion concerning a specific matter of opinion or policy
A medical controversy regarding the health benefits of tea lasted for several decades in Dutch society.
- definitive adjective
Providing a conclusion or authoritative decision that is reliable and unlikely to be changed or challenged
The first definitive book on tea reflected the core tenets of Zen Buddhist philosophy in ancient times.
- embellished adjective
Made more attractive or decorative by the addition of decorative details or excessive ornamental features
Over time, the tea ceremony became highly embellished, losing the stark simplicity of its original concept.
- exotic adjective
Originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country; strikingly different or unusual in appearance
The French public eventually developed a preference for wine and exotic coffees over imported tea.
- hygienic precaution noun
A measure taken in advance to ensure cleanliness and prevent disease or infection in a specific environment
Boiling water served as a vital hygienic precaution for the ancient imperial court during their travels.
- infuse verb
To soak tea leaves or herbs in liquid to extract their flavor or healing properties
As the dried leaves began to infuse, the water transformed into a refreshing and aromatic beverage.
- oriental adjective
Relating to or characteristic of the countries of East Asia, particularly in a historical or artistic context
A craze for all things oriental influenced European lifestyles and popularized the consumption of Asian tea.
- technologically advanced adjective
Possessing highly developed or complex technical skills, tools, and systems compared to contemporary peers
Portugal utilized its technologically advanced navy to secure exclusive trade rights with the Chinese empire.
Answers with explanations
- 1. viii
Paragraph A describes the legendary origin of tea, noting that it happened by accident when **leaves fell into boiling water**. This matches the heading **'A chance discovery'**. Answer: viii.
- 2. iv
Paragraph B discusses how tea was brought to Japan by a **Buddhist priest** and its use in **meditation**, emphasizing the **connection between tea and religion**. Answer: iv.
- 2-3: J
2: Paragraph B discusses how tea was brought to Japan by a **Buddhist priest** and its use in **meditation**, emphasizing the **connection between tea and religion**. Answer: iv.
3: Paragraph C details the Japanese **tea ceremony**, focusing on the **polite** and **graceful** way it is prepared. This describes **tea-making as a ritual**. Answer: ix.
- 3. ix
Paragraph C details the Japanese **tea ceremony**, focusing on the **polite** and **graceful** way it is prepared. This describes **tea-making as a ritual**. Answer: ix.
- 3-4: H
3: Paragraph C details the Japanese **tea ceremony**, focusing on the **polite** and **graceful** way it is prepared. This describes **tea-making as a ritual**. Answer: ix.
4: Paragraph D explains how information about tea, which was a high level of development in Asia, began to reach **Europe**. This fits **'News of tea reaches another continent'**. Answer: vi.
- 4. vi
Paragraph D explains how information about tea, which was a high level of development in Asia, began to reach **Europe**. This fits **'News of tea reaches another continent'**. Answer: vi.
- 5. v
Paragraph E mentions that tea was **very expensive** and was the **domain of the wealthy**. This identifies tea as a **luxury item**. Answer: v.
- 6. vii
Paragraph F describes a **debate** among experts regarding the **benefits or drawbacks** of tea, posing the question **'Is tea a good or bad thing?'**. Answer: vii.
- 7. iii
Paragraph G discusses tea's popularity in various European countries, specifically noting it was **replaced** by other drinks in France. This matches **'In – and sometimes out of- fashion'**. Answer: iii.
- 8. x
Paragraph H describes the **16-month journey** and the use of **camels** to bring tea to Russia, highlighting the **difficulties in importing tea**. Answer: x.
- 9. D
The text mentions that in **Holland**, despite the **scholarly debate** about benefits or drawbacks, the public **continued to enjoy** tea. This matches the statement that claims of harm failed to affect popularity. Answer: D.
- 10. E
The passage explicitly states that in **France**, tea was **replaced** by wine and coffee after only fifty years. This matches 'Tea lost favour to other drinks.' Answer: E.
- 11. B
Paragraph C explains that in **Japan**, the tea ceremony led to the creation of **tea houses** with specific **architecture**. Answer: B.
- 12. G
In the section about **Russia**, the text describes **camels** (animals) being used to transport tea across 18,000 kilometres. Answer: G.
- 13. A
The legend in **China** credits the discovery to **Emperor Shen Nung**, described as a **scientist** whose edict to boil water led to tea's creation. Answer: A.