Reading comprehension
Coffee
Coffee is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions of people around the
world. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, black or with cream and
sugar, coffee has a unique flavor and aroma that many find
irresistible.
The history of coffee can be traced back to ancient Ethiopia, where
legend has it that a goat herder discovered the stimulating effects of
the coffee plant after his goats consumed its berries. From there, the
popularity of coffee spread throughout the Arab world and eventually
to Europe and the Americas.
Today, coffee is produced in many countries, with each region having
its own distinct flavor profile. Some of the most popular coffee
varieties include Colombian, Brazilian, Ethiopian, and Sumatran.
Coffee can be brewed using a variety of methods, including drip,
French press, espresso, and pour-over, each method yielding its own
unique taste and texture.
Not only is coffee delicious, but it also contains caffeine, a natural
stimulant that can help improve focus and alertness. However, it's
important to consume coffee in moderation, as excessive caffeine
consumption can lead to jitters, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Overall, coffee is a beloved beverage that has become an integral
part of many people's daily routines. Whether you enjoy a cup in the
morning to kickstart your day or as an afternoon pick-me-up, there's
no denying the appeal of this delicious and energizing drink.
Questions
1. Where did the history of coffee begin?
2. What are some popular coffee varieties?
3. What are some methods for brewing coffee?
4. What is caffeine, and how does it affect the body?
5. Is it important to consume coffee in moderation, and why?
6. Why has coffee become an integral part of many people's daily
routines?
7. What is the legend surrounding the discovery of coffee's
stimulating effects?
8. What are some potential negative effects of excessive caffeine
consumption?
9. How does the flavor and aroma of coffee vary depending on the
region it's produced in?
10. What are some of the most common ways people enjoy
their coffee?
Curiosities
1. Coffee is the second-most traded commodity in the world, after
oil.
2. The world's most expensive coffee is made from the excrement
of a Sumatran wildcat called the civet. The coffee, called Kopi
Luwak, sells for up to $600 per pound.
3. Coffee beans are actually seeds from the fruit of the coffee
plant, which is a type of cherry.
4. Coffee was once banned in Mecca because it was believed to
stimulate radical thinking.
5. The "coffee break" was invented in the early 20th century by a
group of Norwegian women who worked as telegraph operators.
6. The world's largest cup of coffee was made in South Korea in
2014 and measured over 3,700 gallons.
7. The first webcam was invented at Cambridge University to help
researchers keep an eye on a coffee pot so they could see when
it was empty.
8. In 1674, King Charles II of England banned coffee houses,
believing they were places where people conspired against him.
9. The caffeine in coffee can help improve physical performance
by increasing adrenaline levels and breaking down body fat for
fuel.
10. Coffee can actually make you happier! Studies have
shown that drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of
depression and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.
These are just a few of the many interesting facts and curiosities
about coffee. It's a fascinating and beloved beverage that has played
an important role in cultures around the world for centuries.
