Tradition of

5 o’clock tea

England is a special country. It is generally believed that English people

respect their traditions very much. It’s true and one of the well - known
English traditions is 5 o’clock tea.

Tea consumption increased dramatically during the early nineteenth century

and it is around this time that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is said to have
complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon. At that
time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast, and
dinner at around 8 o'clock in the evening. The solution for the Duchess was a
pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon.
Later friends were invited to join her in her rooms at  Woburn Abbey and this
summer practice proved so popular that the Duchess continued it when she
returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for
"tea and a walking the fields." 

Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches

(including of course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with
clotted cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served. Nowadays
however, in the average suburban home, afternoon tea is likely to be just a
biscuit or small cake and a mug of tea, usually produced using a teabag.

Many visitors from overseas still imagine that we are a nation where, in the
words of the well-known song, 'at half past three, everything stops for tea'.
Sadly these days Afternoon Tea is usually only an occasional luxury for the
British; a birthday treat in a country house hotel, or a welcome break from a
hectic days shopping 'in town'. Luckily the tourist is still able to indulge in a
little bit of British tradition by himself.

But if you want to enjoy old traditions of afternoon tea you can visit one of
the tea rooms. Tearoom is a small room or restaurant where beverages and
light meals are served.
Complete the text with the words below:
Traditional afternoon tea consists 1)_____ a selection of dainty sandwiches (including of
course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served 2)_____ clotted cream and
preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured 3)_____
silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups. Nowadays however, in the average suburban
home, afternoon tea is likely to be just a biscuit or small cake and a mug of tea, usually
produced using a teabag.
Many visitors from overseas still imagine that we are a nation where, in the words of the
well-known song, 'at half past three, everything stops 4)_____ tea'. Sadly these days Afternoon
Tea is usually only an occasional luxury for the British; a birthday treat in a country house
hotel, or a welcome break 5) _____ a hectic days shopping 'in town'. Luckily the tourist is still
able to indulge in a little bit of British tradition by himself.
1. a) in b) out c) of d)to
2. a) of b) with c) from d) about
3. a) from b) out of c) with d) to
4. a) with b) for c) to d) from
5. a) of b) from c) because of d) with

Write the opposites: Tea Etiquette: True/False.

Increase _______________ Take small bites T/F

Usual _______________ Look over your mug when you sip your tea T/F
Late _______________ Have good posture when you eat T/F
Light _______________ Leave your teaspoon in the cup T/F
Popular _______________ Stir your tea correctly T/F
Small _______________ Dress appropriately T/F
Well-known _______________ Use milk and a lemon together in tea T/F
Stop _______________ Talk with your mouth full T/F
Enjoy _______________ Fill your cup to the brim with tea T/F
Hectic _______________

Match two parts of the sentences:

It is generally believed an occasional luxury for the British

Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured where beverages and light meals are served

The solution for the Duchess was that English people respect their traditions

At that time it was usual for people from silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups

Afternoon Tea is usually only a pot a tea and a light snack

Tearoom is a small room or restaurant to take only two main meals a day