Food 1 Reading Comprehension

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.
COM
FOOD
THIS E-BOOK IS PAIRED WITH THE “ADVANCED ENGLISH
LISTENING PRACTICE | FOOD 1” LISTENING
COMPREHENSION VIDEO ON YOUTUBE.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1. THE HISTORY OF PIZZA
2. VEGAN DIETS
3. JAPANESE SUSHI
4. THE SPICE TRADE
5. STREET FOODS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
6. FRENCH PASTRIES
7. THE COFFEE CULTURE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
8. MEDITERRANEAN DIET
9. INDIAN CURRY
10. TEA TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
20.
STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

HEY, I'M STEW
I’m a British English teacher looking to help people
understand British English accents, both for
pronunciation and understanding. I’m looking
forward to helping you!
This e-book is going to focus on the reading and

listening comprehension. Here is a little book of each
activity we do in the video.
LET'S DO IT!
MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE LISTENING VIDEO
THAT MATCHES THIS BOOK ON YOUTUBE!

TO LEARN A
LANGUAGE IS TO
EMBRACE A
CULTURE, TO FEEL
ITS RHYTHM AND TO
DANCE WITH ITS
SOUL.
1. THE HISTORY OF PIZZA
Pizza, one of the most beloved foods

worldwide, has a humble origin in
Italy. It began as a simple dish for the
QUESTIONS
poor of Naples in the late 18th
century. Originally, it was just Question 1: What ingredient was
flatbread topped with ingredients commonly used on the original
that were readily available, like pizzas in Naples?
tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil. The A. Basil
modern pizza, as we know it, gained B. Cheese
popularity after the unification of C. Pepperoni
Italy in the 19th century. The D. Sausage
Margherita pizza, created in honor of
Queen Margherita of Savoy, Question 2: What does the
showcases the colors of the Italian Margherita pizza symbolize?
flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella, A. The colors of the Italian flag
and green basil. Today, pizza comes B. The flavors of Naples
in countless variations, reflecting C. The preference of Queen
local tastes and ingredients around Margherita
the globe. D. The unification of Italy

VOCABULARY
1. Beloved: Deeply loved or cherished.
2. Humble: Modest or having a low view
of one's own importance.
3. Origin: The point or place where
something begins or is created.
4. Popularity: The state of being liked,
admired, or supported by many
people.
5. Unification: The process of making or
becoming united or whole.
6. Honor: High respect or esteem; a
sense of what is right or due.
7. Showcase: To display or present
something in a way that attracts
attention.
8. Variation: Different forms or versions
of something.
9. Reflect: Thinking deeply or carefully
about something

YOUR EXAMPLES:
This is a space for you to try and use any new words that appear in this section.
enjoy the process

2. VEGAN DIETS
The vegan diet, which excludes all

animal products including meat,
dairy, and eggs, has gained
QUESTIONS
popularity worldwide for health,
ethical, and environmental reasons. Question 1: What is a key
Unlike vegetarians who might characteristic of a vegan diet?
consume dairy or eggs, vegans rely A. Excludes all animal products
entirely on plant-based ingredients. B. Includes fish but not meat
This diet emphasizes fruits, C. Permits dairy and eggs
vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, D. Requires organic produce only
and seeds. Innovative vegan
alternatives for traditional animal- Question 2: Why do people choose a
based foods, like almond milk and vegan diet?
tofu, have become more readily A. For faster cooking times
available, making the diet more B. To improve overall health
accessible. People choose veganism C. To increase protein intake
for various reasons, including D. To save on grocery bills
reducing animal cruelty, lowering
their carbon footprint, and improving
overall health. As awareness of
veganism grows, so does its
influence on food culture globally.

VOCABULARY
1. Exclude: To leave out or not include.
2. Gain: To acquire or increase in
something, such as weight, knowledge,
or possessions.
3. Ethical: Related to moral principles or
the branch of knowledge dealing with
these.
4. Consume: To use up or eat.
5. Rely on: To depend on or trust in
someone or something.
6. Plant-based: Consisting mostly or
entirely of plants or plant-derived
ingredients.
7. Ingredients: The components or
elements that make up a product or dish.
8. Emphasize: To give special importance
or prominence to something in speaking
or writing.
9. Legume: A plant in the pea family, or the
seed of such a plant used as food.
10. Innovative: Featuring new methods or
original ideas.
11. Animal-based: Derived from animals
rather than plants or other sources.
12. Readily available: Easily obtainable or
accessible.
13. Cruelty: The act of causing pain or
suffering to others, often unnecessarily.
14. Carbon footprint: The total amount of
greenhouse gases emitted directly or
indirectly by an individual, organization,
event, or product.
15. Awareness: Knowledge or perception of
a situation or fact.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

3. JAPANESE SUSHI
Sushi, a renowned Japanese cuisine,

is celebrated for its exquisite taste
and artistic presentation. Its origins
QUESTIONS
can be traced back to the paddy
fields of Southeast Asia, where fish Question 1: What is a key
was fermented with rice and salt to characteristic of modern sushi?
preserve it. In Japan, sushi evolved A. It is always served with wasabi
into a form of Narezushi, where the B. It uses vinegared rice and fresh
rice was used for fermentation and fish
then discarded. The Edo period saw C. It's made with fermented fish
the creation of modern sushi, with only
vinegared rice and fresh fish, now D. The rice is always discarded
known as Nigiri. Sushi varies from after fermentation
simple Nigiri to elaborate rolls and
sashimi. It reflects the Japanese Question 2: What does sushi
aesthetic of simplicity and respect for represent in Japanese culture?
ingredients, making sushi more than A. A fast food option
just a dish, but an art form. B. An art form and aesthetic
expression
C. A religious ritual
D. A seasonal festive food

VOCABULARY
1. Renowned: Famous or well-known
for something.
2. Exquisite: Extremely beautiful and
delicate.
3. Artistic: Related to or showing
creativity or art.
4. Traced Back: Found the origins or
history of something.
5. Paddy Field: A field flooded with
water for growing rice.
6. Fermented: Undergone a process of
fermentation, where bacteria or yeast
convert substances (like sugar) into
alcohol or acids, often used in food
and drink production.
7. Preserve: To keep something in its
original state or in good condition.
8. Fermentation: A biochemical process
that breaks down substances (like
sugars) by the action of bacteria,
yeast, or other microorganisms,
typically used in food and drink
production.
9. Discard: To throw away or get rid of
something.
10. Elaborate: Involving many carefully
arranged parts or details; detailed and
complicated in design and planning.
11. Aesthetic: Concerned with beauty or
the appreciation of beauty.
12.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

4. THE SPICE TRADE
The spice trade, one of the earliest
forms of international trade,
significantly influenced world history QUESTIONS
and cuisine. Centuries ago, spices
like pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg Question 1: Why were spices highly
were worth their weight in gold. They valued in ancient times?
were sought after not only for their A. For their ability to color fabrics
ability to flavor and preserve food but B. For their medicinal properties
also for their medicinal properties. C. For their rarity and beauty
The demand for these exotic spices D. For their use in religious
led to the Age of Discovery, as ceremonies
European explorers set out to find
new trade routes to the spice-rich Question 2: What was one major
East Indies. This quest played a outcome of the spice trade?
pivotal role in shaping the modern A. Development of new cooking
world, leading to the discovery of techniques
new lands and the exchange of B. Discovery of new lands and
culture and cuisine across cultures
continents. Today, spices are C. Elimination of all food
commonplace in kitchens preservation issues
worldwide, but their history is a tale D. The invention of new spices
of adventure, wealth, and the
blending of worlds.

VOCABULARY
1. Trade: The action of buying, selling, or
exchanging goods or services.
2. Significant: Important or noteworthy.
3. Influenced: Having an effect on the
character, development, or behavior of
someone or something.
4. Cuisine: A style or method of cooking,
especially as characteristic of a particular
country, region, or establishment.
5. Century: A period of one hundred years.
6. Worth Its Weight in Gold: Extremely
valuable or useful.
7. Sought After: In high demand; desired
by many.
8. Medicinal: Related to the treatment of
disease or illness.
9. Properties: Characteristics or attributes
of something.
10. Exotic: Originating in or characteristic of
a distant foreign country; often seen as
excitingly different or unusual.
11. A Pivotal Role: A role of crucial
importance in the development or
success of something.
12. To Shape Something: To influence the
development or character of something.
13. Continent: One of the earth's large land
masses (like Asia, Africa, Europe, etc.).
14. Commonplace: Ordinary or usual;
frequently seen or experienced.
15. Blend: To mix or combine together
substances or elements.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

5. STREET FOODS IN
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Southeast Asia is celebrated for its
vibrant street food culture, offering
an array of flavors that encapsulate
QUESTIONS
the essence of each country. In
Thailand, one can savor the famous Question 1: What is a characteristic
Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish with flavour profile of Pad Thai?
a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, A. Bitter and salty
and spicy flavors. Meanwhile, in B. Sweet, sour, and spicy
Vietnam, the iconic Pho, a C. Sweet and creamy
comforting noodle soup with beef or D. Umami and smoky
chicken, embodies the fresh and
aromatic characteristics of Question 2: What does street food in
Vietnamese cuisine. Street food in Southeast Asia offer besides meals?
these regions is not just about quick A. Cooking lessons
and affordable meals; it's an B. Free ingredients
immersive experience. The bustling C. An immersive cultural
markets and roadside stalls provide a experience
glimpse into the everyday life of D. Luxury dining settings
locals, making street food a must-try
for any traveler seeking to
experience the true spirit of
Southeast Asia.

VOCABULARY
1. Vibrant: Full of energy and life; bright
and striking.
2. Array: A wide range or large
collection of things.
3. Encapsulate: To sum up or contain
the most important aspects of
something.
4. Essence: The basic, most important
characteristic or quality of something.
5. Savour: To enjoy or appreciate
something fully, especially by taking
time to do so.
6. Harmonious: Forming a pleasing or
consistent whole; well-matched.
7. Iconic: Widely recognized and well-
established as a symbol of something.
8. To Comfort: To provide solace or
reassurance; to make someone feel
better.
9. Embody: To represent or express
something in a tangible or visible
form.
10. Aromatic: Having a pleasant and
distinctive smell.
11. Affordable: Reasonably priced; not
too expensive.
12. Immersive: Providing a completely
engaging or absorbing experience.
13. Bustling: Full of busy activity; lively.
14. Glimpse: A brief or quick view or look.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

6. FRENCH PASTRIES
French pastries, a symbol of culinary

elegance, are renowned for their
delicate flavors and intricate
QUESTIONS
craftsmanship. From the flaky layers
of a croissant to the rich, creamy Question 1: What is required to make
filling of an éclair, these pastries are classic French pastries?
the result of a deep tradition of A. Common kitchen equipment
baking. The process of making B. Exotic ingredients
classic French pastries, like the mille- C. Precision and skill
feuille or macaron, requires precision D. Quick and easy techniques
and skill, often taking years for a
pastry chef to master. These Question 2: What do French pastries
delectable creations are not just symbolize beyond their taste?
desserts; they are a celebration of A. Affordable snacking options
French culture and artistry. Enjoying B. Convenience and fast service
a pastry in a quaint Parisian café, C. French culture and artistry
with its exquisite taste and artful D. Healthy dessert choices
presentation, is an experience that
goes beyond mere eating. It's a foray
into a world of refined flavors and
textures.

VOCABULARY
1. Symbol: An object, sign, or image that
represents something else.
2. Culinary: Related to cooking or the
kitchen.
3. Elegance: The quality of being graceful
and stylish in appearance or manner.
4. Delicate: Fine in texture or structure;
easily damaged or broken.
5. Intricate: Very complicated or detailed.
6. Craftsmanship: The skill involved in
making something in a skilled way.
7. Flaky: Breaking or separating easily into
small, thin pieces.
8. Filling: A substance put inside
something else, especially food.
9. Precision: The quality of being exact and
accurate.
10. Delectable: Extremely delicious or tasty.
11. Quaint: Attractively unusual or old-
fashioned.
12. Exquisite: Extremely beautiful and
delicate.
13. Artful: Skillful, especially in a creative
way.
14. Mere: Used to emphasize how small or
insignificant someone or something is.
15. Foray: A sudden attack or incursion into
enemy territory, especially to obtain
something; a venture into some field of
endeavor.
16. Refined: Elegant and cultured in
appearance, manner, or taste.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

7. THE COFFEE CULTURE IN
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
Coffee, a beloved beverage
worldwide, is enjoyed in various
unique ways across different
QUESTIONS
cultures. In Italy, espresso is an
essential part of daily life, often Question 1: What does the Ethiopian
consumed quickly while standing at coffee ceremony emphasize?
a café bar. Contrastingly, in Ethiopia, A. Business deals
the birthplace of coffee, the coffee B. Hospitality and ritual
ceremony is an elaborate ritual C. Quick consumption
involving roasting, brewing, and D. The strength of the coffee
multiple servings, reflecting the
importance of hospitality. In Brazil, a Question 2: How is coffee typically
major coffee producer, a cafézinho, a consumed in Italy?
small, strong cup of coffee, is a A. In large, leisurely servings
common welcoming gesture in B. Mixed with spices
homes and businesses. Each C. Quickly, often while standing
country's coffee culture not only D. With a lot of milk and sugar
reflects its approach to this universal
drink but also offers insight into its
social and cultural nuances.

VOCABULARY
1. Beverage: A drink of any type.
2. Unique: Being the only one of its kind;
unlike anything else.
3. Essential: Absolutely necessary or
extremely important.
4. Consume: To eat or drink something.
5. Contrastingly: In a way that is
strikingly different when compared.
6. Birthplace: The place where a person
was born or where something
originated.
7. Ritual: A set of actions performed as
part of a ceremony or as a habitual
practice.
8. Gesture: A movement of part of the
body, especially the hands or head, to
express an idea or meaning.
9. Reflect: To think deeply or carefully
about something.
10. Nuance: A subtle difference in or
shade of meaning, expression, or
sound.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

8. MEDITERRANEAN DIET
The Mediterranean diet, inspired by

the eating habits of countries
bordering the Mediterranean Sea, is
QUESTIONS
acclaimed for its health benefits.
Central to this diet are foods like olive Question 1: What is a primary
oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole component of the Mediterranean
grains, nuts, and fish, with minimal diet?
intake of red meat. Olive oil, rich in A. High consumption of red meat
monounsaturated fats, is used B. High intake of processed foods
extensively, replacing other fats and C. Use of olive oil
oils. The diet also includes moderate D. Use of strong spices
consumption of wine, particularly red
wine, known for its heart-healthy Question 2: What aspect besides
properties. This dietary pattern not food does the Mediterranean diet
only contributes to longevity but also emphasize?
to a reduced risk of heart disease and A. Competitive cooking
other chronic conditions. The B. Eating quickly
Mediterranean diet is more than a C. Meal enjoyment with others
set of food choices; it's a sustainable D. Strict calorie counting
lifestyle that emphasizes healthy
eating and enjoying meals with
family and friends.

VOCABULARY
1. Inspire: To fill someone with the urge
or ability to do or feel something,
especially something creative.
2. Bordering: Being next to or adjacent
to something.
3. Acclaimed: Praised enthusiastically
and publicly.
4. Minimal: Of a minimum amount,
quantity, or degree; barely adequate.
5. Intake: The amount of something,
like food or drink, that is taken into
the body.
6. Monounsaturated: Refers to fats with
only one double-bonded
(unsaturated) carbon in the molecule,
typically found in healthy fats like
olive oil.
7. Extensively: Widely or thoroughly.
8. Consumption: The action of using up
a resource or the act of eating or
drinking something.
9. Dietary: Related to or provided by a
diet.
10. Longevity: Long life; the length of
time that someone or something
lives.
11. Chronic: (Of an illness) persisting for a
long time or constantly recurring.
12. Sustainable: Able to be maintained at
a certain rate or level; not depleting
resources or causing severe ecological
damage.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

9. INDIAN CURRY
Indian curry is a culinary marvel

known for its incredible variety and
complexity. It's not a single dish but a
QUESTIONS
category that includes numerous
recipes with a range of flavors and Question 1: What is a common base
ingredients. The base typically for many Indian curries?
consists of a mix of spices like A. Cheese and cream
turmeric, cumin, coriander, and B. Chocolate and sugar
garam masala, combined with C. Mix of spices
ingredients like tomatoes, onions, D. Pasta and rice
and garlic. Every region in India has
its unique take on curry; from the Question 2: What does Indian curry
creamy, mild kormas of the north to represent in India?
the fiery fish curries of the south. A. A fast food option
Curry in India is more than just a food B. A luxury food item
item; it's a part of the cultural fabric, C. A part of the cultural fabric
representing a mosaic of regional D. A seasonal dish
cuisines and influences, and an
essential element of any traditional
meal.

VOCABULARY
1. Marvel: To be filled with wonder or
astonishment.
2. Complexity: The state of being
intricate or complicated.
3. Numerous: Great in number; many.
4. Typically: In a way that is usual or
expected; normally.
5. Consist of: To be made up or
composed of.
6. Combine: To bring or join together to
form a single entity.
7. Mild: Gentle or not severe; moderate
in type or degree.
8. Fiery: Having a passionate, intense, or
spirited quality; can also mean very
hot like fire.
9. Represent: To stand for or symbolize
something.
10. Mosaic: A pattern or picture made
using many small pieces of colored
stone or glass.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

10. TEA TRADITIONS AROUND
THE WORLD
Tea is not just a beverage; it's a
global tradition with various cultural
significances. In Britain, tea time is a
QUESTIONS
daily ritual, often accompanied by
biscuits or small sandwiches. It's a Question 1: What is an essential
moment for relaxation and polite aspect of the Japanese tea
conversation. In Japan, the tea ceremony?
ceremony, known as Chanoyu, is a A. Adding a lot of sugar
highly ritualized practice focusing on B. Casual and quick serving
Zen principles of harmony, respect, C. Focusing on Zen principles
purity, and tranquility. In Morocco, D. Serving with biscuits
serving mint tea is an act of
hospitality, often prepared with Question 2: What does serving mint
green tea, mint, and a generous tea in Morocco symbolize?
amount of sugar. Each of these A. A sign of good health
traditions shows how tea transcends B. An act of hospitality
its role as a mere drink, becoming a C. A religious practice
way to express cultural values and D. A traditional morning ritual
social customs.

VOCABULARY
1. Significance: The quality of being important
or the meaning of something.
2. Accompany: To go with someone as a
companion or to be present or occur at the
same time as something.
3. Polite: Showing good manners or respect to
others.
4. Ceremony: A formal event or ritual
performed on a special occasion.
5. Ritualised: Made into a ritual or performed
as a ritual.
6. Harmony: A pleasing combination or
arrangement of different things; or a state of
peace and agreement.
7. Purity: The quality of being pure; free from
contamination.
8. Tranquility: A state of peace and quiet.
9. Hospitality: The friendly and generous
reception and entertainment of guests,
visitors, or strangers.
10. Generous: Showing a readiness to give more
of something, especially money or time, than
is strictly necessary or expected.
11. Transcend: To go beyond the limits of; to
surpass.
12. Custom: A traditional and widely accepted
way of behaving or doing something specific
to a particular society, place, or time.
13.

YOUR EXAMPLES:
enjoy the process

COMPLETION LIST
Book: Date:
Passage Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1. The History of Pizza
2. Vegan Diets
3. Japanese Sushi
4. The Spice Trade
5. Street Foods in Southeast Asia
6. French Pastries
7. Coffee Culture in Different Countries
8. Mediterranean Diet
9. Indian Diet
10. Tea Traditions Around the World
ANSWERS
1. THE HISTORY OF PIZZA 1) B 2) A
2. VEGAN DIETS 1) A 2) B
3. JAPANESE SUSHI 1) B 2) B
4. THE SPICE TRADE 1) B 2) B
5. STREET FOODS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 1) B 2) C
6. FRENCH PASTRIES 1) C 2) C
7. THE COFFEE CULTURE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES 1) B 2) C
8. MEDITERRANEAN DIET 1) C 2) C
9. INDIAN CURRY 1) C 2) C
10. TEA TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD 1) C 2) B
ANSWERS
1. THE HISTORY OF PIZZA 1) B 2) A
2. VEGAN DIETS 1) A 2) B
3. JAPANESE SUSHI 1) B 2) B
4. THE SPICE TRADE 1) B 2) B
5. STREET FOODS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 1) B 2) C
6. FRENCH PASTRIES 1) C 2) C
7. THE COFFEE CULTURE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES 1) B 2) C
8. MEDITERRANEAN DIET 1) C 2) C
9. INDIAN CURRY 1) C 2) C
10. TEA TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD 1) C 2) B
TESTIMONIALS
OLIVIA WILSON WORKBOOK

THANK YOU
FOR READING!
STEW SENSEI
YOUR BRITISH
ENGLISH TEACHER
WWW.BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM
STEWSENSEIENGLISH@GMAIL.COM

Food 1 Reading Comprehension

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Food 1 Reading Comprehension

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STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.

4. THE SPICE TRADE

5. STREET FOODS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

7. THE COFFEE CULTURE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

10. TEA TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

This e-book is going to focus on the reading and

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

Pizza, one of the most beloved foods

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

The vegan diet, which excludes all

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

Sushi, a renowned Japanese cuisine,

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

French pastries, a symbol of culinary

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

The Mediterranean diet, inspired by

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

Indian curry is a culinary marvel

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

STEW SENSEI BRITISHPRONUNCIATION.COM

enjoy the process

1. The History of Pizza

4. The Spice Trade

5. Street Foods in Southeast Asia

7. Coffee Culture in Different Countries

10. Tea Traditions Around the World

OLIVIA WILSON WORKBOOK

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