NAME: _________________________________________ DATE: ______________

SECTION: ________________
Read the selection and answer the questions below.
The Art of Cooking
Cooking is not merely a daily necessity; it is an art form that transcends the
boundaries of sustenance, turning ordinary ingredients into extraordinary creations. The
kitchen is the canvas, and the chef is the artist, skillfully blending flavors, textures, and
aromas to produce a symphony for the senses.
At its core, cooking is a celebration of diversity—diversity in ingredients,
techniques, and cultural influences. From the fiery spices of Indian cuisine to the delicate
precision of Japanese sushi, every culinary tradition tells a story. The art of cooking is a
global tapestry woven with threads of tradition, innovation, and passion.
One cannot underestimate the importance of creativity in the kitchen. A skilled chef
is akin to a maestro, orchestrating a harmonious blend of colors, flavors, and
presentation. The arrangement of a dish on the plate is as crucial as the taste itself, for it
engages not only the taste buds but also the eyes, inviting the diner to savor the
experience in its entirety.
Furthermore, the art of cooking is an ever-evolving journey. Culinary trends shift,
new ingredients emerge, and innovative techniques redefine the possibilities. A true artist
in the kitchen remains open to experimentation, constantly pushing the boundaries of
culinary imagination. It's a dance of tradition and innovation, where respect for the classics
coexists with a willingness to embrace the new.
Cooking is a universal language that connects people across cultures. A shared
meal has the power to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and create memories. The
aromas wafting from a kitchen can evoke nostalgia, bringing forth the warmth of home
and the comfort of tradition.
In conclusion, the art of cooking goes beyond the realm of preparing meals; it is a
dynamic, cultural, and creative expression. Whether practiced by professional chefs in
high-end restaurants or home cooks experimenting with family recipes, cooking is a
testament to the beauty of diversity and the joy found in the simple act of sharing a
delicious meal.
VOCABULARY ENHANCEMENT: Write the letter of your answer on the blank.
_____1. HIGH-END A. IMPORTANT
_____2. DIVERSITY B. DIFFERENCE
_____3. AKIN C. LIMIT OR END
_____4. FOSTER D. SUPERIOR QUALITY
E. CONTINUALLY
_____5. BOUNDARIES
F. SIMILAR
_____6. BLEND G. FULLNESS
_____7. NOSTALGIA H. ENCOURAGE
_____8. CONSTANTLY I. COMBINE
_____9. ENTIRETY J. YEARNING OR DESIRE
_____10. CRUCIAL K. INSPIRE
_____11. SYMPHONY L. KINGDOM OR FIELD
M. BALANCE OR HARMONY
_____12. REDEFINE
N. SOFT OR FINE
_____13. DELICATE O. FORMULATE OR TRANSFORM
_____14. REALM
_____15. EVOKE
MULTIPLE CHOICE: Encircle the letter of your answer.

1. What does the essay describe as the kitchen in the art of cooking?
A. The gallery B. The canvas C. The museum D. The stage
2. According to the essay, what is cooking beyond?
A. A daily chore B. A cultural tapestry C. A basic necessity D. A routine
task
3. What does the comparison between a chef and a maestro imply?
A. Chefs are not skilled. B. Cooking is not an art form.
C. Cooking involves orchestrating elements. D. Maestros are not creative.
4. Why is the arrangement of a dish on the plate emphasized in the essay?
A. It affects the taste only. B. It engages the eyes and taste buds.
C. It is a tradition. D. It is not important.
5. What is the significance of creativity in the kitchen according to the essay?
A. It is not important. B. It leads to a lack of tradition.
C. It enhances the culinary experience. D. It is limited to professional chefs.
6. How does the essay describe a skilled chef?
A. A magician B. A maestro C. A scientist D. A historian
7. What is described as a dance in the essay?
A. The act of cooking B. The presentation of a dish
C. The blending of flavors D. The combination of tradition and innovation
8. What does the essay say about the importance of tradition in cooking?
A. It is irrelevant. B. It stifles creativity.
C. It coexists with innovation. D. It is the only aspect to focus on.
9. What power does a shared meal have, according to the essay?
A. The power to create conflict B. The power to divide people
C. The power to bridge gaps D. The power to erase memories
10. What does the essay say about the ever-evolving nature of cooking?
A. It remains stagnant. B. It is unchanging.
C. It is dynamic and evolving. D. It is limited to specific cuisines.
11. What is described as the universal language in the essay?
A. Written word B. Cooking C. Music D. Visual arts
12. What emotion does the essay associate with the aromas from a kitchen?
A. Sadness B. Nostalgia C. Anger D. Fear
13. What does the essay say about the kitchen being a stage?
A. It is not relevant. B. It is a performance space.
C. It is a laboratory. D. It is a museum.
14. What is the kitchen compared to in the essay?
A. A prison B. A gallery C. A garden D. A desert
15. What is the primary metaphor used to describe cooking in the essay?
A. A puzzle B. A journey C. A dance D. A competition

KEY ANSWER
TEST I. TEST II
1. D 1. B
2. B 2. B
3. F 3. C
4. H 4. B
5. C
5. C
6. B
6. I 7. D
7.J 8. C
8. E 9. C
9. G 10. C
10. A 11.B
11. M 12. B
13. B
12. O
14. C
13. N 15. B
14. L
15. K