The History of Chocolate
Read The History of Chocolate and check the IELTS Reading answers. Chocolate is now perceived as a ubiquitous indulgence, whether consumed as confectionery or a beverage, readily accessible in global markets. However, it may come as a surprise that chocolate was once regarded as a commodity of extr…
Passage preview
Chocolate is now perceived as a ubiquitous indulgence, whether consumed as confectionery or a beverage, readily accessible in global markets. However, it may come as a surprise that chocolate was once regarded as a commodity of extraordinary value. The discovery of the cocoa tree, the source of chocolate, occurred approximately 2,000 years ago in the lush tropical rain forests of the Americas. The evolution of the chocolate from a regionally significant Mesoamerican drink to globally consumed confectionery has been shaped through cross-continental cultural exchanges and the successive influences of multiple civilisations.
Vocabulary from this passage
11 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- affluent adjective
Having a great deal of money; wealthy
Luxury brands often target affluent consumers in major metropolitan areas.
- commodity noun
A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold
Oil is a valuable global commodity that influences international relations.
- cultivation noun
The action of cultivating land or growing crops; the process of trying to acquire or develop a quality
The cultivation of rice requires specific irrigation techniques.
- fluctuation noun
An irregular rising and falling in number or amount; a variation
Market fluctuation can significantly impact the value of investments.
- foster verb
To encourage or promote the development of something, typically something desirable
The program aims to foster innovation among young entrepreneurs.
- integral adjective
Necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental
Trust is an integral component of any successful business partnership.
- meticulously adverb
In a way that shows great attention to detail; very thoroughly
The data was meticulously analyzed to ensure the accuracy of the results.
- prestigious adjective
Inspiring respect and admiration; having high status
Receiving the Nobel Prize is the most prestigious honor in the scientific community.
- scarcity noun
The state of being scarce or in short supply; a shortage
The scarcity of clean water is a pressing issue in many arid regions.
- strenuous adjective
Requiring or using great exertion or physical energy
Hiking up the mountain was a strenuous activity that required high endurance.
- ubiquitous adjective
Present, appearing, or found everywhere simultaneously; existing pervasively
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society, altering social interactions.
Answers with explanations
- 27. F
The paragraph describes the **pod-shaped fruits** and explicitly states they contain the **beans used in chocolate production**. This identifies the **part of the cocoa tree** used. Answer: F.
- 28. H
The paragraph provides specific statistics on **chocolate consumption**, noting that **Americans consume over five kilogrammes... per person**. This matches the information about **annual consumption per capita in the United States**. Answer: H.
- 29. F
The paragraph compares farmed (cultivated) trees with wild ones, stating that those **grown on farms** are **more vulnerable to disease and pests** (insects). This matches the information about the **higher likelihood** of attacks on **cultivated trees**. Answer: F.
- 30. E
The paragraph mentions that the **Spanish elite** were the first to develop a **taste for sweetened chocolate drinks**. This identifies the **community** with this specific **preference**. Answer: E.
- 31. D
The paragraph explains that the **Aztec civilisation** (ancient Mexicans) could not grow cocoa and instead **sourced cocoa beans** through **trade networks**. This describes the **approach** used to **acquire** them. Answer: D.
- 32. FALSE
The statement claims the ruling class **forbade** the use of cocoa in rituals. The text explicitly states that the **aristocracy** (ruling class) **consumed** chocolate during **ceremonies** (rituals), which contradicts the idea that they forbade it. Answer: FALSE.
- 33. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims Cortés made an **investment**. The text says he **recognised the potential economic value** and exported supplies, but does **not mention** him making a financial **investment**. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 34. FALSE
The statement claims **wild** cocoa trees are **more susceptible** to disease. The text states the opposite: trees **grown on farms** (cultivated) are **more vulnerable** than wild ones. Answer: FALSE.
- 35. TRUE
The statement claims **some seeds are discarded**. The text mentions that workers **sort** the beans (implying the removal of unsuitable ones) and extract the **outer shells**. The sorting process supports the claim that some material (bad seeds/parts) is removed/discarded. Answer: TRUE.
- 36. TRUE
The statement claims chocolate enjoys **more prestige** in **Europe and the United States**. The text confirms its **reputation remains most prominent** in these regions. Answer: TRUE.
- 37. outer shells
The diagram involves **stripping** the seeds. The text states that workers extract the **outer shells** after roasting. This fits the description of stripping/extracting the outer layer. Answer: outer shells.
- 38. chocolate liquor
The diagram shows **crushing** produces a substance. The text states nibs are **ground** (crushed) into a paste known as **chocolate liquor**. Answer: chocolate liquor.
- 39. cocoa butter
The diagram mentions mixing with **sweeteners**, **liquid dairy** (milk), and another substance. The text lists **sugar**, **milk**, and **cocoa butter** as the ingredients blended with the liquor. Answer: cocoa butter.
- 40. moulds
The diagram mentions manufacturing diverse shapes in **[40]**. The text states the mixture is placed into **moulds** to create these forms. Answer: moulds.