Passage 1: The History of Tea

Tea is believed to have been discovered by Chinese Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 BCE, during a time when the emperor was focused on improving agricultural techniques and the health of his people. Legend has it that while Shen Nong was boiling water for sanitation purposes, a few leaves from a nearby wild tea bush were blown into the pot by the wind. Intrigued by the fragrance, Shen Nong tasted the infusion and was struck by its refreshing qualities. While this story may be apocryphal, tea’s origins undoubtedly lie in China, where it became a staple of the Chinese diet, valued for both its taste and its medicinal properties. From there, it spread to Korea and Japan, often associated with rituals and spirituality.

In the early 17th century, Dutch and Portuguese traders were the first Europeans to introduce tea to their home countries. However, it was the British East India Company, which monopolized trade with Asia, that played the most crucial role in spreading tea to Europe, particularly in Britain. Tea quickly became popular in England, with its consumption growing exponentially during the 18th century, as it was no longer a luxury item reserved for the elite. British demand for tea grew to the point where it dramatically affected the nation’s economy, resulting in the trade imbalance between Britain and China. To address this, the British began cultivating tea in their colonies, most notably in India. The first tea plantations were established in Assam and Darjeeling, regions whose unique climates were ideal for tea cultivation.

By the 19th century, tea production had expanded beyond China and India to include Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon). After a fungus wiped out the island's coffee plantations, tea quickly filled the economic void. Today, Sri Lanka remains one of the world’s largest tea exporters, alongside India and China. The variety of tea has also expanded over time, with green tea, black tea, oolong, and various herbal infusions now widely consumed globally.

Despite its ancient origins, tea continues to hold cultural significance across the world. In Britain, afternoon tea is a time-honored tradition, while in Japan, the tea ceremony, or chanoyu, represents a highly ritualized and meditative practice. Similarly, in China, the art of tea drinking, known as chadao, reflects a deep connection between tea, mindfulness, and tranquility.

1. According to the passage, what contributed to the expansion of tea consumption beyond China's borders in ancient times?

2. How did the British East India Company influence the global tea trade?

3. What economic impact did tea have on Britain in the 18th century?

4. Why did tea production expand in Sri Lanka in the 19th century?

5. Which of the following best describes the cultural role of tea in Japan, according to the passage?