VIII. Examination Questions Design
Summarize the following article in around 300 words. Based on your summary, design FIVE cloze test questions and four reading comprehension questions with the integrated question (混合題) being the
last question for TNGS 11th graders(10%). The multiple-choice questions should have four options. The correct answer should be given to your designed questions.
The history of coffee extends far beyond its contemporary status as one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages. Originating in the highlands of Ethiopia, coffee initially functioned not merely as a
stimulant but also as a cultural and spiritual resource embedded within local traditions. According to widely circulated accounts, Ethiopian herders first noticed that their goats exhibited unusual bursts of energy after
consuming the bright red berries of a certain shrub. Intrigued by this phenomenon, local religious practitioners began experimenting with the plant. Eventually, they discovered that brewing the berries into a
drink enabled them to remain alert during extended periods of nocturnal prayer and meditation. In this way,coffee gradually became integrated into the religious and social fabric of early Ethiopian communities.
From Ethiopia, coffee spread across the Red Sea to the Arabian Peninsula, where it gained particular prominence in Yemen by the fifteenth century. In this region, coffee cultivation expanded significantly, and
the beverage assumed both practical and social importance. Coffee was valued for its stimulating properties,which helped scholars and laborers maintain concentration during long hours of study or work. At the same
time, it began to play an essential role in the social life of cities throughout the Islamic world. Coffeehouses—known as qahveh khaneh—emerged as vibrant gathering places where people engaged in
conversation, listened to music, played games such as chess, and exchanged news. These establishments often became centers of intellectual activity where discussions on religion, politics, and literature flourished.
As a result, coffeehouses sometimes attracted suspicion from authorities who feared that the open exchange of ideas might encourage dissent or political unrest.
The introduction of coffee into Europe during the seventeenth century marked a turning point in its global history. European merchants, particularly those from the Venetian trading networks, encountered coffee
through their commercial interactions with the Ottoman Empire and quickly recognized its potential appeal.Although the beverage was initially viewed with curiosity—and occasionally with skepticism—it soon gained widespread popularity. Coffeehouses began to appear in cities such as London, Paris, Vienna, and Amsterdam. These establishments served as important social and intellectual hubs, where merchants,
scientists, writers, and politicians gathered to discuss the issues of the day.
In England, coffeehouses became so influential that they earned the nickname “penny universities,” since for the price of a single cup of coffee, patrons could participate in lively debates and gain access to
newspapers, pamphlets, and scholarly discussions. Many historians argue that these venues contributed significantly to the development of the Enlightenment, a period characterized by the expansion of scientific
inquiry, philosophical debate, and political reform. The open exchange of ideas within coffeehouses helped foster a more informed public and encouraged the spread of new intellectual movements.
Beyond its cultural significance, coffee also played a major role in shaping global trade and economic systems. European colonial powers soon recognized the commercial potential of coffee cultivation and
sought to establish plantations in their overseas territories. Coffee plants were transplanted to tropical regions in the Americas, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Over time, countries such as Brazil, Colombia,
Indonesia, and Vietnam emerged as major producers of coffee. These plantations often relied on complex labor systems and extensive agricultural knowledge, reflecting the broader dynamics of colonial expansion
and global commerce.
The geographical distribution of coffee cultivation is largely determined by environmental factors. Coffee plants thrive in regions characterized by moderate temperatures, fertile soil, and consistent rainfall. For this
reason, most coffee production occurs within a region known as the “Coffee Belt,” a tropical zone that stretches around the globe between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Farmers within this
zone have developed specialized cultivation techniques to manage pests, maintain soil fertility, and optimize crop yields.
Scientific research has also revealed fascinating insights into the biological properties of the coffee plant. The stimulating effects of coffee are primarily produced by caffeine, a natural compound that acts on the
human nervous system to increase alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue. Interestingly, caffeine also serves an ecological purpose for the plant itself. It functions as a natural pesticide that deters insects from feeding on the leaves and seeds of the coffee plant. Furthermore, some studies suggest that small amounts of caffeine present in the nectar of coffee flowers may enhance the memory of pollinating insects such as bees, encouraging them to return repeatedly to the same plants and thereby improving pollination efficiency.
The distinctive flavor and aroma of coffee arise largely during the roasting process. When coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures, hundreds of chemical reactions occur, producing a complex mixture of
aromatic compounds. Scientists have identified more than eight hundred such compounds in roasted coffee,which explains why coffee can exhibit an extraordinary range of flavors and scents—from chocolate and
caramel to fruit, nuts, and spices. The precise flavor profile of a particular coffee depends on numerous factors, including the plant variety, soil composition, altitude, and roasting technique.
In modern society, coffee has become deeply embedded in daily life and social rituals across cultures. Cafés and coffee shops function as informal meeting spaces where individuals gather to work, socialize, or conduct business. In many cities, these establishments serve as extensions of public space, providing environments conducive to creativity, collaboration, and intellectual exchange. At the same time, coffee remains a vital economic commodity in the global marketplace, supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers, exporters,and workers involved in its production and distribution.
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