علوم قرآن و حدیث

The History of Coffee نمونه سوال ریدینگ آزمون SAT درک مطلب زبان انگلیسی

The History of Coffee

Coffee, the world's most popular beverage after water, boasts a rich and fascinating history Its origins trace back to the Ethiopian highlands, where legend tells of a goat herder named Kaldi noticing his goats behaving unusually energetic after eating berries from a certain tree Intrigued, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced similar effects, leading to the discovery of coffee's stimulating properties

From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation spread to Yemen, where it became a cherished commodity and fueled the growth of Sufi monasteries Coffee beans were initially chewed or boiled into a thick, paste-like drink Over time, the beans were roasted and brewed, evolving into the familiar coffee we know today

Coffeehouses emerged in the Middle East as vibrant social hubs, fostering intellectual discourse and artistic expression They even became centers of political intrigue, leading some rulers to ban coffee altogether, fearing its potential to fuel dissent

Coffee eventually reached Europe in the 17th century, sparking initial resistance due to its perceived exotic and potentially harmful nature However, its popularity soared, leading to the establishment of coffeehouses across Europe, which served as centers of enlightenment and revolutionary ideas

Today, coffee is a global phenomenon, enjoyed by billions of people in diverse forms and rituals From the traditional Turkish cezve to the modern espresso machine, coffee continues to evolve and captivate, remaining a deeply ingrained part of our daily lives

Question

Based on the passage, what is the MAIN reason coffee was initially banned in some parts of the Middle East?

(A) Its bitter taste was considered unpleasant
(B) Its association with foreign cultures was frowned upon
(C) Its stimulating properties were believed to be harmful
(D) Its popularity threatened the authority of existing establishments
(E) Its use in religious ceremonies was deemed sacrilegious

Answer

The correct answer is (D) The passage states that coffeehouses became centers of political intrigue, leading some rulers to fear their potential to fuel dissent and challenge their authority