Comprehension

Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The Story of Coffee
Coffee, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, has a rich and captivating history that spans centuries. The story of coffee begins in the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where, according to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee beans. One day, Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking with unusual energy after eating red berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried the berries himself and experienced a newfound alertness. This discovery soon spread to monasteries, where monks used it to stay awake during long hours of prayer. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Yemen, where the practice of roasting coffee beans and brewing the drink began to take shape. By the 15th century, coffee had become a popular beverage in the Islamic world, with coffee houses known as ‘qahveh khaneh’ emerging as social hubs for conversation, music, and intellectual exchange. These coffee houses became centers of culture and commerce, influencing the spread of coffee to Turkey and beyond, eventually reaching Europe. In Europe, coffee initially faced resistance from religious authorities who considered it a ‘Muslim drink’ and tried to ban it. However, its popularity persisted, and by the 17th century, coffee houses had sprung up in major European cities, becoming important gathering places for artists, writers, and thinkers. The stimulating effects of coffee were embraced during the Age of Enlightenment, where it was seen as a catalyst for intellectual discussion and innovation. The journey of coffee continued with the establishment of colonial plantations in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. These plantations fuelled the global demand for coffee, transforming it from a regional specialty to a major commodity. The industrial revolution further accelerated coffee production and consumption, leading to innovations in coffee brewing methods and the development of instant coffee. In the modern era, coffee has evolved into a deeply ingrained part of daily life for people worldwide. Its cultural significance spans from the bustling cafes of Paris to the quiet coffee farms of Colombia. Today, coffee remains not only a popular beverage but also a symbol of social interaction, productivity, and enjoyment. Whether sipped slowly over a conversation with friends or grabbed hastily on the way to work, the story of coffee continues to unfold, intertwining with the histories and cultures of countless societies across the globe.

Question: 1

What did Kaldi observe that led to the discovery of coffee?

  • Monks brewing coffee in a monastery
  • Goats eating red berries and becoming energetic
  • Coffee beans being roasted in a coffee house
  • Coffee plantations being established
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Kaldi, a goat herder, noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating red berries from a particular tree. This led to the discovery of coffee’s stimulating effects.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (B).
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Question: 2

How did the Industrial Revolution impact coffee consumption?

  • It led to the decline of coffee popularity
  • It resulted in the establishment of coffee plantations in Europe
  • It accelerated coffee production and introduced new brewing methods
  • It made coffee an exclusive drink for the wealthy
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The Industrial Revolution led to faster production and new innovations in brewing methods, including the creation of instant coffee.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (C).
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Question: 3

Consider the following statement - Coffee originated in Ethiopia and quickly spread to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, where it became popular. Which of the following best supports the statement?

  • Coffee houses transformed into vital centers of cultural exchange and economic activity within the Islamic world
  • Monastic communities utilized coffee as a means to enhance concentration during extended periods of prayer
  • The invigorating properties of coffee gained significant appreciation among intellectuals during the Age of Enlightenment
  • The dissemination of coffee from Ethiopia catalyzed its cultivation across various regions, including Turkey and Europe
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The passage highlights how coffee spread from Ethiopia to the Arabian Peninsula, Turkey, and Europe, influencing cultivation in multiple regions.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (D).
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Question: 4

Statement 1: The introduction of coffee to the European market was met with immediate acceptance and no resistance from religious authorities.
Statement 2: The cultural significance of coffee houses in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment extended beyond mere beverage consumption to become venues for political and philosophical discourse.

  • Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true
  • Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false
  • Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true
  • Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Statement 1 is false because coffee faced initial resistance from religious authorities in Europe. Statement 2 is true because coffee houses became important centers for intellectual discussions.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (C).
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Question: 5

What does the phrase ‘emerging as social hubs’ mean in the context of the passage?

  • Gradually becoming popular locations for individual study and reflection
  • Gradually becoming isolated areas with limited social activity and interaction
  • Transforming into commercial businesses with some community involvement
  • Developing into centers for community interaction and cultural exchange
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The phrase refers to coffee houses transforming into gathering places for people to engage in social interaction, music, and intellectual discussions.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (D).
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Question: 6

Which of the following words is a synonym for “cultivation” as used in the context of the passage?

  • Development
  • Tending
  • Growth
  • Destruction
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

“Cultivation” in the passage refers to the development of coffee cultivation into a major global commodity, not just its physical growth.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (A).
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Question: 7

Which among the following sentences uses the word ‘frolicking’ in the same sense as used in the passage?

  • The athletes were frolicking about their training regimen before the competition
  • The children were frolicking along the beach, their joy palpable in the cool evening air
  • She found the frolicking music to be very relaxing during her study session
  • The artist spent the afternoon frolicking with her paintbrushes on the canvas
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

“Frolicking” in the passage refers to lively, energetic movement, similar to the joy expressed in the sentence about the children on the beach.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (B).
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Question: 8

Statement 1: The spread of coffee cultivation in tropical regions was solely driven by domestic consumption in Ethiopia.
Statement 2: The global demand for coffee prompted the establishment of plantations in various parts of the world, significantly influencing trade patterns.

  • Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true
  • Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false
  • Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true
  • Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because coffee spread beyond Ethiopia due to global demand. Statement 2 is correct as the global demand led to coffee plantations worldwide.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (C).
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Question: 9

What factors contributed to the transformation of coffee from a regional specialty to a major global commodity?

  • The establishment of colonial plantations and the growing global demand for coffee
  • The initial rejection of coffee by European consumers and its subsequent revival
  • The decrease in the prominence of coffee houses and a transition to home brewing
  • The popularity of instant coffee and a growing preference for tea instead of coffee
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The transformation of coffee into a global commodity was driven by colonial plantations and the rising global demand for coffee.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (A).
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Question: 10

In what ways has coffee maintained its cultural significance in modern society?

  • Coffee is only enjoyed in traditional ceremonies and has lost its daily appeal
  • Coffee is now primarily consumed in fast food chains, diminishing its cultural role
  • Coffee has become a luxury item, only accessible to wealthy consumers
  • Coffee remains a popular beverage and symbolizes social interaction
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Coffee continues to be a widely enjoyed beverage, playing a key role in social gatherings and cultural practices.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (D).
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