The Global Story of Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world,
consumed by millions of people every single day. The fascinating
story of coffee begins in the ancient cloud forests of Ethiopia.
According to an old legend, a young goat herder named Kaldi
noticed that his goats became extremely energetic after eating
red berries from a specific bush. The goats were so lively that
they refused to sleep at night. Kaldi decided to try the berries
himself and experienced the same sudden burst of energy. Word
of these amazing berries quickly spread to the Arabian
Peninsula, where people first began to roast and brew the beans
in the 15th century. This process created a dark, warm drink very
similar to the coffee we enjoy today. Soon, lively coffeehouses
opened across the Middle East. These shops became essential
social spaces where citizens gathered to converse, play games,
listen to music, and debate politics. In the 17th century,
European traders brought coffee back to their home countries.
Although some people were initially suspicious of the bitter
beverage, it quickly captured the public's interest. In London,
coffeehouses were nicknamed 'Penny Universities.' For the price
of a single penny, a customer could purchase a hot cup of
coffee and sit with brilliant scholars, artists, and merchants to
discuss revolutionary ideas. Today, coffee is a massive global
industry grown in tropical regions known as the 'Bean Belt,'
fueling billions of daily routines around the globe.
Key Vocabularies
Beverage (noun) A drink, especially one other than plain water.
Ancient Belonging to the very distant past; extremely old.
(adjective)
Energetic Possessing or displaying great activity, vitality, or enthusiasm.
(adjective)
Converse (verb) To engage in a spoken conversation with someone.
Suspicious Having or showing a cautious distrust of someone or something.
(adjective)
Revolutionary Involving or causing a complete, dramatic, and major change.
(adjective)
Exercise Test!
Multiple Choice
Choose the best answer for each question.
1. Where was coffee originally discovered according to legend?
A) London
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Ethiopia
D) Brazil
2. Why were London coffeehouses called 'Penny Universities'?
A) Because they were located inside university campuses.
B) Because you could learn from smart people for the cost of a penny.
C) Because only students were allowed to buy coffee.
D) Because a cup of coffee cost exactly one hundred pennies.
True or False
Write True or False next to each statement based on the passage.
3. _________ Kaldi the goat herder discovered coffee on the Arabian Peninsula.
4. _________ In the Middle East, early coffeehouses were active social centers where people
played games and discussed politics.
5. _________ Europeans immediately loved and trusted the taste of coffee when it first arrived in
the 17th century.
Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences using the correct vocabulary words from the list above.
6. The scientist introduced a _____________________ new idea that completely transformed
modern technology.
7. Water is the healthier alternative, but juice is still a very popular lunchtime
_____________________.
8. The guard became _____________________ when he saw the stranger walking slowly around
the building at night.
9. Archaeologists travel deep into the jungle to search for the ruins of _____________________
cities.
Short Answer Questions
Answer the questions in 1-2 complete sentences using your own words.
10. Describe how Kaldi first realized that the red berries had special properties.
11. What is the 'Bean Belt' and why is it important to the modern coffee industry?