Chilli Peppers History & Significance - IELTS Reading Passage, Answers & Tips

The "Chilli Peppers History & Significance" is a popular passage in the IELTS Reading test. It explains the origins, global spread, and cultural importance of chilli peppers. The "Chilli Peppers History & Significance" includes a total of 13 questions. The questions are of Multiple Choice Questions types. Practising this passage can help the test-takers to understand different IELTS Reading test questions. This article offers sample questions and answers for the "Chilli Peppers History & Significance" Reading Answers, along with frequently asked queries. Read the article till the end to improve your IELTS Reading band score.

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IELTS Reading Answers: "Chilli Peppers History & Significance" Passage

The passage below, "Chilli Peppers History & Significance," is a very common Reading passage in the IELTS exam. Read the passage to answer questions 1—13, which are given below. 

Chilli Peppers: The Fiery Pod's Journey Across Continents

1. Chilli peppers, today a culinary staple in many corners of the globe, trace their fiery footsteps back to Central and South America. Native to these regions, archaeological evidence suggests that chillies have been a part of human diets since 7500 BCE. However, it was after the Columbian Exchange in the 15th and 16th centuries that they began their triumphant march across world cuisines.
2. As European explorers returned home from their voyages, they brought with them this pungent pod, forever altering culinary landscapes from Asia to Africa. In India, for example, despite its rich tapestry of spices, chilli was a foreign ingredient. But, in a few centuries, it became so deeply embedded that dishes like the spicy 'Vindaloo' or 'Rogan Josh' are unimaginable without it.
3. But what exactly gives the chilli pepper its signature kick? The 'burn' one feels upon consuming these peppers is due to capsaicin, a potent chemical compound. It latches onto pain receptors in our mouths, not taste buds, sending signals to our brain that we interpret as a burning sensation. Interestingly, capsaicin has evolved as a deterrent against herbivores and fungi, though humans have developed a peculiar liking for it!
4. Different regions have their own prized chilli varieties. India takes pride in the 'Bhut Jolokia', one of the world's spiciest chillies, while Mexico's 'Jalapeño' has a milder heat and a unique flavor profile, making it a favorite in many dishes.
5. Celebrating the beloved chilli, numerous festivals worldwide pay homage to its cultural and culinary significance. The New Mexico Chilli Fest stands out as a vibrant celebration, highlighting the versatility of this ingredient through food, dance, and various chilli-themed contests.
6. This fiery pod's journey, from ancient American civilizations to its ubiquitous presence in global cuisines, is a testament to its enduring appeal and the interconnectedness of our world's food cultures.

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Chilli Peppers History & Significance IELTS Reading Answers

Questions 1-13: Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D

1. Where did chilli peppers first become a part of the human diet?
A) India
B) Europe
C) Central and South America
D) Asia

2. Which event significantly contributed to the global spread of chilli peppers in the 15th and 16th centuries?

A) The discovery of capsaicin

B) The New Mexico Chilli Fest

C) The Columbian Exchange

D) The establishment of the Spice Route

3. Which country's cuisine integrated chilli peppers despite already having a diverse range of spices?

A) Mexico

B) Europe

C) Central America

D) India

4. What chemical compound in chillies causes the burning sensation?

A) Jalapeño

B) Pain receptors

C) Capsaicin

D) Herbivores

5. Which festival celebrates the cultural and culinary significance of chillies with food, dance, and themed contests?

A) The Spicy Pod Parade

B) The World Pepper Conference

C) The Columbian Chilli Carnival

D) The New Mexico Chilli Fest

6. What was the main purpose of capsaicin's evolution in chilli peppers?

A) To enhance taste

B) To protect the plant from threats

C) To attract human consumers

D) To speed up growth

7. How do humans perceive the sensation caused by capsaicin?

A) As a taste on the tongue

B) As a spicy aroma

C) As a burning feeling

D) As a sweet flavor

8. Which variety of chilli is known for being one of the hottest in the world?

A) Jalapeño

B) Bhut Jolokia

C) Vindaloo

D) Rogan Josh

9. Why is the Jalapeño particularly valued in cooking?

A) It contains the highest level of capsaicin

B) It originated in India

C) It has a strong bitter taste

D) It has a mild heat and distinct flavor

10. How long have chillies been part of human diets, according to archaeological evidence?

A) Since the 15th century

B) Around 500 BCE

C) Since 7500 BCE

D) After the New Mexico Chilli Fest began

11. What role did European explorers play in the history of chilli peppers?

A) They discovered capsaicin’s chemical structure

B) They avoided using chillies in their cuisines

C) They spread chillies across continents after their voyages

D) They replaced traditional spices with chilli

12. What does the passage mainly focus on?

A) The biology of capsaicin

B) Modern recipes using chilli peppers

C) The global journey and cultural impact of chilli peppers

D) The farming techniques for chilli cultivation

13. What does the passage suggest about global cuisines and chilli peppers?

A) Most countries rejected the use of chillies

B) Chillies replaced all native spices

C) Chillies show how food cultures can connect across continents

D) Only spicy cuisines adopted chilli peppers

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IELTS Reading Answers: "Chilli Peppers History & Significance"

Question 1-13 Answers:

Question	Answer	Location	Reference
Where did chilli peppers first become a part of the human diet?	C	Paragraph 1	“Chilli peppers… trace their fiery footsteps back to Central and South America…”
Which event significantly contributed to the global spread of chilli peppers?	C	Paragraph 1	“…after the Columbian Exchange in the 15th and 16th centuries…”
Which country's cuisine integrated chilli peppers despite existing spices?	D	Paragraph 2	“In India… chilli was a foreign ingredient. But… it became so deeply embedded…”
What chemical compound causes the burning sensation?	C	Paragraph 3	“The ‘burn’ one feels… is due to capsaicin, a potent chemical compound.”
Which festival celebrates chillies with food, dance, and contests?	D	Paragraph 5	“The New Mexico Chilli Fest… highlighting the versatility… through food, dance…”
What was the main purpose of capsaicin’s evolution in chilli peppers?	B	Paragraph 3	“Capsaicin has evolved as a deterrent against herbivores and fungi…”
How do humans perceive the sensation caused by capsaicin?	C	Paragraph 3	“…sending signals to our brain that we interpret as a burning sensation.”
Which variety of chilli is one of the hottest in the world?	B	Paragraph 4	“India takes pride in the ‘Bhut Jolokia’, one of the world’s spiciest chillies…”
Why is the Jalapeño particularly valued in cooking?	D	Paragraph 4	“Mexico’s ‘Jalapeño’ has a milder heat and a unique flavor profile…”
How long have chillies been part of human diets?	C	Paragraph 1	“…chillies have been a part of human diets since 7500 BCE.”
What role did European explorers play in the history of chillies?	C	Paragraph 2	“As European explorers returned home… they brought with them this pungent pod…”
What does the passage mainly focus on?	C	Entire passage	Title and summary of all paragraphs
What does the passage suggest about global cuisines and chillies?	C	Final paragraph	“…a testament to… the interconnectedness of our world’s food cultures.”

Read more about: Tips For Reading in IELTS Exam | IELTS Academic Reading | IELTS Reading Tips And Tricks | IELTS General Reading Test |

Conclusion

Understanding passages like “Chilli Peppers History & Significance” is important in scoring well in the IELTS Reading section. 

Focus on skimming for main ideas, scanning for details, and practicing different question types such as multiple choice, matching headings, and summary completion. 

Connect with upGrad experts for more targeted practice or expert feedback on your reading skills. Boost your IELTS band score with upGrad's free 1:1 counselling.