The History of Tea IELTS Reading Passage: Practice Questions & Tips

Do You Know? To score band 7 or above in IELTS Academic Reading, you need around 30 correct answers out of 40. For General Training Reading, about 35 correct answers out of 40 are needed for band 7 or higher.

The history of tea is a common topic in the IELTS Reading section. This theme covers the origins, cultural significance, and global spread of tea, offering a useful way to test your reading and vocabulary skills. Familiarity with such passages can improve your understanding of similar historical and cultural texts in the exam.

The reading section has become more challenging as the total number of IELTS test takers has grown by 14.3%. This increase has made competition tougher for admission to top universities in Canada, like McGill. Scoring above band 7 in reading is crucial. This blog will guide you through key vocabulary and strategies to excel in the history of tea IELTS reading passage.

The History of Tea IELTS Reading Passage: Overview

The History of Tea IELTS Reading Passage explores the origin, cultural significance, and global spread of tea. This passage tests your ability to understand historical information and interpret details accurately. 

Reading accounts for 40 questions and 60 minutes, making up 60% of the overall IELTS test score. Achieving a reading band score above 7 in reading is essential for competitive university admissions and student visa applications.

Before exploring a sample reading passage and questions, let's have a look at the type of questions asked in IELTS General Reading Test:

Reading Question Type	Significance
Matching headings	Identify the main idea of paragraphs or sections.
Matching paragraph information	Link specific information to the correct paragraph.
True/False/Yes/No/Not Given	Determine the accuracy of statements based on the text.
Sentence completion	Complete sentences with words from the reading passage.
Summary completion	Fill in missing words or phrases in a summary using the passage.
Classification or categorization	Assign items or information to categories.
Multiple choice questions	Select the correct answer from several options.
List selection	Choose appropriate items from a list based on the text.
Choosing a title	Pick the best title that summarizes a section or paragraph.
Matching sentence endings	Complete sentence fragments with correct endings from the text.
Table completion	Fill in missing data or details in a table format.
Flow chart completion	Complete steps or processes shown in a flow chart.
Diagram completion	Label parts of a diagram using information from the text.
Short answer questions	Provide brief answers based on specific details from the passage.

Also Read: Try It and See - IELTS Reading Passage with Questions and Answers

Now that you've seen the theme and question format of IELTS reading answers: "The History of Tea," let’s explore practice passages on the topic.

The History of Tea IELTS Reading Passage Examples for Study

The History of Tea IETS reading passage appears in the syllabus of IELTS reading and is structured with clear headings to guide readers. It assesses your ability to understand detailed information and main ideas. Following the IELTS test format, you'll encounter questions like multiple-choice, True/False/Not Given, and matching headings. 

Below are practice passages for IELTS reading answers: "The History of Tea":

Passage 1: The Origins of Tea in Ancient China

Tea's history dates back over 4,000 years to ancient China. Legend credits Emperor Shen Nong with discovering tea when tea leaves accidentally fell into his boiling water. Initially, tea was valued for its medicinal properties and used by the elite for health benefits. Over time, tea drinking became a cultural practice, with poems and art celebrating its significance. The cultivation of tea plants began in the wild, and people gradually learned to cultivate and process tea leaves systematically. The early Chinese methods laid the foundation for tea production that would later spread globally.

Passage 2: Tea's Expansion Through Asia

Tea traveled from China to Japan and Korea, where it took on spiritual and cultural importance. In Japan, the tea ceremony, or “chanoyu,” became a ritual symbolizing harmony, respect, and purity. Korean monks integrated tea into meditation practices, strengthening its association with calmness and mindfulness. By the 9th century, tea was well established in these cultures, evolving unique preparation styles. This spread in Asia facilitated tea’s cultural significance and influenced its role in social and religious settings, setting the stage for its introduction to the West.

Passage 3: Tea and the Silk Road Trade

During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), tea became a vital commodity traded along the Silk Road. Merchants transported tea across Central Asia to the Middle East and Europe, where it was prized for its flavor and exotic appeal. Tea trade contributed to economic growth and cross-cultural exchange between East and West. The trade routes helped spread knowledge of tea cultivation and preparation, increasing demand in distant markets. The importance of tea in trade solidified its status not only as a beverage but also as a symbol of cultural connection.

Passage 4: Tea’s Arrival and Popularity in Europe

European explorers first encountered tea in the 16th century, brought back by Portuguese and Dutch traders. At first, tea was a luxury reserved for wealthy elites. However, in the 17th century, Britain’s East India Company began large-scale tea imports, making it more accessible. Tea drinking became fashionable in British society, inspiring social rituals like afternoon tea. The British demand also drove tea cultivation in colonies like India and Sri Lanka. This expansion changed the global tea industry and established tea as a staple of European life.

Passage 5: Evolution of Tea Cultivation and Production

Tea cultivation evolved from wild harvesting to organized plantations, especially in India and Sri Lanka during the 19th century. Innovations such as the fermentation process created black tea, appealing to new tastes beyond China’s traditional green tea. Plantation economies flourished, with tea becoming a key export product. The mechanization of processing improved efficiency, helping tea reach global markets at lower prices. These changes democratized tea consumption, shifting it from an elite luxury to a daily drink enjoyed worldwide.

Passage 6: Modern Tea Culture and Innovations

Today, tea remains one of the world's most popular beverages, consumed in countless varieties and forms. Innovations like tea bags, iced tea, and ready-to-drink bottles cater to busy lifestyles. Tea culture also includes cafes and festivals celebrating tea traditions and new blends. While maintaining its deep cultural roots, tea continues to evolve, blending old practices with modern preferences. This ongoing evolution keeps tea relevant in global food culture and consumer habits.

Also Read: Mastering IELTS Speaking: The Ultimate Vocabulary Enhancement Guide

After reviewing the history of tea IELTS reading passage, let's explore some practice questions for IELTS exam preparation.

The History of Tea IELTS Reading Passage: Practice Questions & Answers

The IELTS exam pattern for reading passages typically includes 10 to 12 questions that test your ability to understand details, main ideas, and inferences. Many test takers struggle with managing time and identifying subtle information in complex texts. Developing skills like careful reading and time management is essential to succeed. 

Here are some practice IELTS reading answers: “The History of Tea.”

Questions 1–5: Multiple Choice

In this section, you will read the passage and answer questions by choosing the correct option (A, B, C, or D). Each question has only one right answer. This task checks your ability to understand details, main ideas, and specific information from the text. 

Here are some sample questions to prepare for IELTS reading section:

Choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) for each question based on the passage you have read about the origins of tea in ancient China. Only one option is correct for each question.

1. According to legend, how was tea first discovered?

A) By a group of monks during meditation

B) When tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water

C) Through a trade with neighboring countries

D) By Emperor Shen Nong's wife

Answer: B – When tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water Explanation: The passage tells the story of Emperor Shen Nong discovering tea by accident when tea leaves fell into his boiling water. This highlights that tea was found naturally rather than being intentionally created.

2. How did the Silk Road influence the spread of tea?

A) It limited tea trade to local markets only

B) It made tea available only to European countries

C) It helped transport tea to Central Asia and the Middle East

D) It banned the trade of tea outside China

Answer: C – It helped transport tea to Central Asia and the Middle East Explanation: The passage says tea was taken along the Silk Road to places like Central Asia and the Middle East. This helped more people outside China start enjoying tea.

3. Which organization was key in expanding tea imports to Britain?

A) The British East India Company

B) The Silk Road Traders

C) The Dutch Tea Merchants

D) The Portuguese Royal Family

Answer: A – The British East India Company Explanation: The passage clearly tells how the British East India Company helped bring lots of tea to Britain, which made tea very popular among people there.

4. What major change occurred in tea production during the 19th century?

A) Tea was only harvested from wild plants

B) Tea cultivation stopped in India and Sri Lanka

C) Tea was no longer exported internationally

D) The introduction of black tea fermentation

Answer: D – The introduction of black tea fermentation Explanation: The passage explains that when tea makers started using black tea fermentation, they could create new types of tea that many people liked.

5. What cultural practices related to tea developed in Japan?

A) Large tea plantations

B) Tea as a medicinal drink

C) Tea ceremonies emphasizing harmony and respect

D) Tea used in cooking

Answer: C– Tea ceremonies emphasizing harmony and respect Explanation: The passage explains how the Japanese tea ceremony became a special ritual that represents harmony, respect, and purity, showing how important tea is in their culture.

Now, let's look at the question variation in the form of True/False/Not Given.

Questions 6–12: True / False / Not Given

In these questions, you'll have to identify facts and opinions in the passage. You need to decide if the statements given are true, false, or if the information is not provided in the text. This question type checks careful reading and understanding of specific details, which is essential for achieving a good IELTS score.

Here are some sample questions in this pattern for IELTS reading answers: "The History of Tea".

Read the passage and answer the following questions. For each statement, choose True, False, or Not Given based on the information in the passage. Write your answers in the boxes provided.

6. Tea was used as a medicine in ancient China before it became a common drink.

Answer: True Explanation: Passage 1 states that tea was initially valued for its medicinal properties, showing that its early use was for health purposes before it became widely consumed as a beverage.

7. Tea was part of trade routes connecting China to the Middle East but not Europe during the Tang Dynasty.

Answer: True Explanation: Passage 3 explains that tea traveled along the Silk Road to Central Asia and the Middle East, but it does not mention Europe as a trade destination during that period.

8. Tea bags were created to preserve the traditional art of tea brewing.

Answer: Not Given Explanation: Passage 6 notes tea bags as a modern convenience but does not explain their purpose regarding traditional brewing methods.

9. Black tea production techniques originated in China before spreading to India.

Answer: Not Given Explanation: Passage 5 discusses black tea fermentation but does not specify the geographic origin of these techniques. So this information is not provided.

10. The introduction of tea to Europe was primarily through Portuguese traders.

Answer: True Explanation: Passage 4 states that Portuguese and Dutch traders introduced tea to Europe, confirming the role of Portuguese traders in this process.

11. Plantation-style tea cultivation led to environmental concerns in the 19th century.

Answer: Not Given Explanation: Passage 5 mentions the growth of tea plantations but does not provide information about environmental concerns related to this expansion.

12. The Japanese tea ceremony developed as a social event mainly for merchants.

Answer: False Explanation: Passage 2 describes the Japanese tea ceremony as a spiritual ritual focusing on harmony and respect, indicating it was not primarily a social gathering for merchants.

Also Read: IELTS Last Minute Tips & Advice for Exam Day

These sample questions can greatly improve your IELTS preparation from home by strengthening your skills in identifying key details and practicing critical reading.

Now, let's check out a vocabulary list from the passage that can help you understand the History of Tea IELTS reading passage.

Key Vocabulary Guide for IELTS Reading Answers: "The History of Tea"

To score above band 7 in the IELTS band score chart, you need to answer about 80% of the questions correctly. A large part of the challenge comes from understanding difficult vocabulary, which makes up nearly 30% of the passage's difficulty. Knowing important words helps you understand the text better and choose the right answers. 

Here are some important vocabulary words used in the history of tea IELTS reading passage.

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Nobility	A class of people with high social rank or title.	“Tea drinking became popular among the nobility and elites.”
Commodity	A product or raw material that can be bought or sold.	“Tea became an important trade commodity during the Tang Dynasty.”
Cultivation	The act of growing plants.	“Early tea cultivation began with harvesting wild plants.”
Fermentation	Chemical breakdown by bacteria or yeast.	"Black tea is produced through fermentation."
Export	Sending goods to another country for sale.	"India and Sri Lanka became major tea exporters."
Innovation	Introduction of new methods or ideas.	“Tea bags were an innovation to simplify brewing."
Ritual	A ceremonial act with symbolic meaning.	"The tea ceremony is a ritual emphasizing harmony."
Tradition	Customs or beliefs passed down through generations.	"Tea ceremonies are an important tradition in Japan."
Elite	A group considered superior in status or ability.	"Tea was initially consumed by the social elite."
Heritage	Traditions or cultural practices handed down.	"Tea is part of the cultural heritage of many countries."

Beyond vocabulary, the IELTS also challenges test takers with collocations and phrases. Let’s look at some collocations used in IELTS reading practice.

Collocations and Phrases for IELTS reading answers: "The History of Tea"

Collocations are words that often appear together, forming natural phrases. In the IELTS reading section, recognizing collocations helps you understand the text more accurately and avoid mistakes. Knowing common collocations related to "The History of Tea" improves comprehension and makes answering questions easier.

Here are some types of collocations and phrases used in IELTS reading answers: "The History of Tea".

Collocation/Phrases	Meaning
Cultural significance	Importance or meaning within a culture
Global spread	The wide distribution or expansion worldwide.
Tea ceremony	A traditional ritual involving the preparation and drinking of tea
Plantation economy	Agricultural system based on large-scale farming
Trade commodity	A product bought and sold in trade
Social rituals	Established customs practiced by a community or society
Ready-to-drink beverages	Pre-prepared drinks that require no further preparation

Also Read: IELTS Band Descriptors: Calculate IELTS Band Scores

The IELTS reading section can be tricky, with small mistakes having a major impact. Let’s find out some mistakes to avoid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for the History of Tea IELTS Reading Passage

Avoiding common mistakes in the IELTS reading section can increase your chances of getting into top universities around the world, including Ivy League schools like Princeton and Yale, by up to 20%. Mistakes like missing key details or overlooking important words can lower your score. Fixing these errors can help raise your IELTS band score by 0.5. 

Below are some common mistakes to avoid for the History of Tea IELTS Reading Passage.

• Misreading Question Instructions
  Many students lose marks by not fully understanding the question. Writing more words than allowed or selecting multiple answers can result in penalties. 

Example: If a question asks for "no more than three reasons," writing five reasons may cause you to lose marks.

Tip: Always read the instructions carefully, underline key points, and double-check your answers against the question requirements.

• Not Managing Time Well
  Spending excessive time on difficult questions can cause you to rush or skip easier ones at the end. This reduces overall accuracy and increases stress during the test.

Example: Spending 10 minutes on one reading question leaves only 5 minutes for the remaining questions, causing careless mistakes.

Tip: Practice pacing by allocating specific time per question type and learning when to skip and return later if time allows.

• Ignoring Synonyms and Paraphrasing
  Many test takers rely on finding exact words from the passage, which often leads to missing correct answers because IELTS passages use paraphrasing extensively.

Example: The passage says “children,” but the question uses “kids.” If you look only for “kids,” you might miss the correct answer.

Tip: Expand your vocabulary and practice recognizing synonyms and paraphrased expressions to improve your ability to match ideas correctly.

• Confusing True/False/Not Given
  A common error is mixing up “False” and “Not Given.” “False” means the statement contradicts the passage, while “Not Given” means the information is absent. 

Example: Statement: “The author was born in 1980.” The passage doesn’t mention the birth year. The correct answer is “Not Given,” not “False.”

Tip: Focus on verifying facts directly from the passage and be clear about whether information is stated, contradicted, or missing.

• Repeating Answers Without Checking Context
  Some candidates tend to pick the same answer option repeatedly (like always “True”) without carefully analyzing each question’s specific context.

Example: Choosing “True” for every question without reading carefully, even when some facts are “False” or “Not Given.”

Tip: Treat each question independently, and always refer back to the passage to confirm the correct answer rather than guessing patterns.

• Overlooking Detail in Longer Passages
  Long and complex passages can be overwhelming, causing students to miss key information or misinterpret ideas.

Example: Skimming too quickly and missing that a paragraph explains two reasons for a problem, leading to incomplete answers.

Tip: Break the passage into smaller sections, underline important facts, and summarize each paragraph briefly to improve focus and retention.

Also Read: Common Spelling Mistakes in IELTS – Details inside!

By exploring the tips and tricks to avoid the IELTS reading section, you can obtain a strong overall score in the IELTS exam.

Essential Resources for IELTS Exam Preparation

Using standard resources can improve your IELTS performance by up to 15%. Reliable materials offer accurate information and practice with real test questions. This focused preparation helps increase your accuracy and confidence, boosting your overall score.

Below are some IELTS preparation books and study material for the exam:

Resource	Purpose of Resource	Benefit
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Comprehensive IELTS skills	Downloadable materials covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Visual learning	Video lessons to explain strategies, tips, and common pitfalls across all exam sections.
IELTS Online Coaching	Full exam preparation	Structured online coaching with expert guidance, mock tests, and personalized feedback.
IELTS Reading Test	Reading skills	Practice tests to improve the IELTS reading section's reading comprehension and time management.

While these resources can help you begin your preparation, you will need professional guidance to achieve an acceptable score. Let's see how upGrad can help you.

How Can upGrad Support Your IELTS Preparation Journey?

The IELTS preparation journey is long and complex, requiring consistent practice and expert support. upGrad can be a reliable partner, providing expert support with personalized coaching and structured resources.

Here’s how upGrad can help you:

• Personalized writing feedback: Focuses on your individual areas for improvement to boost writing skills effectively.
• Expert strategies for each section: Offers tailored techniques that address the unique challenges of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Time management training: Teaches methods to pace yourself during the exam and avoid running out of time.
• Practice with real exam materials: Provides experience with authentic test questions to increase familiarity and reduce exam anxiety.

Unsure how to approach the IELTS exam? Book your free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad experts today and get a tailored study plan to maximize your exam score!