You’ll find in this page different texts adapted to the level B2. Read them and then answer the questions. You’ll find the answers at the end of the exercise.
1. What’s New in Food Trends for 2025?
(Adapted from National Geographic Treveller UK December 2024)
In recent years, food trends have focused on saving money and dealing with the effects of the pandemic. But in 2025, it’s all about having fun again. People are enjoying exciting meals like fancy sandwiches, sipping unique drinks like craft limoncello, or even eating crisps at top restaurants. Social media, especially TikTok, continues to influence what we eat. Many new ideas have gone from viral videos to supermarket shelves. Here’s a look at what’s popular this year.
Supercharged Sandwiches
Big, creative sandwiches are taking over lunchtimes in the UK. In London, places like Sandwich Sandwich, Rogue Sarnies, and Dom’s Subs are famous for their impressive sandwiches. In Manchester, people love Fat Pat’s, while Silver’s Deli is a hit in Leeds. On TikTok, unusual sandwiches like the pickle sandwich — where bread is replaced with a large pickle — are a big trend. Sandwich Sandwich plans to open the UK’s largest sandwich shop in London soon, and Milan’s popular De Santis paninis will also arrive in the city.
Clear Cocktails
Clear cocktails, called «clarified cocktails,» are becoming a big trend in bars worldwide. These drinks are made by removing solids to make them completely clear. Examples include the Ghosted Colada in Singapore and the Gamble, a unique drink served in Mumbai. Some bartenders think this is just a visual trick, but many people love it. You can even buy ready-made clear cocktails, like the Invisible Lychee Martini.
Fancy Crisps
Crisps are no longer just a snack; they’re now served in fancy restaurants. In London, Oma/Agora serves hot crisps with Greek dips, Toklas offers crisps with mussels, and July makes crisps with currywurst spices. Leydi, a Turkish restaurant, serves crisps flavored with Baharat spices, sumac, and garlic.
Upgraded Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are popular again, thanks to TikTok. People are adding fancy ingredients like chili oil, nori, and crispy onions to create new dishes. Sales of instant noodles in the UK have increased by 50%. Popular recipes include garlic and butter noodles or ramen carbonara made with spicy Korean noodles.
Bookshop Bars
In 2025, bookshop bars are the new trend. These places are part bookshop, part cafe, and part bar. Many ban laptops and Wi-Fi in the evening to create a more relaxing space. They host events, readings, and happy hours. In the UK, popular bookshop bars include Gulp Fiction in Oxford, BookBar in London, and The Last Bookstore in Glasgow, which has books, small plates, and literary cocktails.
Multiple-Choice Comprehension Questions
1. What shift in food trends is expected for 2025?
a) A move towards more sustainable eating habits
b) A return to more fun and indulgent food experiences
c) A focus on low-calorie, diet-specific foods
d) A strict return to traditional recipes and techniques
2. How has social media, particularly TikTok, influenced food trends?
a) By encouraging fast-food chains to promote healthier meals
b) By making food influencers wealthy through product placements
c) By making unusual and creative recipes go viral, influencing what people eat
d) By restricting food trends to a few specific ingredients
3. What role has social media played in the rise of supercharged sandwiches?
a) Social media has made people more interested in vegetarian sandwiches
b) Sandwiches with unique ingredients or looks gain viral attention on social media
c) Social media has caused a trend for healthier sandwiches with fewer ingredients
d) Social media has made sandwich-making a highly competitive industry
4. What was notable about the pickle sandwich created by Seven Brothers Gourmet?
a) It used gluten-free bread and was marketed as a health food
b) It replaced the bread with a giant sliced pickle
c) It included international ingredients like wasabi and sriracha
d) It became a popular sandwich at cafes all over the world
5. What is the primary appeal of clarified cocktails?
a) The fact that they are easier to make than traditional cocktails
b) Their clarity and smoothness, which makes them visually striking
c) The use of less alcohol in the recipes
d) Their ability to retain more flavor than regular cocktails
6. Some critics argue that clarified cocktails are mostly about appearance. What is their concern?
a) The clarity doesn’t contribute to better taste
b) They often use too many different kinds of alcohol
c) They are usually served at very high prices
d) They take too long to prepare, making them less popular with customers
7. Which of these is a common feature of the fancy crisps served in London restaurants?
a) They are made from imported potatoes and sold at a premium price
b) They are served as appetizers alongside gourmet meals
c) They are paired with unique dips and flavor combinations
d) They are available only in high-end grocery stores, not restaurants
8. In what way has the trend of fancy crisps gone beyond simple snacks?
a) Restaurants are making crisps the main course of meals
b) Chefs are creating unique and complex flavors to enhance the eating experience
c) Crisps are now considered unhealthy and are being replaced with healthier snacks
d) Crisps are now a side dish that is paired only with vegetarian meals
9. What is the reason behind the increased popularity of instant noodles, especially on TikTok?
a) They are now considered a luxury food product
b) TikTok has shown people how to upgrade them with creative ingredients
c) Instant noodles are a healthier alternative to fast food
d) Instant noodles are now packaged with special sauces that have become viral
10. How has the TikTok trend impacted sales of instant noodles in the UK?
a) They have decreased in popularity as people prefer fresh meals
b) Sales have increased by 50% as more people try creative recipes
c) The trend has had no impact on instant noodle sales
d) Instant noodles are now sold only in gourmet shops
11. What is the main concept behind bookshop bars?
a) They combine a bookshop with a high-end restaurant for an exclusive experience
b) They offer a quiet space to read while serving drinks and food, without digital distractions
c) They are online bookshops that deliver drinks and food to customers’ homes
d) They serve as co-working spaces with free Wi-Fi and laptops available for use
12. What is unique about the bookshop bar The Last Bookstore in Glasgow?
a) It serves books and cocktails but does not offer food
b) It combines a large collection of books with a literary-themed cocktail menu
c) It is part of a chain of bookshop bars in Scotland only
d) It is a bookshop that holds major author events without any bar service
2. A Sweet History: The Evolution of the Christmas Cookie
(Adapted from National Geographic Treveller UK December 2024)
The history of cookies dates back to 7th-century Persia, coinciding with the increased availability of sugar. This sweet treat made its way to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain and underwent significant transformations, influenced by the spice trade. By the 1300s, European cookies had evolved into the sweeter, softer, and spicier versions we recognize today.
Festive cookies gained prominence during the Middle Ages, intertwining with the Christmas celebrations that emerged from ancient winter solstice traditions. These celebrations often involved communal feasting, making cookies, with their ease of production and sharing, an ideal treat.
Gingerbread, originating in Nuremberg, Germany, stands as the progenitor of many Christmas cookies. The city’s location at the intersection of major trade routes facilitated the incorporation of spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg into local baking traditions. Over time, numerous gingerbread variations emerged, from chewy lebkuchen to crispy gingersnaps and elaborate gingerbread houses.
The evolution of Christmas cookies continued with the emergence of other beloved treats, such as buttery Swedish crescents, Russian tea cakes, and delicate snowballs. These cookies spread across cultures, acquiring unique names and local flavors, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions around the world.
In the 1600s, the art of decorating cookies advanced with the introduction of icing techniques. The 20th century witnessed further innovations, including the widespread availability of cookie cutters and the development of intricate royal icing decorations, elevating the artistry of Christmas cookie making.
True or False Comprehension Questions
- True or False: Cookies originated in Europe in the Middle Ages.
- True or False: The spice trade played a significant role in the evolution of European cookies.
- True or False: Christmas cookie traditions have no connection to ancient winter solstice celebrations.
- True or False: Gingerbread originated in France.
- True or False: Nürnberger lebkuchen is a type of gingerbread.
- True or False: Royal icing is made from sugar and butter.
- True or False: The availability of sugar was crucial to the development of the first cookies.