Text B. From the history of chocolate

The cocoa bean and the secret of a drink made from it originally came to Europe from Mexico. It had been brought by Hernan Cortes, a Spanish soldier, the conqueror of that country, in the first half of the 16th century. The beans were used as articles of trade as well as the foundation of a beverage, which was much in flavour with the native Aztecs. It was made from crushed cocoa beans and water. The Aztecs drank it cold, flavoured with spices and seasoned with pepper. The Spaniards prepared their drink in a similar way, but mixed it with sugar instead of pepper. They kept the secret of this drink for about 100 years. Then, in the 17th century, knowledge of it spread to France and from there to other countries. It was probably introduced into England in about 1650. It became a popular drink among the rich and the chocolate houses developed into fashionable clubs all over London. At that time chocolate was most unpalatable by comparison with the modern product. No sugar was used in its preparation, and drink frequently included maize and spices. Sugar was introduced into chocolate in the later part of the 18th century. It was only in the 19th century that chocolate was sold specially for eating.

It is a valuable concentrated food, containing body-building and energy substances and is widely used in the ration of land, sea and air forces.

The cocoa tree is grown in the tropics. The chief producing areas are West Africa, the West Indies and South America. More than half of the world's cocoa comes from West Africa. The trees are very delicate. When young they need protection from direct sun and wind. Cocoa trees do not bear their full crop6 until they are about 12 - 15 years old.

VI. Choose the right answer to complete the sentences:

1. The secret of a chocolate drink was brought to Europe from

a) India, b) Spain, c) Mexico.

2. The Spaniards prepared their drink in a similar way as Aztecs,

but mixed it with

a) pepper, b) sugar, c) honey.

3. The secret 01 a drink made from cocoa beans was kept for about

a) 10 years, b) 100 years, c) 50 years.

4. In England the drink was probably introduced

a) in the 19th century, b) in about 1650, c) in the later part of the 18th century.

5. It was only in the 19th century that chocolate was sold specially

a) as a drink, b) as a spice, c) for eating.

6. More than half of the world cocoa comes from

a) West Africa, b) South America, c) The West Indies.

VII. Read the text and translate it: