4. Чтение. Задание 12

Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A–F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы \(1\)–\(7\). Один из вопросов останется без ответа. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу.

 

1. Who has modernised classic British dishes?

2. When did British cuisine start borrowing dish ideas from other countries?

3. Why were only a few spices used in British cuisine?

4. What are the most popular spices in the UK now?

5. What is the opinion people often have of British food?

6. When was the lack of ingredients an issue for British people?

7. What are some traditional British dishes?

  

A. It’s true that British food often gets a bad reputation. Critics say it's bland and unappetising, and one can’t really enjoy it. Some people associate British cooking with overcooked vegetables, which are tasteless. In fact, British meals look simple and unimpressive compared to traditional dishes of other countries. But why is it so?

 

B. One reason for this reputation might be the lack of spices in traditional British cooking. Historically, spices were expensive and difficult to access, so British meals relied more on local herbs and natural flavours. Salt and pepper were common, but the exotic spices we enjoy today were not always available. As a result, traditional British meals developed with simpler seasoning compared to the spicy, flavourful cuisines of other countries.

 

C. Traditionally, British food focused on simple, home-cooked meals for people who worked a lot. A classic example of British food is shepherd's pie. In the past, shepherds used to spend long hours outdoors, so they needed a meal that was nourishing and easy to eat on the go. This meal was also cheap as people usually used leftovers to cook it. Other classic examples of such food include fish and chips, ploughman's lunch and full English breakfast.

 

D. Over time, British food has started to change. In the times when Great Britain established its colonies, rich British people started to bring spices from China and India. This led to new and exciting dishes like curry and pilau rice. Food in the UK became more diverse and appetising. Today, it's easy to find a wide range of international foods like Chinese dim sum, Indian curries, Italian pasta dishes, Mexican tacos, and Middle Eastern kebabs.

 

E. In the post-war years, British cuisine took another hit due to food shortages. During World War \(II\), rationing made it hard for people to access many ingredients, so meals became even simpler and less exciting. Bread, potatoes, and cabbage were often the basis for meals. This period left a lasting impact on how British food was perceived, with simplicity becoming a defining feature.

 

F. Famous British chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have made traditional British food more popular by creating new and exciting versions of classic dishes. They have inspired a new generation of cooks to experiment with traditional ingredients and cooking methods. As a result, modern British cuisine offers a mix of old and new flavours that people of different countries may like.