close up b1 unit 2 reading

What does Maria Alcalá think about meals without olive oil?

• They are too oily
• They are boring
• They are delicious
• They are healthy

Answer explanation

Maria Alcalá thinks meals without olive oil are boring.

How long ago did people start growing olive trees around the Mediterranean Sea?

• 1,000 years ago
• 3,000 years ago
• 6,000 years ago
• 10,000 years ago

Answer explanation

People began growing olive trees around the Mediterranean Sea 6,000 years ago.

Which country is the largest producer of olive oil in the world?

• Italy
• Greece
• Spain
• France

Answer explanation

Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world.

How do many olive farmers still harvest olives today?

• With machines
• By hand
• With animals
• With robots

Answer explanation

Many olive farmers still harvest olives by hand today.

How do farmers pay people who help with the olive harvest in Tuscany, Italy?

• In money
• In oil
• In food
• In olives

Answer explanation

In Tuscany, Italy, farmers often pay workers with oil for helping with the olive harvest.

What did ancient civilizations use olive oil for in wars?

• To cook food
• To make weapons
• To heal soldiers
• To pour hot oil on enemies

Answer explanation

Ancient civilizations used olive oil to pour hot oil on enemies during wars.

What are some modern uses of olive oil mentioned in the passage?

• Making soap and medicine
• Making olive oil lamps and keeping food fresh
• Heating homes and making jewelry
• Cleaning cars and cooking vegetables

Which countries buy olive oil from Mediterranean producers?

• Only countries in Europe
• Europe, Asia, Africa, and America
• Only Mediterranean countries
• Only Spain and Italy

Answer explanation

Countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and America buy olive oil from Mediterranean producers.

How can olive oil help improve health according to studies?

• By protecting against some diseases
• By making people lose weight
• By making people stronger
• By giving more energy

Answer explanation

Studies suggest that olive oil can help protect against some diseases.

Why is olive oil no longer unusual on dinner tables outside the Mediterranean?

• Because it is cheap
• Because people now understand its benefits
• Because it is easy to grow olives everywhere
• Because people use it in religious ceremonies

Answer explanation

Olive oil is no longer unusual because people now understand its health benefits.