1.    A. Over the centuries, rice has become a part of the traditions of many cultures. In some societies, it is traditional to throw a handful of rice on newlywed couples, symbolizing the wish for a large family and prosperity. In India, rice is traditionally the first food that bride offers her new husband. It is typical for people to leave offerings of rice in Buddhist temples. In Thailand, the annual Royal Plowing Ceremony has taken place in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok for seven centuries.

   One product — many dishes 
   Simple to prepare
   Once local — now global
   Good for everyone
   More than food.
   Impossible to grow.
   Synonymous to food.
   Different table manners

2. B. The basic recipe for cooking rice is easy. First you need to bring 2 cups of water to boil. When the water is boiling, add 1 cup of rice. Cover the pot. As soon as the water boils again, reduce the heat. Let the rice cook for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice is ready when all the water is absorbed. It's now possible to buy rice cooking machines that cook perfect rice every time, especially in large quantities. This is particularly helpful in Asian cultures, where families often eat rice with every meal. In these countries, rice is also used to make pancakes, sweets and wine — indeed almost anything!

   One product — many dishes 
   Simple to prepare
   Once local — now global
   Good for everyone
   More than food.
   Impossible to grow.
   Synonymous to food.
   Different table manners

3. C. Rice is the primary source of nutrition for more than half of the world's population. Countries as different as Japan, India, Nigeria and Mexico use rice in their national cuisine. In Chinese, the word for rice is the same as the word for food. And in Thailand, when you call your family to a meal, you say "eat rice." So it's easy to understand why the 2008 global rice shortage was a real crisis for billions of people. In some countries the shortage led to big price increases. Some governments had to control the sale of rice.

   One product — many dishes 
   Simple to prepare
   Once local — now global
   Good for everyone
   More than food.
   Impossible to grow.
   Synonymous to food.
   Different table manners

4. D. Many people consider rice to be one of the healthiest of possible food choices. It has no sodium or cholesterol, and almost no fat. One half cup of rice has approximately 100 calories, and those calories are rich in important vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, iron and zinc. Many athletes eat rice because as a carbohydrate it is a great source of energy. Rice even has certain chemicals in it that are supposed to improve your mood. Brown rice is the healthiest of all because it is 100% grain.

   One product — many dishes 
   Simple to prepare
   Once local — now global
   Good for everyone
   More than food.
   Impossible to grow.
   Synonymous to food.
   Different table manners

5. E. Archeologists believe that rice has been grown as a source of food for at least 4000 years. It was first grown in China, and then introduced to India. Over the centuries the practice of growing rice has spread literally across the globe. Today rice is grown in Peru, Egypt, and even the United States, but over 90% of the world's rice is still grown in Asian countries. Rice is best grown in wet, sub-tropical climates, and in many countries it is still cultivated using intensive human and animal labor. For this reason, large families are still typical, and the water buffalo is a valued possession.

   One product — many dishes 
   Simple to prepare
   Once local — now global
   Good for everyone
   More than food.
   Impossible to grow.
   Synonymous to food.
   Different table manners

6. F. One of the amazing things about rice is how adaptable it is. It is an essential ingredient in cuisines all around the world — cuisines as different as Japanese, Mexican, and West African. The Japanese combine sticky rice with raw fish to create numerous varieties of sushi. Mexican rice, flavored with cumin and tomatoes, is a colorful side dish. Every country in West Africa has its own version of a regional rice dish called jollof, often served with fried plantain, a kind of banana.

   One product — many dishes 
   Simple to prepare
   Once local — now global
   Good for everyone
   More than food.
   Impossible to grow.
   Synonymous to food.
   Different table manners

7.   G. All around the world people eat rice in different ways. In India it is traditional to eat rice with your right hand. You just mix the rice with a little curry, roll it into a ball, and pop it into your mouth. In China it's common to use chopsticks (or kuaizi). People in Korea, Thailand and Vietnam eat their rice with a spoon. And in European countries and in the United States rice is eaten with a fork.

   One product — many dishes 
   Simple to prepare
   Once local — now global
   Good for everyone
   More than food.
   Impossible to grow.
   Synonymous to food.
   Different table manners

8.  What is the odd one (лишний)? 

   One product — many dishes 
   Simple to prepare
   Once local — now global
   Good for everyone
   More than food.
   Impossible to grow.
   Synonymous to food.
   Different table manners

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© Abramova E.I., 2015