Afternoon tea in England

In England, people love tea. Afternoon tea is a special tradition. It started in the 1800s. A lady named Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, wanted a snack in the afternoon. She asked for tea, bread, and cakes. People liked the idea, and afternoon tea became popular.

Today, afternoon tea is still common. It usually happens between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. People drink tea with milk or lemon. They eat small sandwiches, scones (a type of soft bread), and sweet cakes.

Afternoon tea is more than food. It’s a time to relax and talk with friends. Some hotels and cafés in England offer fancy afternoon teas. These include beautiful plates, silver teapots, and many tasty treats.

Vocabulary:

Tea: A hot drink made with tea leaves.
Scone: A small, round bread, often with cream and jam.
Tradition: Something people do for a long time.

Think About This:

Do people drink tea in your country?
What snacks do you eat with tea or coffee?

Comprehension Questions

When did afternoon tea start?
a) 1900s
b) 1800s
c) 1700s
Who started the tradition of afternoon tea?
a) Queen Elizabeth
b) Anna, the Duchess of Bedford
c) A hotel manager
What do people eat during afternoon tea?
(Write 2-3 foods from the text.)
What time does afternoon tea usually happen?
a) Between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
b) Between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
c) After dinner
Why is afternoon tea more than just food?
(Write one reason from the text.)

Activities

1. Match the Words to Their Meanings

a) Tea
b) Scone
c) Tradition

A hot drink made with tea leaves
A small, round bread, often with cream and jam
Something people do for a long time

2. True or False

Afternoon tea started in the 1800s.
People only drink tea with lemon during afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea is a time to relax and talk with friends.

3. Talk About It (for speaking practice)

Do you drink tea or coffee in the afternoon?
What food or snacks do you like to eat with your drink?
Would you like to try afternoon tea? Why or why not?

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