B1 – Intermediate
As matcha became a popular favorite all around the world, the demand for the tea has also increased a lot in the recent years.
However, due to high temperatures, there have been lower harvests of the matcha tea in Japan where most of it is grown and the global matcha supply comes from.
And because of this, the price of matcha also had to be increased.
Read the article about the problem with short supply of matcha and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250728-matcha-shortage-4.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “niche product” mean? “Matcha was once a niche product.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “out of stock” mean? “The tea store Tealife said demand increased ten-fold. It is always out of stock.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “pluck” mean? “Last year’s summer was so scorching that it damaged the bushes, so we couldn’t pluck as many leaves.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Is matcha popular in your country? Why do you think that is?
- Do you like matcha? Why or why not?
- How can the short supply of matcha affect the businesses that use this tea?
- What are the impacts of rising temperature on agriculture in your country?
- How does the “Matcha mania” affect Japan’s traditional tea ceremonies?