Задание 10 из ЕГЭ по английскому языку: задача 4

2. The biggest blunders you see tourists make

3. What makes for a “perfect” afternoon tea

4. To be an “afternoon tea expert”

5. Varieties of tea meals

6. Loose-leaf tea or tea bags

7. What makes afternoon tea special

8. Other etiquette tips

A. It started more as an accident. I set up a social net account, and I really enjoyed going and trying different afternoon teas. Then I went on to do qualifications and further research in the history of tea and tea itself. I’m a step below a tea sommelier. Along with hosting tea events and offering guided afternoon tea experiences in London and Belfast, I advise venues and have written an e-book on hosting afternoon tea at home.

B. The atmosphere. It’s very relaxed — there isn’t another meal like it. If you go to lunch, or brunch, or dinner, there’s always a time when you have to get up and leave. Whereas afternoon tea is a very leisurely affair. And because it’s not something you would do every day — unless you’re me! — you look forward to it. If you and I were going for afternoon tea, I would tell you my life story, I would find out everything about you. There’s a lot of connection to be had over afternoon tea.

C. Cream tea is the smallest of all. Someone might be disappointed if they thought they were going to get three tiers of food – it’s a cup of tea or a pot of tea with scones, and that’s it. Afternoon tea is your sandwiches, scones and your pastries along with tea. It’s best between 15:00 and 16:00. But you can go over lunchtime if you’re pressed for time. High tea is everything you get with afternoon tea, plus extras like quiche, pies or other meatier-type hype items. It’s more substantial than afternoon tea. Normally you would eat it a bit later.

D. Right across the UK, afternoon tea is such a big thing. We have a full week dedicated to tea in August, which is Afternoon Tea Week. It’s also very popular for birthdays, baby showers as well — all sorts of occasions where you might not want a big alcohol focus but have a little bit of luxury. And the Internet really has improved popularity. A lot of the big venues and hotels compete for the best afternoon tea.

E. Great service. Scones that break right down the middle. A good selection of jelly, instead of just one type. And then a good range of loose-leaf tea. Being able to change your tea for different courses is quite a nice touch. And sandwiches — some venues don't put as much effort into the flavour, but I think if you get a sandwich so good it stops you talking, that’s wonderful. I love a smoked salmon sandwich. My grandmother was a fishmonger, so I know a good quality one when I see it.

F.The dress code. I know a lot of tourists when they go to London, they’ve got their jeans on. But some hotels will not let you in. Some have a dress code on their website, but generally the strictest ones would expect women to wear smart shoes, no trainers, no jeans, no sportswear. Men need to wear a collar, tie and jacket. Even if you’re missing a tie, they won’t let you in. Also, book in advance. That’s a rule for all afternoon tea. You can’t just rock up on the day.

G. Make sure that you stick to the same course that everyone else is on. Everyone starts with the savouries. Then you move on to scones, and then you finish with the pastry course. Don't just jump ahead. Another one is not having your one phone on the table. Take your pictures at the start, and then sit and enjoy the meal. There seem to be more people that take a lot of pictures, and it can be off-putting for other people in the room.