Reading Comprehension Unit 2: Cultural issues and values

Two of the most basic foods in Moroccan daily life are couscous and harira soup. Couscous, a
dish made with granulated seminola grains, is usually topped with mutton meat or beef and a variety
of vegetables such as tomatoes, turnips, and Chillies. It is eaten by all sectors of society, and may be
referred to as the national dish. The national soup, harira, is a thick paste that comes in many
varieties, although it is classically made from water, beef, onions, saffron, and salt. Figs and dates are
among the most common fruits eaten on a daily basis. Breakfast in Morocco may consist of bread
served with olive oil or butter, and coffee or mint tea. Schools and businesses close at noon each day
for two to three hours for a midday meal. A traditional dish that may be served during this time
is tajine, a steam-cooked stew made of meat and vegetables in a spicy sauce. A light dinner of harira
soup and bread is commonly eaten in the evening. Cakes and desserts made of fruits are sold in
pastry shops and on the streets. Imported foods that are not typically part of the traditional Moroccan
diet are available in major cities at French-style street markets. As dictated by Islamic law, Muslims
do not consume any alcoholic beverages.

Moroccans are famous for their hospitality and proudly serve their guests as much food as
they can afford. It is considered disgraceful to allow guests to leave a meal unsatisfied. A specialty
dish commonly prepared for ceremonial occasions is pastilla, a layered pastry filled with Chicken,
eggs, and nuts, topped with cinnamon and sugar. Another specialty dish is mechoui, a whole roasted
lamb or calf, usually stuffed with couscous or other fillings. In Moroccan homes, families and their
guests eat from a communal bowl, usually without utensils, while seated on the floor. Hearty
Moroccan eating habits come to a halt during the thirty days of Ramadan, when every Islamic person
in the country must fast from dawn until dusk. Moroccans seen eating or drinking during daylight
hours in Ramadan may be arrested. During this time, every house prepares harira soup to be eaten as
the first meal when the sun goes down. Late at night, a main meal with several dishes is served.

The deep influence of many cultures is clearly apparent in Moroccan architecture. Typical of
all cities is the medina, a large walled area that encloses houses and shops. Medina structures with
Arabic-style arches and crenellated walls are usually found in the oldest parts of town. Some
buildings within the medina are centuries old, while others are relatively new. Units inside have a
wide range of modernity in electricity, water, and sewage services. Other parts of town are
constructed like French villages with European-style townhouses and modern plumbing. Also found
in every city are traditional Arab mosques, most of which are tall buildings with ornamental
geometric patterns covering the doors and walls. In homes, there is a big difference between the
inside and outside of the building, reflecting the differences Moroccans perceive between public and
private life. The outside may be neglected cement block with a simple door, while inside lie beautiful
and decorated rooms. The furniture in homes is usually floor level with plush pillows lining the
walls. People come here to eat and lounge, and choose a decorating style that shows the relaxed
privacy and intimacy only available in the home.
1- Match each title with the appropriate paragraph

1) Paragraph 1 a) Food in Daily Life

2) Paragraph 2 b) Politics and social life
3) Paragraph c) Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space
d) Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions.

2- What do the underlined words refer to?

 It (1st paragraph) ……………………………………………………………………………………………
 It (2nd paragraph) …………………………………………………………………………………………...

3- Find in the text words that are similar to:

 Made of (paragraph 1)………………………………………………………………………………………..

 Constructions (paragraph 3)…………………………………………………………………………….

4- Are these statements true or false? Justify your answer.

a) Couscous is eaten notably by poor people
……………………............................................................................................................
b) Moroccan never eats without spoons, knives and forks.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
c) Moroccan houses are decorated from both inside and outside.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………