What role did the British East India Company play?

Why did tea remain a Chinese secret for centuries?

Read the passage and answer. THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP: Sleep researchers have identified two main types of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep. During a typical night, a person cycles through these stages every 90 minutes. Non-REM sleep consists of three stages, progressing from light drowsiness to deep, restorative sleep. REM sleep, when most dreaming occurs, is crucial for memory consolidation and emotional processing. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to serious health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and impaired immune function. Despite modern life's demands, experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults.

Read the passage and answer. URBAN GREEN SPACES: As cities expand, urban planners increasingly recognize the value of green spaces. Parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets do more than beautify neighborhoods; they provide essential ecosystem services. Trees filter air pollutants, reduce the urban heat island effect by providing shade, and manage stormwater runoff. Studies show that residents living near green spaces report lower stress levels and better mental health. Furthermore, green spaces encourage physical activity and social interaction, strengthening community bonds. Despite these benefits, many rapidly growing cities in developing nations struggle to preserve green areas amid pressure for housing and commercial development.

Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to all EXCEPT:

According to the passage, what did high tea demand contribute to?

How much sleep do experts recommend for adults?

Read the passage and answer. RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION: The global shift toward renewable energy has accelerated dramatically in the past decade. Solar panel costs have dropped by over 80% since 2010, making photovoltaic systems competitive with fossil fuels in many markets. Wind energy has similarly become cost-effective, particularly offshore installations. However, the transition faces challenges: intermittency requires improved battery storage, grid infrastructure needs modernization, and the mining of rare earth minerals for batteries raises environmental concerns. Despite these hurdles, renewable capacity additions have outpaced fossil fuel additions for five consecutive years.

According to the passage, who is credited with discovering tea?

Read the passage and answer the questions. THE HISTORY OF TEA: Tea was first discovered in China around 2737 BC, according to legend, when Emperor Shen Nung was boiling water and leaves from a nearby tree blew into his pot. For centuries, tea remained a Chinese secret, with the methods of cultivation and preparation closely guarded. It was not until the 17th century that tea made its way to Europe, where it quickly became fashionable among the aristocracy. The British East India Company played a crucial role in popularizing tea in Britain, importing vast quantities from China. By the 18th century, tea had become Britain's national drink, with the average person consuming several cups daily. The demand for tea was so great that it led to significant trade imbalances, eventually contributing to the Opium Wars. Today, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water, with over 3 million tons produced annually.

The word 'their' in 'they provide essential ecosystem services' refers to:

What is REM sleep important for?

What challenge do developing nations face regarding green spaces?

How often does a person cycle through sleep stages?

According to the passage, how do trees help cities?