72 pages 2 hours read

Tom Standage

A History of the World in 6 Glasses

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

INTRODUCTION-CHAPTER 2

Reading Check

1. According to Standage, where did agriculture first develop?

2. What people group first discovered alcohol?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why did alcohol become more prevalent after agricultural settlements became widespread?

2. What was the social and religious significance of beer in ancient civilizations?

3. What was the socioeconomic impact of surplus grain production on civilization in Mesopotamia? How did production change Mesopotamian society?

Paired Resource

Beer: The Story of the World’s Most Celebrated Drink

  • This article from Time magazine explores the significance of beer as a globally consumed product both in ancient and modern civilizations.
  • Shared themes include Culture and Imperialism and Globalization.
  • According to the article, why is beer more commonly consumed in social settings than wine and liquor? What cultural shifts have occurred in the consumption of beer?

CHAPTERS 3-4

Reading Check

1. What served as Greece’s primary export during the time period discussed in Chapter 3?

2. Who lost their life because of a low-ranking acquaintance’s pursuit of finer wine?

3. What wine was considered a luxury item in the culture of the Roman Empire?