# PTE SST #12: Historical Significance and Uses of...

Summarize Spoken Text #12 - Level 2 - Feeds Writing + Listening

> You will hear a short lecture. Write a summary on what you have just heard from the lecture in your own words.You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the Quality of Your writing and on how well your response presents the key points presented in the lecture.

## Answer

The speaker explores the cultural and spiritual significance of cocoa in Aztec society. Cocoa was consumed as a foamy beverage and used in religious rituals, marriages, and as currency. Cocoa butter protected skin from the sun, and chocolate symbolized divine wisdom. As a sacred item, cocoa reflected both everyday utility and deeper religious meanings within Aztec civilization.

## Explanation

The correct summary must capture the three main pillars of the lecture: the practical uses of cacao (beverages, currency, skin protection), its religious significance (divine origin, sacrifices), and its role in social ceremonies (weddings, coming-of-age).

## Hints

- Focus on identifying the three distinct categories of cacao usage mentioned: daily consumption, economic value, and religious/ceremonial importance.
- Ensure your summary includes the specific connection between cacao and the deity Quetzalcoatl, as this is central to the religious aspect of the lecture.

## Transcript

During the time of the Aztecs, cocoa was mainly used as a beverage. Wines and drinks were made from white pulp around the seeds of the cocoa pod. The beans themselves were used to make hot or cold chocolate drinks. Both the Maya and the Aztec secular drinks used roasted cocoa beans, a foaming agent sugar, toasted corn and water. Vanilla and/or chilli were also used as an ingredient in the drinks. Cocoa beans were also used as a currency and as a tribute tax from peoples ruled by Aztecs. The oily layer floating in the chocolate drink cocoa butter was used to protect the skin against the sun. For the Aztecs cocoa had a religious significance. Cocoa was believed to be of divine origin: the cocoa tree was a bridge between earth and heaven. Human sacrifices to propitiate God or sun were first sanctified by giving him chocolate. Cocoa beans were given to priest's assistants at children's coming of age ceremonies. During marriage ceremonies, the couple drank a symbolic cup of chocolate and exchanged cocoa beans. Aztecs believed that drinking chocolate gave mortals some of Quetzalcoatl wisdom. - God of learning and of the wind.

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