©Jeffrey Collins/AP
Pre-reading questions:
- What comes to mind when you think of Guinness World Records?
- What specific record caught your attention?
Vocabulary:
- extensive /ik-STEN-siv/
- concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/
- trial /TRAHY-uhl/
- determined /dih-TUR-mind/
- victory /VIK-tuh-ree/
[adjective] – covering a large area; having a great range
The scientist conducted an extensive study to analyze the impact of climate change on the extensive coastal regions.
[noun] – refers to the relative amount of a substance within a mixture, solution, or compound
The concentration of sugar in this syrup is quite high, making it ideal for sweetening desserts.
[noun] – a test, usually over a limited period of time, to discover how effective or suitable something or someone is
The pharmaceutical company conducted a series of clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of their new drug in treating the disease.
[adjective] – showing the strong desire to follow a particular plan of action even if it is difficult
Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges, her determined pursuit of a medical degree never wavered, and she eventually graduated at the top of her class.
[noun] – refers to the state of winning or achieving success in a competition, battle, or endeavor
Despite the odds, their team celebrated a hard-earned victory in the championship game.
Article reading:
Ed Currie’s unwavering dedication has led to the creation of both Pepper X and the former record-holder, the Carolina Reaper. However, Pepper X now reigns supreme in the pepper world. Winthrop University’s rigorous trials unveiled Pepper X’s exceptional potency, setting an unprecedented standard for spiciness. This triumph is the result of over a decade of determined crossbreeding efforts, pushing the boundaries of capsaicin content to extraordinary levels. With Pepper X’s fiery kick being a privilege for a select few, its recognition as the world’s spiciest pepper solidifies Currie’s pursuit of perfection. This victory cements Puckerbutt Pepper Company’s legacy in chili pepper history, leaving no doubt about Pepper X’s unmatched heat.
Comprehension questions
- Who is Ed Currie, and what is his accomplishment in the world of chili peppers?
- What is the Scoville Heat Units (SHU) scale, and how does it measure pepper spiciness?
- How many SHUs does Pepper X have, according to the article?
- What was the previous record-holder for the spiciest pepper, and how many SHUs did it have?
- How does the spiciness of a jalapeño compare to Pepper X on the Scoville Heat Units scale?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever tasted an extremely spicy pepper? If so, how did it feel? If not, would you be open to trying one?
- Have you ever taken part in a chili pepper eating contest or challenge? If yes, how did you handle the spiciness? If not, would you consider trying it, or do you prefer milder flavors?
- Do you think the drive to create incredibly spicy peppers is mainly about advancing culinary innovation?
- What are some potential advantages and disadvantages of growing and using extremely spicy peppers like Pepper X in cooking and industries?
- Considering the extensive crossbreeding and dedication needed to develop peppers like Pepper X, what does this accomplishment tell us about human creativity and the pursuit of remarkable goals in different fields?