Technical Writing Project
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Technical Writing Project This is the big project assigned at the end of English 321: Technical Writing. I chose to write about the history of tea along with the difference between tea ceremonies around the world and a how-to section at the end about brewing tea. This project demonstrates my knowledge of the functions of Word, including tables of contents and figures and heading hierarchies, as well as my ability to research and write a long, multi-topic paper that is meant to be able to be used by readers. A Sip of Tea An overview of the history, manufacture, & drinking of tea By Elizabeth Armbrecht A Sip of Tea An overview of the history, manufacture, & drinking of tea By Elizabeth Armbrecht ENG 321: Writing II: Beginning Technical Writing, Honors Missouri State University Spring 2014 Mrs. Tracy Dalton i | Page Table of Contents Table of Figures .................................................................................................... iii Abstract ................................................................................................................ iv Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 History of Tea ......................................................................................................... 1 In the Beginning .................................................................................................. 1 Origins ........................................................................................................................................ 1 Spread in China ......................................................................................................................... 2 Spread in Japan ......................................................................................................................... 2 The Start of the Tea Trade .................................................................................. 3 The Social History of Tea .................................................................................... 4 Social Custom ............................................................................................................................ 4 War of the Worlds ...................................................................................................................... 4 And What about Now? ......................................................................................... 5 Types of Tea & How to Make Them ......................................................................... 5 The Cultivation & Manufacture of Tea ................................................................. 5 Black .................................................................................................................. 6 Green ................................................................................................................... 7 Oolong ................................................................................................................ 8 Blends ................................................................................................................ 8 The Tea Ceremony ................................................................................................. 9 China: Gong Fu Method ...................................................................................... 9 Japan: Cha-no-yu ............................................................................................... 9 England: Afternoon Tea ..................................................................................... 10 Your Own Tea Party ............................................................................................. 10 What is a Tea Party? .......................................................................................... 10 Proper Etiquette ................................................................................................ 11 Invitations ................................................................................................................................. 11 Table Setting ............................................................................................................................ 12 Courses ..................................................................................................................................... 13 Personal Manners .................................................................................................................... 13 Tea and Food Pairings ....................................................................................... 14 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 14 Works Cited .......................................................................................................... 15 ii | Page Table of Figures Figure 1 A T’ang dynasty teacup. ............................................................................................ 2 Figure 2 The East India Trading Company coat of arms. ............................................... 3 Figure 3 A quick guide to tea etiquette. ................................................................................. 4 Figure 4 Anatomy of a tea plant. ............................................................................................. 5 Figure 5 Earl Grey tea. ................................................................................................................ 6 Figure 6 Table of black teas. ..................................................................................................... 6 Figure 7 Emperor’s Clouds and Mist green tea. .................................................................. 7 Figure 8 Table of green teas. ..................................................................................................... 7 Figure 9 Monkey-picked oolong tea. ...................................................................................... 8 Figure 10 Table of oolong teas. ................................................................................................ 8 Figure 11 An invitation to tea.. ................................................................................................ 11 Figure 12 An example table setting. ...................................................................................... 12 Figure 13 What to serve at each course. .............................................................................. 13 iii | Page Abstract A Sip of Tea: An overview of the history, manufacture, and drinking of tea By Elizabeth Armbrecht The purpose of this detailed guide is to inform the reader about the history of tea, the different types of tea, and how to put on a tea ceremony. The history of tea is extensive and complicated but it can be broken down into two sections: the spread through China and Japan and the tea trade. There are three main types of tea: black, green, and oolong and while they are from the same plant, they are differentiated by how long they are allowed to ferment. The tea ceremony is different in every region that enjoys tea but it can be classified by two things: how important the manners are at the ceremony versus how important the preparing of the tea is. Throwing a personal tea party is easy because it can be as fancy or as casual as needed. Formal tea parties have many rules, but they can still be fun because tea is a drink meant to be enjoyed with friends around the tea table. Tea is a drink that spans centuries and cultures and is worth researching for its rich history and variety. Key words: tea, tea ceremony, history, China, England, Japan iv | Page Introduction How many things can the word “tea” conjure up in the imagination? Some might think of a pleasant drink to have in the afternoon, a customary luncheon, or dinner during the day. Others may think of the Queen of England or of the Emperor of China. Still others may think of mysticism and fortune-telling, and some may think of herbal healing. Being one of the first crops ever planted for the sole purpose of enjoyment rather than sustenance, tea has pervaded through time as a social custom, national identity, or harmonic symbol. Even today, tea is renowned for its health and spiritual benefits as well as being a distinct symbol of the English culture. Getting out a tea bag and boiling some water is not difficult nowadays, but tea drinkers everywhere can get so much more out of the beverage if they understand the rich history and variety that surrounds it. The purpose of this detailed guide is to inform the reader about the history of tea, the different types of tea, and how to put on a tea ceremony. History of Tea Tea has long been shrouded in an air of mystery and an aura of magic. From its mystical health properties to the good cheer it brings when it is consumed, the beverage has been revered, fought over, hoarded, and used as currency since its discovery in the early centuries of human history. The origin of tea cannot be pinned down to a certain year or even to a certain area; it was found so long ago that the earliest mentions of it were in oral tradition rather than written. However, through arduous research and meticulous record-keeping, scholars now have an idea about where tea first originated and who first began utilizing the plant as food, drink, and medicine. In the Beginning Because tea has been around long before histories were being written down instead of sung,