Reading - "Fika": The Swedish Art of Pausing

Read the text and complete the activities below.

In Sweden, there is a beautiful tradition. It is called "Fika" (pronounced fee-ka). Fika is a pause in the middle of the day. But it is not just a fast coffee break. It is a moment for slow living.

When people have Fika, they stop working. They sit down. They drink coffee or tea. They eat a sweet cake, like a cinnamon bun. The most important thing about Fika is time. It is time to talk to friends and colleagues. It is time to relax your mind.

People have Fika every day in Sweden. They have it in the morning and in the afternoon. In many Swedish offices, Fika is mandatory! Bosses and workers sit together. They do not talk about work. They talk about life. This simple tradition makes people happy and less stressed.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Multiple Choice

1. What is "Fika"?

Select... a) A fast car in Sweden. b) A pause in the day to drink coffee and relax. c) A type of Swedish dance.

2. What do people usually eat during Fika?

Select... a) A sweet cake or cinnamon bun. b) Pizza and pasta. c) Soup and salad.

3. What do people talk about during Fika at the office?

Select... a) Only about work and business. b) About life, not about work. c) They do not talk, they sleep.

Activity 2: True or False

1. Fika is a tradition from Sweden.

Select... True (T) False (F)

2. The most important thing about Fika is to drink coffee very fast.

Select... True (T) False (F)

3. In some offices, Fika is mandatory.

Select... True (T) False (F)