Coca-Cola Chronicles Open Response

The passage traces the history of Coca-Cola, which began in 1886 when pharmacist John S. Pemberton created a caramel-colored syrup as a medicinal tonic. Over time, it became popular as a refreshing soda, and its unique flavor comes from a secret formula known as Merchandise 7X. The iconic Coca-Cola bottle, introduced in 1915, became a global symbol of the brand. Coca-Cola’s international expansion started in the early 1900s, and today, the company offers a wide variety of beverages worldwide, including Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and non-carbonated drinks.

Reading passages like this one enrich students’ comprehension skills by presenting a detailed history of an iconic brand, helping them follow the timeline of its growth and innovation. The text also introduces industry-specific vocabulary such as “formula,” “bottling,” and “carbonated,” contributing to vocabulary development in marketing and business. By learning about Coca-Cola’s marketing strategies and global expansion, students practice critical thinking, analyzing how the brand became a symbol recognized worldwide. Furthermore, the passage’s well-structured sentences enhance grammar proficiency, offering clear examples of narrative flow and varied sentence patterns.