CP: How Oreo Cookies Are Made

Set the Scene:

Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of Oreo cookies. Please consider the following:

Do you have a favorite type of cookie, and what makes it special to you?
Have you ever wondered how your favorite cookies are made, or what ingredients are used in the process?
How do you think the manufacturing process of cookies like Oreos differs from baking cookies at home?
What role do you think technology and innovation play in the production of cookies like Oreos?
Can you think of any other food products that have a similar manufacturing process to Oreos?

Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:

Take a look at the featured image of this activity. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please discuss your thoughts and predictions with your partner or group.

Introduction:

Now, let’s read the introduction to the activity and learn more about the birth of Nabisco and the Oreo cookie. Please read the text carefully and take note of any interesting facts or information that catches your attention.

Video Engagement:

Watch the video on how Oreo cookies are made and follow these instructions:

Watch the video until the point where the cookie dough is being prepared (approximately 2 minutes in). Pause the video and discuss the following questions with your partner or group:
- What are the main ingredients used in the Oreo cookie-making process?
- How do you think the use of industrial-grade machinery affects the quality and consistency of the cookies?
Watch the video until the point where the cookies are being baked (approximately 4 minutes in). Pause the video and discuss the following questions with your partner or group:
- What is the purpose of using dry ice in the cookie dough, and how does it affect the final product?
- How do you think the baking process contributes to the texture and flavor of the cookies?
Watch the video until the end and discuss the following questions with your partner or group:
- What is the most interesting or surprising thing you learned about the Oreo cookie manufacturing process?
- How do you think the use of technology and innovation has impacted the production of cookies like Oreos?

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus:

Now, let’s review some key vocabulary and grammar concepts related to the Oreo cookie manufacturing process. Please complete the following quizzes and exercises:

Vocabulary Quiz:

What does the term “leavening agents” refer to in the context of baking?
- A) Ingredients that add flavor to the cookies
- B) Substances that help dough rise during the baking process
- C) Types of sugar used in cookie production
- D) Oils used for machinery maintenance
Which of the following is NOT a main ingredient used in the Oreo cookie-making process?
- A) Flour
- B) Vegetable oil
- C) Dry ice
- D) Motor oil
What is the primary function of the molding machine in the Oreo manufacturing process?
- A) To mix the cookie dough ingredients together
- B) To bake the cookies to the perfect crispiness
- C) To portion and shape the cookie dough into individual biscuit shapes
- D) To package the cookies for distribution
How are the assembled Oreo cookies moved and oriented for filling and packaging?
- A) By hand, to ensure precise placement and orientation
- B) Using mechanical fingers and grippers, along with conveyor belts and ramps
- C) Through a series of pneumatic tubes and air jets
- D) With the aid of robotic arms and artificial intelligence
What is the approximate number of Oreo cookies produced per year, according to the text?
- A) 1 billion cookies per year
- B) 10 billion cookies per year
- C) 34 billion cookies per year
- D) 40 billion cookies per year

Answer Key:

Grammar Focus:

The passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of a sentence receives the action described by the verb. In the context of the Oreo cookie manufacturing process, the passive voice is used to describe the various stages involved, such as “the cookies are produced,” “the ingredients are sourced,” and “the cookies are baked.” Please complete the following grammar quiz:

The Oreo cookies ____________________ (produce) at factories in 18 countries around the world.
- a) are producing
- b) produce
- c) are produced
- d) have produced
The ingredients used in the cookie-making process ____________________ (source) from different producers.
- a) are sourcing
- b) source
- c) have been sourced
- d) are sourced
The cookies ____________________ (bake) in an industrial-grade oven for several minutes.
- a) bake
- b) are baked
- c) have been baking
- d) were baked
The vanilla cream filling ____________________ (prepare) separately, made from a mixture of powdered sugar and vegetable shortening.
- a) prepares
- b) is prepared
- c) has been prepared
- d) prepare
The assembled cookies ____________________ (package) into larger boxes or containers and shipped to distribution centers.
- a) package
- b) are packaged
- c) have been packaging
- d) were packaged

Answer Key:

c) are produced
d) are sourced
b) are baked
b) is prepared
b) are packaged