I. Read the following passage and choose the best answer.
Before the invention of plastic: Before plastic, the only materials that could be molded into different shapes were clay and glass. However, both of these materials are heavy and break easily. This is why plastic was a big improvement.
Today, plastic is used in almost everything, from shopping bags and bottles to chairs and cars. Plastic has conquered the world. But do you know how it was first made?
1862 - Parkesine
The first man-made plastic was created by Alexander Parkes, who introduced it at the 1862 Great International Exhibition in London. It was called Parkesine, and it was made from plant materials. Once heated, it could be molded, and it held its shape when cooled. Also, it could be made colored or transparent. However, it was too expensive to produce for common use.
1866 - Celluloid
In the 19th century, billiards was so popular that a lot of elephants were being killed for their ivory, which was used to make billiard balls. So, people tried to find a substitute. A U.S. billiard ball company offered a prize of $10,000 to the person who could design the best substitute for natural ivory. In 1866, John Wesley Hyatt created Celluloid while trying to win the prize. Although he failed to win, Celluloid was later used to make many products, including false teeth, piano keys, and ping pong balls.
1909 - Bakelite
Leo Baekeland created Bakelite in 1909. Made entirely of artificial materials, it was the first true plastic. It was inexpensive, and it kept its shape when heated. Soon, it was being used in many things, including electrical products and jewelry. Since then, many other plastics have been developed.
Today - Petroleum
Today, most plastics are produced from non-natural materials made from petroleum. They are light, flexible, strong, and cheap. Despite all these advantages, there is one problem: plastic waste breaks down slowly and toxic chemicals can leak from it. Therefore, people are trying to develop less harmful plastics.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Plastic is harmful to many plants and crops.
B. New materials are currently being created to replace plastic.
C. Plastic was originally invented as a substitute for petroleum.
D. Plastic has been developed and improved over a long period of time.
2. Which item was NOT made with Celluloid?
A. ping pong balls B. billiard balls C. false teeth D. piano keys
3. Which was an advantage of Bakelite?
A. It broke down very slowly. B. It didn’t contain any chemicals.
C. It could be used to store petroleum. D. It could be heated without changing shape.
4. What can be inferred about Parkesine?
A. It wasn’t as strong as ivory. B. It could not be seen through.
C. It cost more to make than Bakelite. D. It was named after a billiard ball company.
5. Which can replace the word “produce” in line 8?
A. discover B. analyze B. introduce D. manufacture
I. Read the following passage and choose the best answer.
Before the invention of plastic: Before plastic, the only materials that could be molded into different shapes were clay and glass. However, both of these materials are heavy and break easily. This is why plastic was a big improvement.
Today, plastic is used in almost everything, from shopping bags and bottles to chairs and cars. Plastic has conquered the world. But do you know how it was first made?
1862 - Parkesine
The first man-made plastic was created by Alexander Parkes, who introduced it at the 1862 Great International Exhibition in London. It was called Parkesine, and it was made from plant materials. Once heated, it could be molded, and it held its shape when cooled. Also, it could be made colored or transparent. However, it was too expensive to produce for common use.
1866 - Celluloid
In the 19th century, billiards was so popular that a lot of elephants were being killed for their ivory, which was used to make billiard balls. So, people tried to find a substitute. A U.S. billiard ball company offered a prize of $10,000 to the person who could design the best substitute for natural ivory. In 1866, John Wesley Hyatt created Celluloid while trying to win the prize. Although he failed to win, Celluloid was later used to make many products, including false teeth, piano keys, and ping pong balls.
1909 - Bakelite
Leo Baekeland created Bakelite in 1909. Made entirely of artificial materials, it was the first true plastic. It was inexpensive, and it kept its shape when heated. Soon, it was being used in many things, including electrical products and jewelry. Since then, many other plastics have been developed.
Today - Petroleum
Today, most plastics are produced from non-natural materials made from petroleum. They are light, flexible, strong, and cheap. Despite all these advantages, there is one problem: plastic waste breaks down slowly and toxic chemicals can leak from it. Therefore, people are trying to develop less harmful plastics.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Plastic is harmful to many plants and crops.
B. New materials are currently being created to replace plastic.
C. Plastic was originally invented as a substitute for petroleum.
D. Plastic has been developed and improved over a long period of time.
2. Which item was NOT made with Celluloid?
A. ping pong balls B. billiard balls C. false teeth D. piano keys
3. Which was an advantage of Bakelite?
A. It broke down very slowly. B. It didn’t contain any chemicals.
C. It could be used to store petroleum. D. It could be heated without changing shape.
4. What can be inferred about Parkesine?
A. It wasn’t as strong as ivory. B. It could not be seen through.
C. It cost more to make than Bakelite. D. It was named after a billiard ball company.
5. Which can replace the word “produce” in line 8?
A. discover B. analyze B. introduce D. manufacture
