Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Unit
4 The evolution of technology Te s t A
LISTENING 15 Minutes
A. You will hear four short conversations. For each conversation, put a tick ( ) in the
box below the correct picture.
1. What does Sally want to buy at the shop?
A B C
A B C
A B C
37 A 30 B 27 C
5 0 5
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READING COMPREHENSION 20 Minutes
A new consumer-oriented 3-D printer can make simple everyday things like mobile
phone cases and desktop decor out of something that has been used like Coca-Cola
bottles.
The new Ekocycle Cube 3D Printer, which uses filament cartridges produced
5 from three recycled 20 oz. PET plastic bottles, will cost around $1,200. This device
supposedly has the durability of a standard 3-D printer filament. And its made by
Will.i.am, 3D Systems chief creative officer.
According to 3D Systems, the new device is capable of printing objects up to six
cubic inches wide in high-definition 70-micron resolution. Cartridges will only come in
10 red, white, black and natural to start with, but will probably include more options in the
future.
Will.i.am has big plans for this model. He claims the objective is to partner with the
most influential brands around the world and use technology, art, style and inspiration
to change an entire culture. We will make it cool to recycle, and we will make it cool to
15 make products using recycled materials. This is the beginning of a more sustainable
3D-printed lifestyle. Waste is only waste if we waste it. That seems to be a little
ambitious for whats essentially an
expensive gadget capable of
reproducing small objects. But then,
20 3-D printing experiments of entire
houses have already started, so the
technology is reaching its practical
potential. And it is undeniable that
the new Ekocycle does look capable
25 of generating some awesome objects.
For now, youll have to buy the
cartridges directly from Cubify, which
currently cost between $25 and $45
per kilogram. And since these are
30 designer, celebrity-endorsed cartridges, they wont ever be cheap, though recycled
materials claim to be less pricey. It might be some time until you can simply insert an
old Coke bottle and pull out a few ping pong balls instead. Still we are a step closer.
Adapted from: http://mic.com
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Swoosh 9. ano Evaluation tests
A. Say whether these statements are right (R) or wrong (W) according to the text.
1. This printer can make objects using plastic bottles.
2. There are only three colours available to use with this printer.
3. According to Will.i.am this printer is recycable.
4. The Ecocycle printer is not cheap.
5. Its already possible to print whole houses with 3D printers.
2. How does Will.i.am plan to change an entire culture with this 3D printer?
3. Where can you purchase the cartridges for this specific printer?
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GRAMMAR 10 Minutes
B. Complete the sentences with the Past Perfect of the verbs in brackets.
1. I didnt recognise my neighbour. He (have) a drastic haircut.
2. Last week Paul learnt how to use the Ekocycle printer. He never
(try) it before.
3. Rachel told me she (not / finish) her work, so I left her alone.
4. When Jane was looking for her new 3D printer, she realised she
(leave) it at the shop.
5. Last year I went to New York. I (not / be) there before.
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Swoosh 9. ano Evaluation tests
A. Jane posted a comment on her blog. Write a short comment between 35 to 45 words.
M Y B LO G
TOP ten inventions of all times Do you agree with the ranking of these
inventions?
1. Wheel
Which other two inventions would you
2. Fire add to the list?
3. Printing press Leave your comment below.
4. Electricity
5. Telephone
6. Refrigeration
7. Airplane
8. Compass
9. TV
10. Internet
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