This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
The strongest evidence of there life on Mars has recently been found.
is
was
being
humanoid
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Brad and Angelina have quite a of children now.
number
collection
amount
group
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Greek people will have to confront their economic problems.
roundly
squarely
tangentially
now
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Daniel is nice guy, but a bit politeness.
lack of
not so
too
lacking in
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
People in China and India are wealthier than 50 years ago.
very much
very many
financial
most
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Will newspaper publishing still be a industry in 2020?
potential
increasing
viable
decline
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Spanish and Portuguese are the languages of Argentina and Brazil.
various
respective
de facto
respectable
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
After parking the car, slid down the steep, slippery road.
it
Jennifer
the keys
they
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
In ten, seven, or five years, desktop computers will have disappeared.
more than
about
mostly
even
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Why do queens often wear such hats?
unbecoming
unbearable
unavailing
uncanny
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
What time today did the professor say you had to hand in the assignment ?
at the latest
finally
by
on
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
She studies medicine, even though she cannot sick people.
abate
abide
abet
ablate
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Don’t call him on a Sunday morning: quietness at that time, to him, is .
sacrilege
sacrosanct
sacerdotal
secular
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Off and on, Sylvester health problems all his life.
has
was been having
has been having
is having
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
As she grew older, her knowledge of Chinese philosophy .
deepens
deepened
deepening
profound
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Use your time well you won’t be able to finish your task!
:or
,or
,
;
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
I like the 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan’s cities and villages.
convenience
ubiquitous
everywhere
ulterior
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
We spent the holiday at my wife’s house.
parents
parents’
parent’s
parents’s
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Sandra is smart, but the graduate entrance exam remains a obstacle for her.
fortuitous
formative
foundational
formidable
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Swimming across Sun Moon Lake exhausted!
really is
would leave anyone
did leave anyone
really was
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
During their life together, her taste in music from his.
diverged
diversified
directed
divided
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
When bicycling in Kaohsiung, can be very dangerous to everyone on the road.
traffic
the sun
cars
teenagers
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
The whole point of education is to allow people to their promise and potential.
realize
keep
foster
maintain
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
There was hardly any water in the reservoirs: the drought had emptied them.
already
entirely
all but
eventually
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
The teacher insisted angrily that the recalcitrant boy the principal.
goes to
see
goes to see
sees
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Carla was so in playing “Temple Run” on her phone that she forgot where she
was.
interested
absorbed
transported
busy
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
What we to make of his strange behavior?
are
reaction are
conclusion are
deduction are
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
James: “You probably are not hungry yet?
Karola: “ . I just ate a piece of cheese cake.”
Yes, indeed
No, indeed
Me neither
Me too
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
this information on time, we then would not have missed the plane.
Had I
Had I been given
I haven’t had
Given
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Did you ever emigrating to Australia?
think
inquire
consider
want to
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
a light concussion, I experienced no bad effects from the car accident.
Next to
Apart from
In addition to
Because of
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Celine could not hold back her tears when she heard Lance Armstrong doping.
confess to use
confessing to use
confess to using
confess to having used
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Rihanna (the singer my parakeet is named) is back with rapper Chris Brown
again.
after whom
like who
for whom
to whom
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
The military police in Cairo the crowd of young protesters ruthlessly.
disposed
displayed
dissembled
dispersed
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
the Chinese government calls it fog, everyone knows Beijing is shrouded in
smog.
Although
Despite
Unless
Unlike
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Concerned about his injuries, he went to a doctor a specialist in his field.
who was
, who was
, that was
that was
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
That politician’s remark really wasn’t to the discussion, I thought.
necessary
pertinent
reliable
remedial
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
For a nervous person like Damien, going to the dentist is a real .
adventure
chore
blast
ordeal
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Did you know that the word mascara from the Italian word for mask?
is derailed
is despoiled
is derived
is deracinated
This exam consists of two parts: (1) a Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, and (2) a
Reading Comprehension part. The total number of questions is 50 (2 points per correct answer).
- For the Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation part, choose the word or phrase that fits best in the blank of the given sentence.
- For the Reading Comprehension part, choose the answer that comes closets to the meaning of the text.
1. Grammar, Vocabulary, and Punctuation
Looking back on his life, he regretted how much of it he had .
squabbled
squashed
squandered
squatted
Reading Comprehension
The first bicycles were made of wood. Cycle manufacturers then switched to steel tubes. These
days, for high-end bikes where weight is at a premium, they use aluminum alloys or, lighter
even, carbon fiber. But Izhar Gafni, an amateur cyclist, proposes to go back to using wood-or,
rather, a derivative of wood, namely cardboard.
Mr Gafni, who is based in Israel, spent years trying to work out how to make a cardboard
bicycle able to support the weight of a human being. The trick is twofold. First, he folds the
cardboard-made from recycled paper-to increase its strength. Then, once it is folded, he treats
the result with a proprietary resin that holds it in shape and stiffens it, before cutting it into the
form of the component required. A second application of resin renders the component
waterproof, and a lick of lacquer makes it look good. The result is stronger than carbon fiber.
The bike’s frame, wheels, handlebars and saddle are all made of cardboard in this way.
The tires are composed of solid rubber, which is recycled from old car tires. That makes the
ride a little harder than if the tires were pneumatic, but means they cannot be punctured.
The chain, based on the timing belt of a car, is also made from car-tire rubber. The pedals are
plastic recycled from bottles and the brakes are recycled too. The finished product weighs 9kg,
a bit less than an ordinary steel-framed bike, and can carry a rider weighing 220kg.
Mr Gafni’s target market is the poorer countries of the world. Because manufacturing the
cardboard bike will, he reckons, cost $9-12 a unit, his design is far more affordable than a
steel-framed bike.
(Adapted from The Economist, 1 Dec. 2012)
Mr. Gafni’s bike is made of
aluminum alloy
steel tubing
carbon fiber
a wood derivative
Reading Comprehension
The first bicycles were made of wood. Cycle manufacturers then switched to steel tubes. These
days, for high-end bikes where weight is at a premium, they use aluminum alloys or, lighter
even, carbon fiber. But Izhar Gafni, an amateur cyclist, proposes to go back to using wood-or,
rather, a derivative of wood, namely cardboard.
Mr Gafni, who is based in Israel, spent years trying to work out how to make a cardboard
bicycle able to support the weight of a human being. The trick is twofold. First, he folds the
cardboard-made from recycled paper-to increase its strength. Then, once it is folded, he treats
the result with a proprietary resin that holds it in shape and stiffens it, before cutting it into the
form of the component required. A second application of resin renders the component
waterproof, and a lick of lacquer makes it look good. The result is stronger than carbon fiber.
The bike’s frame, wheels, handlebars and saddle are all made of cardboard in this way.
The tires are composed of solid rubber, which is recycled from old car tires. That makes the
ride a little harder than if the tires were pneumatic, but means they cannot be punctured.
The chain, based on the timing belt of a car, is also made from car-tire rubber. The pedals are
plastic recycled from bottles and the brakes are recycled too. The finished product weighs 9kg,
a bit less than an ordinary steel-framed bike, and can carry a rider weighing 220kg.
Mr Gafni’s target market is the poorer countries of the world. Because manufacturing the
cardboard bike will, he reckons, cost $9-12 a unit, his design is far more affordable than a
steel-framed bike.
(Adapted from The Economist, 1 Dec. 2012)
Because Mr. Gafni treats the material with which he builds his bike with a resin,
it becomes strong and attractive to look at;
it becomes water-proof and attractive to look at;
it becomes strong and water-proof;
it becomes strong and attractive to look at
Reading Comprehension
The first bicycles were made of wood. Cycle manufacturers then switched to steel tubes. These
days, for high-end bikes where weight is at a premium, they use aluminum alloys or, lighter
even, carbon fiber. But Izhar Gafni, an amateur cyclist, proposes to go back to using wood-or,
rather, a derivative of wood, namely cardboard.
Mr Gafni, who is based in Israel, spent years trying to work out how to make a cardboard
bicycle able to support the weight of a human being. The trick is twofold. First, he folds the
cardboard-made from recycled paper-to increase its strength. Then, once it is folded, he treats
the result with a proprietary resin that holds it in shape and stiffens it, before cutting it into the
form of the component required. A second application of resin renders the component
waterproof, and a lick of lacquer makes it look good. The result is stronger than carbon fiber.
The bike’s frame, wheels, handlebars and saddle are all made of cardboard in this way.
The tires are composed of solid rubber, which is recycled from old car tires. That makes the
ride a little harder than if the tires were pneumatic, but means they cannot be punctured.
The chain, based on the timing belt of a car, is also made from car-tire rubber. The pedals are
plastic recycled from bottles and the brakes are recycled too. The finished product weighs 9kg,
a bit less than an ordinary steel-framed bike, and can carry a rider weighing 220kg.
Mr Gafni’s target market is the poorer countries of the world. Because manufacturing the
cardboard bike will, he reckons, cost $9-12 a unit, his design is far more affordable than a
steel-framed bike.
(Adapted from The Economist, 1 Dec. 2012)
The weight of the various makes of bicycles, from heavy to light is:
aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, cardboard bikes;
steel, carbon fiber, cardboard, aluminum bikes;
steel, cardboard, aluminum, carbon fiber bikes;
cardboard, steel, aluminum, carbon fiber bikes
Reading Comprehension
The first bicycles were made of wood. Cycle manufacturers then switched to steel tubes. These
days, for high-end bikes where weight is at a premium, they use aluminum alloys or, lighter
even, carbon fiber. But Izhar Gafni, an amateur cyclist, proposes to go back to using wood-or,
rather, a derivative of wood, namely cardboard.
Mr Gafni, who is based in Israel, spent years trying to work out how to make a cardboard
bicycle able to support the weight of a human being. The trick is twofold. First, he folds the
cardboard-made from recycled paper-to increase its strength. Then, once it is folded, he treats
the result with a proprietary resin that holds it in shape and stiffens it, before cutting it into the
form of the component required. A second application of resin renders the component
waterproof, and a lick of lacquer makes it look good. The result is stronger than carbon fiber.
The bike’s frame, wheels, handlebars and saddle are all made of cardboard in this way.
The tires are composed of solid rubber, which is recycled from old car tires. That makes the
ride a little harder than if the tires were pneumatic, but means they cannot be punctured.
The chain, based on the timing belt of a car, is also made from car-tire rubber. The pedals are
plastic recycled from bottles and the brakes are recycled too. The finished product weighs 9kg,
a bit less than an ordinary steel-framed bike, and can carry a rider weighing 220kg.
Mr Gafni’s target market is the poorer countries of the world. Because manufacturing the
cardboard bike will, he reckons, cost $9-12 a unit, his design is far more affordable than a
steel-framed bike.
(Adapted from The Economist, 1 Dec. 2012)
Mr, Gafni intends
to sell his bikes for 9-12 dollars in the poorer countries of the world;
to manufacture his bikes for 9-12 dollars in the poorer countries of the world;
to use non-pneumatic tires for bikes to be sold in the poorer countries of the world;
to sell his bikes in the poorer counties of the world
Reading Comprehension
The first bicycles were made of wood. Cycle manufacturers then switched to steel tubes. These
days, for high-end bikes where weight is at a premium, they use aluminum alloys or, lighter
even, carbon fiber. But Izhar Gafni, an amateur cyclist, proposes to go back to using wood-or,
rather, a derivative of wood, namely cardboard.
Mr Gafni, who is based in Israel, spent years trying to work out how to make a cardboard
bicycle able to support the weight of a human being. The trick is twofold. First, he folds the
cardboard-made from recycled paper-to increase its strength. Then, once it is folded, he treats
the result with a proprietary resin that holds it in shape and stiffens it, before cutting it into the
form of the component required. A second application of resin renders the component
waterproof, and a lick of lacquer makes it look good. The result is stronger than carbon fiber.
The bike’s frame, wheels, handlebars and saddle are all made of cardboard in this way.
The tires are composed of solid rubber, which is recycled from old car tires. That makes the
ride a little harder than if the tires were pneumatic, but means they cannot be punctured.
The chain, based on the timing belt of a car, is also made from car-tire rubber. The pedals are
plastic recycled from bottles and the brakes are recycled too. The finished product weighs 9kg,
a bit less than an ordinary steel-framed bike, and can carry a rider weighing 220kg.
Mr Gafni’s target market is the poorer countries of the world. Because manufacturing the
cardboard bike will, he reckons, cost $9-12 a unit, his design is far more affordable than a
steel-framed bike.
(Adapted from The Economist, 1 Dec. 2012)
Mr. Gafni’s bike has tires that,
are wider than ordinary bicycle tires, because they are made of recycled car tires;
are made of solid rubber, so that you can ride faster on them;
are made of solid rubber, so that they can support the weight of 220kg riders;
give a harder ride but also cannot puncture
Reading Comprehension
Scientists have long thought that aging could be caused by molecular damage that accumulates
in our bodies over the course of time. The damage is an unavoidable by-product of breathing
oxygen and other metabolic processes that are necessary to life. Eventually, damaged cells stop
working, or worse, adopt new functions that trigger cancerous growth or degrade important
tissues in the brain, skin and other organs.
But investigators have conducted several experiments over the past few years that
challenge this so-called oxidative stress theory of aging. For example, a tiny mouse-like
creature known as the naked mole rat manages to live up to 30 years (about 10 times longer
than a similarly sized mouse) despite accumulating a much greater level of oxidative damage
in its tissues than other rodents.
Now there are three ideas that scientists have come up with to try to explain why naked
mole rats live so long: Maybe oxidative damage doesn’t cause aging. Maybe naked mole rats
are evolutionary oddities. And maybe it’s not oxidative damage that is the problem but how the
cell responds to the damage. (Adapted from scientific American.com)
This article suggests that
aging is caused by molecular damage that accumulates in our bodies over time;
the oxidative stress theory of aging may not fully explain why we age;
the naked mole rat accumulates an unusually high level of oxidative damage in its
tissues;
the naked mole rat is an evolutionary oddity.
Reading Comprehension
Scientists have long thought that aging could be caused by molecular damage that accumulates
in our bodies over the course of time. The damage is an unavoidable by-product of breathing
oxygen and other metabolic processes that are necessary to life. Eventually, damaged cells stop
working, or worse, adopt new functions that trigger cancerous growth or degrade important
tissues in the brain, skin and other organs.
But investigators have conducted several experiments over the past few years that
challenge this so-called oxidative stress theory of aging. For example, a tiny mouse-like
creature known as the naked mole rat manages to live up to 30 years (about 10 times longer
than a similarly sized mouse) despite accumulating a much greater level of oxidative damage
in its tissues than other rodents.
Now there are three ideas that scientists have come up with to try to explain why naked
mole rats live so long: Maybe oxidative damage doesn’t cause aging. Maybe naked mole rats
are evolutionary oddities. And maybe it’s not oxidative damage that is the problem but how the
cell responds to the damage. (Adapted from scientific American.com)
Molecular damage is
the unavoidable by-product of breathing polluted air;
explained by the so-called oxidative stress theory of aging;
an unavoidable metabolic processes such as breathing, necessary for life;
the unavoidable by-product of metabolic processes.
Reading Comprehension
Scientists have long thought that aging could be caused by molecular damage that accumulates
in our bodies over the course of time. The damage is an unavoidable by-product of breathing
oxygen and other metabolic processes that are necessary to life. Eventually, damaged cells stop
working, or worse, adopt new functions that trigger cancerous growth or degrade important
tissues in the brain, skin and other organs.
But investigators have conducted several experiments over the past few years that
challenge this so-called oxidative stress theory of aging. For example, a tiny mouse-like
creature known as the naked mole rat manages to live up to 30 years (about 10 times longer
than a similarly sized mouse) despite accumulating a much greater level of oxidative damage
in its tissues than other rodents.
Now there are three ideas that scientists have come up with to try to explain why naked
mole rats live so long: Maybe oxidative damage doesn’t cause aging. Maybe naked mole rats
are evolutionary oddities. And maybe it’s not oxidative damage that is the problem but how the
cell responds to the damage. (Adapted from scientific American.com)
Damaged cells
can assume functions that cause cancerous growths or harm important body tissues;
can impair breathing and other metabolic processes;
occur especially in the brain, skin, and other organs;
cause molecular damage that accumulates in our bodies over the course of time
Reading Comprehension
Scientists have long thought that aging could be caused by molecular damage that accumulates
in our bodies over the course of time. The damage is an unavoidable by-product of breathing
oxygen and other metabolic processes that are necessary to life. Eventually, damaged cells stop
working, or worse, adopt new functions that trigger cancerous growth or degrade important
tissues in the brain, skin and other organs.
But investigators have conducted several experiments over the past few years that
challenge this so-called oxidative stress theory of aging. For example, a tiny mouse-like
creature known as the naked mole rat manages to live up to 30 years (about 10 times longer
than a similarly sized mouse) despite accumulating a much greater level of oxidative damage
in its tissues than other rodents.
Now there are three ideas that scientists have come up with to try to explain why naked
mole rats live so long: Maybe oxidative damage doesn’t cause aging. Maybe naked mole rats
are evolutionary oddities. And maybe it’s not oxidative damage that is the problem but how the
cell responds to the damage. (Adapted from scientific American.com)
Scientists have the idea, among other things, that
oxidative damage does not cause aging;
oxidative damage probably does not cause aging;
oxidative damage is one of the factors that cause aging;
perhaps oxidative damage is not the cause of aging
Reading Comprehension
Scientists have long thought that aging could be caused by molecular damage that accumulates
in our bodies over the course of time. The damage is an unavoidable by-product of breathing
oxygen and other metabolic processes that are necessary to life. Eventually, damaged cells stop
working, or worse, adopt new functions that trigger cancerous growth or degrade important
tissues in the brain, skin and other organs.
But investigators have conducted several experiments over the past few years that
challenge this so-called oxidative stress theory of aging. For example, a tiny mouse-like
creature known as the naked mole rat manages to live up to 30 years (about 10 times longer
than a similarly sized mouse) despite accumulating a much greater level of oxidative damage
in its tissues than other rodents.
Now there are three ideas that scientists have come up with to try to explain why naked
mole rats live so long: Maybe oxidative damage doesn’t cause aging. Maybe naked mole rats
are evolutionary oddities. And maybe it’s not oxidative damage that is the problem but how the
cell responds to the damage. (Adapted from scientific American.com)
The main purpose of the scientists referred to in this article is probably
to understand how aging effects human bodies;
to understand what causes aging, especially in small rodents;
to understand how humans may live longer;
to understand what causes aging, especially in human beings
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