Английский язык. Система упражнений для формирования грамматической компетенции студентов: ситуативный контекст. Тимофеева Т.И. - 78 стр.

UptoLike

Составители:

Рубрика:

Test 4. Read the text. For questions 1-3 choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.

The Problems with Paper

Due to an increase in literacy in the 18

century, there was a huge need for paper,

which in turn demanded greater efficiency in production. Efforts were made to step

up paper production by inventing machines to do the time consuming jobs previously

completed by hand. In the late 18

century, Nicholas Luis Robert invented a machine

that could quickly produce a length of paper from cotton and linen rags on a wire

mesh with squeeze rollers at one end. In Europe and America, the mass-production of

paper became a thriving industry supplying huge volumes of paper for a long list of

everyday items. This new industry, however, spelled the beginning of environmental

disaster.

The explosion of print meant that there was a rag shortage, which instigated a search

for alternative sources of fibre. The industry turned to trees, which were rather

abundant at the time, but this decision has proven to be imprudent because trees are

now becoming just as scarce as the cotton and linen rags of the 18

century. Hemp is

being touted as the great environmentally friendly alternative to wood pulp, but it

would be a crop raised specifically for paper production. Growing fibre crops to

produce paper may soon become necessary, but right now industry watchdogs believe

that we should start by using some of our residual waste products – waste paper and

agricultural byproducts. Another concern, separate from the environmental problems

arising from the overuse of trees, is that paper-making itself is a dirty business. Toxic

emissions from paper mills are persistent and tend to accumulate in the environment,

causing illness. Therefore, as well as seeking an alternative to trees, it is vital that the

industry looks closely at decreasing toxic emissions by limiting its use of harmful

substances in the manufacturing process. Before this can happen, more effort must be

put into regulating chemical use in the paper-making industry.

1. The papermaking industry in the 18

century

A. caused an increase in literacy.

B. replaced rags with trees.