Part 2- Section 1

Reading B Questions 6-10

UInstructions for questions 6-10U: Read the following text carefully and choose the correct
option (A, B or C) for each question. UAll answers must be filled in on the answer sheetU.
EXAMPLE
Answer Sheet
(0). Whats the main idea of the text?
a. the environmental effects of pollution a. b. c.
Sb.S the psychological effects of pollution (answer b is chosen)
c. the economic effects of pollution

Thomas Midgley

1 You have probably never heard of Thomas Midgley, but his discoveries have had the
greatest impact on our planet of any single human being. Unfortunately, the impact has
been a very negative one on our environment. He didnt aim to do this, of course. The
environmental effects of his discoveries were unintentional and were not perceived until
many years after his death. Thomas Midgley was the man who invented leaded petrol and
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), both of which have had significant environmental effects.

2 In 1916 Thomas Midgley ascertained that he could make generators function more
efficiently if he added lead to petrol. This development was still in use until the 1970s,
when it was found that lead was poisonous. Research showed that children living near
major roads developed brain damage as a result of the accumulation of lead in their
bodies. Thus, leaded petrol was banned in the UK in 2000.

3 Midgleys second disastrous discovery was CFCs. These gases are utilized in air
conditioners, refrigerators and aerosol cans. Although they made refrigerators safer, they
are extremely destructive to the ozone layer, a thin layer of gases which absorbs ultraviolet
radiation from the sun. If the ozone layer is damaged, harmful UV radiation kills sea life
and causes skin cancers. Additionally, the use of CFCs contributes to global warming.

4 Thomas Midgley made great contributions to science. Unfortunately, he will be
remembered less for his discoveries than for their repercussions, which will be felt for
generations to come.











6. What UCANU UNOTU be inferred from paragraph 2?
a) Lead is less harmful to adults
b) It was many years before lead was found to be harmful
c) Children in the UK were considered to be at risk.

7. Why did Midgely add CFCs to refrigerators?
a) To make them more efficient.
b) To make them safer for people.
c) To protect people from ozone.

8. In paragraph 3, they refers to:
a) refrigerators
b) aerosols
c) CFCs

9. In paragraph 3, contributes to is closest in meaning to:
a) reduces
b) maintains
c) worsens

10. What is the main idea of this article?
a) Thomas Midgely unintentionally discovered CFCs and leaded petrol.
b) Thomas Midgelys discoveries had unintended environmental effects.
c) Thomas Midgely wasnt concerned about the effects of his discoveries.