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Type description here
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3D printers have been around for a while. They date back to 1983, when Chuck Hull of 3D Systems Corporation invented the first. Since that time, the technology has gone largely under the radar due to the elevated manufacturing costs. Other emerging technologies like smartphones and tablets have had much greater success – that is, until now. Back in 2002, any standard techie could tell you that at £20,000 per printer, it just wasn’t financially viable for most businesses. Yet, lately, this has decreased to a fraction of the previous price, so it is finally being considered to have legs in the manufacturing world.So how does it work exactly? 3D printing, or ‘additive manufacturing’, as it is also known, requires an initial computer design or a scan of the desired object. This is sliced into wafer-thin virtual layers by the computer, and these are then printed in sequence using melted plastic, creating a three-dimensional object. This means that literally any shape, however weird, wonderful or unique, can be printed as a solid object, in theory.Dr Phil Reeves, who is the managing director of an additive manufacturing company, claims that the ability to mass-personalize goods and produce individual products for individual consumers has opened up an incredible opportunity. He says that we have been living in the age of mass production, where everything is the same, but that we are now developing digital tools to make unique products designed by and for individuals. In this way, manufacturing has come full circle to before the Industrial Revolution, when the emphasis was on individual craft.In east London, Alice Taylor runs a doll-making business called MakieLab. Not so long ago, her dolls would probably have been cheaper to mass-produce abroad, but thanks to 3D printing, that’s no longer the case. She uses suppliers in London and Amsterdam to print the dolls, but all of the assembly is done at her office, and an employee even makes all of the clothes individually and by hand. Every doll is unique. For Alice, it’s cheaper to make dolls to order for her customers, rather than mass producing them and paying the manufacturing and transport costs.Alice’s business is not alone. We are seeing more and more businesses like hers focusing on personalized consumer goods. This has a knock-on benefit for the environment as well, since consumers are more likely to keep a product for longer if it has been tailor-made and holds particular sentimental value for them.Once the technology gets up to speed, what does the future hold for 3D printing? It seems that as soon as different materials can be used and can be combined with electronics, it will be possible to print not just a mobile phone cover (these are already being made by a limited number of start-up companies), but also a working phone. Richard Hague, Professor of Innovative Manufacturing at the University of Nottingham, is excited by 3D printing’s potential. He said that he was trying to move away from single material additive manufacturing, to manufacturing the whole product or system using different materials.3D printing is currently under close scrutiny, because it is still largely in development, but in the future it is thought that it could be used to produce lighter aircraft, spare parts for spacecraft and even working body parts. However, we might have to wait a little while to see if those plans actually come to fruition.
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Choose the correct answersSchools are put under ______________ to buy the most up-to-date technology.
Correct Answer
B. Pressure
Explanation
Schools are put under pressure to buy the most up-to-date technology because there is a constant demand for schools to keep up with advancements in technology in order to provide students with the best possible education. Additionally, schools may face pressure from parents, students, and the community to provide access to modern technology in the classroom. This pressure can come from the belief that technology enhances learning and prepares students for the future job market.
4.
Ben looks pale and tired. He’s been quite under ______________ at the moment.
Correct Answer
C. The weather
Explanation
Ben looks pale and tired, indicating that he is not feeling well. The phrase "under the weather" is a common idiom used to describe someone who is feeling sick or unwell. Therefore, the correct answer is "the weather" as it accurately explains Ben's current condition.
5.
Many schools still need to get online bullying under ______________.
Correct Answer
C. Control
Explanation
Online bullying is a prevalent issue in schools, and many schools still need to address and manage this problem effectively. The word "control" suggests that schools need to take measures to regulate and prevent online bullying, ensuring a safe and secure environment for their students. This may involve implementing strict policies, educating students about the consequences of cyberbullying, and providing support systems for victims.
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She has got two years’ experience under ______________ working at a tech start-up.
Correct Answer
C. Her belt
Explanation
The phrase "under her belt" is a common idiomatic expression that means someone has gained experience or achieved something. In this context, it means that she has gained two years of experience working at a tech start-up.
7.
His parents didn’t let him watch the film because he was under ______________.
Correct Answer
A. Age
Explanation
The correct answer is "age" because the sentence mentions that his parents didn't let him watch the film. This implies that there was a restriction placed on him, and the most common reason for such restrictions is being underage.
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We can ______________ to the high-quality service at the shop.
Correct Answer
A. testify
Explanation
The word "testify" means to give evidence or a statement in support of something. In this context, if we can testify to the high-quality service at the shop, it means that we can provide evidence or give a statement confirming that the shop provides excellent service. This suggests that the shop has a good reputation and is known for its high-quality service.
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The school is ______________ the advantages and disadvantages of using tablets in class.
Correct Answer
B. Assessing
Explanation
The correct answer is "assessing." This is because assessing means evaluating or analyzing something, in this case, the advantages and disadvantages of using tablets in class. The school is likely gathering information, conducting surveys, or analyzing data to determine the pros and cons of using tablets in the classroom setting. This process of assessment will help the school make an informed decision about whether or not to implement tablet usage in their classes.
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Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. - The police told __________ more slowly.
Correct Answer
A. them to drive
Explanation
The correct answer is "them to drive". The police instructed someone to drive more slowly.
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She criticized him _________ late.
Correct Answer
A. For always being
Explanation
The correct answer is "for always being." This phrase suggests that she criticized him because he was consistently behaving in a certain way, implying that his behavior was a recurring issue.
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The shop manager refused ________ me a refund.
Correct Answer
A. To give
Explanation
The correct answer is "to give." In this sentence, "refused" is the main verb, and it is followed by the infinitive form "to give." The phrase "to give me a refund" acts as the direct object of the verb "refused." The use of the infinitive form indicates that the shop manager declined or denied the action of giving a refund.
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He reminded the tourists _________ of their wallets.
Correct Answer
A. to take care
Explanation
The correct answer is "to take care". This is because the word "reminded" suggests that the tourists were being warned or advised about something, and in this case, it is about their wallets. The phrase "to take care" implies that the tourists should be cautious and ensure the safety of their wallets.
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My friend insisted __________ for the meal.
Correct Answer
A. That she would pay
Explanation
The correct answer is "that she would pay" because the phrase "that she would pay" is a subordinate clause that acts as the object of the verb "insisted." It indicates what my friend insisted, which is her willingness to cover the cost of the meal.
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The teacher warned the students against _________ each other’s work.
Correct Answer
A. Copying
Explanation
The teacher warned the students against "copying" each other's work. This means that the teacher advised the students not to duplicate or imitate someone else's work without permission or proper citation.
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My mum reminded ____________ my book back to the library.
Correct Answer
B. Me to take
Explanation
The correct answer is "me to take" because the sentence is in the active voice and requires a subject (me) and a verb (to take). The verb "reminded" is followed by the indirect object "me" and the infinitive verb "to take," indicating that the speaker's mother reminded them to take their book back to the library.
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3D printers have been popular since the 1980s.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement "3D printers have been popular since the 1980s" is false. While the concept of 3D printing was introduced in the 1980s, it wasn't until recent years that 3D printers became more widely known and accessible to the general public. The technology has advanced significantly since the 1980s, making it more affordable and practical for various industries and individuals to use. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that 3D printers have been popular since the 1980s.
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Because of reduced costs, 3D printers are now being taken seriously.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that the reduced costs of 3D printers have resulted in them being considered as a viable and valuable technology. This implies that previously, the high costs may have hindered the adoption and acceptance of 3D printers. However, with reduced costs, more individuals and industries are now able to afford and utilize 3D printers, leading to them being taken more seriously as a useful tool. Therefore, the answer "True" aligns with the explanation provided.
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A 3D printer works by building up a series of layers until a solid object is formed.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
A 3D printer works by using a process called additive manufacturing, where it builds an object layer by layer. It starts with a digital model of the object and then slices it into thin cross-sectional layers. The printer then deposits material, such as plastic or metal, layer by layer, following the instructions from the digital model. This process continues until the entire object is formed. Therefore, the statement "A 3D printer works by building up a series of layers until a solid object is formed" is true.
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Dr Reeves says the mass production of identical objects is what makes 3D printing useful.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The explanation for the answer "False" is that Dr Reeves states that the mass production of identical objects is NOT what makes 3D printing useful. This implies that there is another factor or feature of 3D printing that is considered useful, but it is not specified in the given information.
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In some ways, 3D printing is similar to pre-industrialized manufacturing.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
3D printing is similar to pre-industrialized manufacturing because both involve the creation of physical objects. In pre-industrialized manufacturing, objects were made by hand using traditional methods, while in 3D printing, objects are created by layering materials based on a digital design. Both processes require skilled labor and involve the physical production of goods. Therefore, the statement is true.
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Alice Taylor has offices in the UK and overseas.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because it states that Alice Taylor has offices in both the UK and overseas. However, there is no information given about Alice Taylor having offices in the UK or overseas, so we cannot assume that she has offices in both locations.
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There are potential environmental benefits to 3D printing.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
3D printing has the potential to offer environmental benefits due to its ability to reduce waste. Traditional manufacturing processes often generate a significant amount of waste material, whereas 3D printing allows for precise and efficient use of materials, minimizing waste. Additionally, 3D printing can enable localized production, reducing the need for transportation and associated carbon emissions. These factors contribute to the potential environmental benefits of 3D printing.
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At the moment, 3D printing can produce things like dolls and cases for smartphones.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
3D printing technology has advanced to the point where it is capable of producing various objects, including dolls and cases for smartphones. This statement is true because 3D printers can create three-dimensional objects by layering materials based on a digital design. This has opened up possibilities for customization and manufacturing of various products, including toys and phone accessories.
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The next step in 3D printing is to develop multi-material manufacturing.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that the future of 3D printing involves the advancement of multi-material manufacturing. This means that instead of using only one type of material, 3D printers will be able to use multiple materials simultaneously to create more complex and diverse objects. This development would greatly expand the possibilities and applications of 3D printing technology.
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3D printing is expected to develop rapidly in the near future.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement suggests that 3D printing is expected to develop rapidly in the near future. However, the correct answer is False. This implies that the statement is not true and that 3D printing is not expected to develop rapidly in the near future.