TOEFL - READING PRACTICE PASSAGE 1

The word “it” in line 2 refers to

• paper

• ink reservoir

• writing instrument

• ball

The word “housing” in line 3 is closest in meaning to

• point

• residence

• case

• orbit

It can be inferred from the passage that there was interest in designing a new type of pen because the old ones

• were too big

• were expensive

• leaked

• cracked

The word “expire” in line 8 is closest in meaning to

• end

• change

• copy

• expand

It can be inferred that the ballpoint pen first gained popularity among

• military personnel

• business people

• scientists

• artists

Which of the following statements is true of the ball in a ballpoint pen?

• It is fitted directly into the tube.

• It controls the flow of ink.

• It has a small hole.

• It contains a reservoir of ink.

The author mentions a “suction pump” in line 17 to indicate a function of ...?

• reservoir

• plastic tube

• socket

• ball

The word “which” in line 19 refers to

• supply

• back of the ball

• partial vacuum

• ink reservoir

What was the purpose ofthe small hole mentioned in line 20?

• To drain off excess ink

• To improve ink flow to the tip of the pen

• To reduce the amount of air in the pen

• To allow the reservoir to be refilled

Until recently one limitation of ballpoint pens was

• their inability to function upside down

• the cost of replacing empty reservoirs

• the fragility of the point

• corrosion due to the ink