27 Eylül 2026 Pazar

LENG 101 FRESHMAN ENGLISH EXTENSIVE SUPPORTING MATERIAL (Unit:1 part :1 Pgs:6-7) 1

LENG101 FRESHMAN ENGLISH – Extensive supporting material   

UNIT 1 - Technology in use 

Vocabulary pp 6-7 - Describing technical functions and applications  

The definitions and sample sentences: 

1. Function 

 Definition: The purpose or role that something serves. 

o Sample Sentence: The function of this machine is to separate materials based on size. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir şeyin hizmet ettiği amaç veya rol. İşlev. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Bu makinenin işlevi, malzemeleri boyutlarına göre ayırmaktır. 

2. Application 

o Definition: The use of something for a specific purpose or task. 

o Sample Sentence: This software has many applications in engineering design. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir şeyin belirli bir amaç veya görev için kullanımı. Uygulama. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Bu yazılımın mühendislik tasarımında birçok uygulaması vardır. 

3. GPS (Global Positioning System) 

o Definition: A satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate position information. 

o Sample Sentence: Engineers use GPS to ensure precise location measurements during construction 

projects. 

o Turkish Definition: Doğru konum bilgileri sağlayan uydu tabanlı bir navigasyon sistemi. Küresel 

Konumlandırma Sistemi. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Mühendisler, inşaat projeleri sırasında hassas konum ölçümleri yapmak için 

GPS kullanırlar. 

4. Product development 

o Definition: The process of creating and improving a product. 

o Sample Sentence: The product development team is working on a new version of the software. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir ürün yaratma ve geliştirme süreci. Ürün geliştirme. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Ürün geliştirme ekibi yazılımın yeni bir sürümü üzerinde çalışıyor. 

5. Senior manager 

o Definition: A high-ranking employee responsible for overseeing a department or team. 

o Sample Sentence: The senior manager approved the budget for the new project. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir departman veya ekibi denetlemekten sorumlu üst düzey çalışan. Kıdemli 

yönetici. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Üst düzey yönetici, yeni proje için bütçeyi onayladı. 

6. Primary 

o Definition: The main or most important. 

o Sample Sentence: Safety is the primary concern in engineering projects. 

o Turkish Definition: Ana veya en önemli. Asıl. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Mühendislik projelerinde güvenlik birincil önceliktir. 

7. Associated 

o Definition: Connected or related to something. 

o Sample Sentence: The risks associated with this material need to be evaluated. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir şeyle bağlantılı veya ilgili. İlişkili, ilişkilendirilmiş. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Bu malzeme ile ilgili risklerin değerlendirilmesi gerekiyor. 

8. Creative 

o Definition: Having the ability to think imaginatively and come up with original ideas. 

o Sample Sentence: Engineers need to be creative when solving complex problems. 

o Turkish Definition: Yaratıcı fikirler üretebilme yeteneğine sahip olma. Yaratıcı. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Mühendisler karmaşık problemleri çözerken yaratıcı olmalıdır. 

9. Innovation 

o Definition: The introduction of something new or improved. 

o Sample Sentence: Innovation is crucial for staying competitive in the tech industry. 

o Turkish Definition: Yeni veya geliştirilmiş bir şeyin tanıtımı. İnovasyon; yenilik. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Teknoloji sektöründe rekabetçi kalmak için yenilik çok önemlidir. 

10. Innovative 

o Definition: Characterized by creative thinking and the development of new ideas. 

o Sample Sentence: The company is known for its innovative solutions in renewable energy. 

o Turkish Definition: Yaratıcı düşünce ve yeni fikirlerin geliştirilmesiyle tanımlanır. İnovatif; yenilikçi. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Şirket, yenilenebilir enerji konusundaki yenilikçi çözümleriyle tanınır. 

11. Monitoring 

o Definition: The act of observing and keeping track of something. 

o Sample Sentence: Continuous monitoring of the system is required to prevent failures. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir şeyi gözlemleme ve izleme eylemi. İzleme; gözetim. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Arızaları önlemek için sistemin sürekli izlenmesi gerekmektedir. 

12. Tracking 

o Definition: Following the movement or progress of something. 

o Sample Sentence: The engineers are tracking the performance of the new engine. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir şeyin hareketini veya ilerlemesini izlemek.Takip; takip etme. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Mühendisler, yeni motorun performansını izliyor. 

13. End-user 

o Definition: The final consumer or user of a product or service. 

o Sample Sentence: The product needs to be easy to use for the end-user. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir ürün veya hizmetin nihai tüketicisi veya kullanıcısı. Son kullanıcı; tüketici. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Ürün, son kullanıcı için kullanımı kolay olmalıdır. 

14. Accurate 

o Definition: Correct and precise. 

o Sample Sentence: Accurate measurements are essential in structural engineering. 

o Turkish Definition: Doğru ve kesin. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Yapısal mühendislikte doğru ölçümler çok önemlidir. 

15. Surveying 

o Definition: The process of measuring and mapping an area. 

o Sample Sentence: Surveying is necessary before starting any construction project. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir alanı ölçme ve haritalama süreci. Ölçüm; haritalama. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Herhangi bir inşaat projesine başlamadan önce ölçüm yapmak gereklidir. 

16. Topography 

o Definition: The physical features of a landscape or area. 

o Sample Sentence: The topography of the land affects the design of the building. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir arazi veya alanın fiziksel özellikleri. Topografi. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Arazinin topografyası, binanın tasarımını etkiler. 

17. Geological 

o Definition: Relating to the study of the Earth's structure, materials, and processes. 

o Sample Sentence: Geological surveys are important for understanding the soil conditions. 

o Turkish Definition: Dünya'nın yapısı, malzemeleri ve süreçlerinin incelenmesiyle ilgili. Jeolojik. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Zemin koşullarını anlamak için jeolojik araştırmalar önemlidir. 

18. Exploration 

o Definition: The act of searching or investigating a new area or field. 

o Sample Sentence: The exploration of new energy sources is critical for the future. 

o Turkish Definition: Yeni bir alanı veya sahayı araştırma veya inceleme eylemi. Keşif. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Yeni enerji kaynaklarının keşfi, gelecek için kritik öneme sahiptir. 

19. Avionics 

o Definition: The electronics and systems used in aircraft. 

o Sample Sentence: The avionics system of the plane was upgraded to improve navigation. 

o Turkish Definition: Hava taşıtlarında kullanılan elektronikler ve sistemler. Aviyonik. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Uçağın aviyonik sistemi, navigasyonu iyileştirmek için yükseltildi. 

20. Maritime 

o Definition: Relating to the sea or navigation in the sea. 

o Sample Sentence: Maritime engineering focuses on the design of ships and offshore structures. 

o Turkish Definition: Denizle veya denizde navigasyonla ilgili. 

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Deniz mühendisliği, gemilerin ve açık deniz yapılarının tasarımına odaklanır. 

21. Ensure 

o Definition: To make certain or guarantee something. 

o Sample Sentence: Engineers ensure the safety of the structure by conducting thorough tests. 

o Turkish Definition: Bir şeyin kesin olmasını sağlamak veya garanti etmek.  

o Turkish Sample Sentence: Mühendisler, kapsamlı testler yaparak yapının güvenliğini sağlar. 

Vocabulary part 1

 Fill in the blanks with the appropriate key words from the list: 

1. GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based technology used for accurate location 

_______________. 

2. Engineers in product development teams aim to create _______________ solutions to meet consumer needs. 

3. The _______________ manager oversees the entire project and ensures everything runs smoothly. 

4. Environmental _______________ is essential to monitor changes in ecosystems and protect nature. 

5. Surveying is the process of measuring and mapping the _______________ of a given area. 

6. To _______________ accuracy, engineers use precise measurement instruments. 

Vocabulary part 2

 Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with the appropriate key words above: 

1. _______________ technology has greatly improved navigation and location tracking. 

2. Engineers play a crucial role in the _______________ process, where they design and improve products. 

3. The _______________ is responsible for overseeing the entire team and project. 

4. _______________ thinking is often required to come up with new solutions to problems. 

5. _______________ systems are used for accurate monitoring in various industries. 

6. _______________ of topography is essential for projects involving land and terrain analysis. 

7. The goal of innovation is to introduce _______________ solutions to meet evolving needs. 

8. Accurate measurement tools help engineers _______________ precision in their work. 

9. _______________ involves searching for new areas or resources. 

10. The _______________ is the final user of a product or service. 

11. Senior managers are closely _______________ with every stage of the product development cycle. 

12. The constant _______________ of data ensures the quality and effectiveness of systems. 

Reading part) Read the text below and answer the questions: 

Innovative Applications of GPS in Modern Digital Maps 

GPS, or the Global Positioning System, is one of the primary technologies behind modern digital maps. Today, applications such as Google Maps and Apple Maps use GPS to provide accurate location information and navigation services. However, the function of GPS in these applications is much more than simply showing a user's position on a map. New applications of GPS are creating more innovative services for the end-user. 

One important application is real-time traffic monitoring. Digital maps can use GPS data from many vehicles to understand traffic conditions. By tracking the movement of vehicles, the system can identify slow roads, traffic jams, and possible delays. It can then suggest another route. This helps drivers save time and can reduce traffic in busy areas. The accurate location data provided by GPS is essential for this process. 

GPS also has important applications in engineering. For example, engineers can use digital maps and GPS information during surveying projects. They can collect information about the location of roads, buildings, bridges, and other structures. GPS can also help engineers study the topography of an area. This information is useful when planning new roads, construction projects, and infrastructure systems. 

Another interesting application is connected to geological research and exploration. Engineers and scientists can use GPS to record the exact location of geological features and field measurements. When this information is combined with digital maps, researchers can create detailed maps of large areas. This can support exploration activities and help engineers understand the physical conditions of a site before starting a project. 

GPS technology is also associated with transportation systems. In aviation, GPS information can support avionics systems and improve aircraft navigation. In the maritime sector, GPS can help ships determine their position and follow planned routes. These applications show that GPS is not only a technology for personal navigation. It is also an important tool in many engineering fields. 

Modern digital maps are becoming more innovative because they combine GPS with other technologies. For example, map applications can use GPS data together with information about traffic, roads, public transportation, and road conditions. Some systems can also provide information about accidents or temporary road closures. This innovation allows the system to give the end-user more useful information than a traditional paper map. 

Product development teams are continuously improving these systems. A senior manager in a technology company may be responsible for deciding which new features should be developed. Engineers and software developers then create and test these features. Their primary goal is to improve the user experience while maintaining accurate and reliable information. 

Creative GPS applications may also become more common in the future. For example, a navigation system could monitor a user's normal travel patterns and provide useful information before the user starts a journey. It could also combine GPS with environmental information to suggest routes with less traffic or lower energy use. Such systems could be especially useful for electric vehicles. 

However, GPS-based systems also have limitations. GPS signals can become less accurate near tall buildings, underground areas, or locations with poor satellite visibility. Therefore, digital map companies need to use other technologies and data sources to ensure reliable navigation. Continuous monitoring and system improvement are necessary to reduce errors. 

 The development of GPS-based digital maps demonstrates how a technology can have many different functions. From navigation and traffic tracking to engineering surveying, geological exploration, avionics, and maritime transportation, GPS has become an important part of modern technology. As companies continue to develop creative and innovative applications, GPS will probably have an even greater role in engineering and everyday life. 

1. What is one primary function of GPS in modern digital maps?  

a) It provides accurate location information. 

b) It designs new types of roads. 

c) It repairs damaged navigation systems. 

d) It controls modern aircraft systems. 

2. How do digital maps monitor traffic conditions? 

a) By checking the fuel levels of vehicles 

b) By tracking the movement of vehicles

c) By measuring the temperature of vehicles  

 d) By recording the weight of vehicles 

3. Why is GPS useful in surveying projects? 

a) It helps engineers design new buildings.          b) It helps engineers repair road surfaces. 

 c) It helps engineers calculate material costs.      d) It helps engineers record accurate locations.

 4. What can engineers study by using GPS and digital maps? 

a) The topography of an area             b) The temperature of an engine 

 c) The structure of a computer         d) The pressure inside a vehicle 

5. How can GPS support geological exploration? 

a) It can measure the speed of vehicles.          b) It can record geological locations. 

c) It can change the structure of soil.              d) It can remove rocks from construction sites. 

6. What is one application of GPS in the maritime sector? 

a) It helps ships reduce engine noise.              b) It helps ships increase fuel capacity. 

c) It helps ships determine their position.        d) It helps ships control water temperature. 

7. Why do product development teams improve digital maps? 

a) To improve the end-user experience              b) To increase the number of satellites 

c) To replace engineering surveying methods   d) To reduce the amount of map information 

8. Which locations can reduce GPS accuracy? 

a) Open roads and large fields                           b) Coastal areas and rural roads 

c) Tall buildings and underground areas            d) Flat areas and clear landscapes 

9. Why do companies combine GPS with other technologies? 

a) To reduce the use of digital maps                    b) To ensure more reliable navigation 

c) To increase the size of navigation systems      d) To remove the need for traffic information 

10. What is the main idea of the reading? 

a) GPS is mainly used for personal navigation.       b) Digital maps are replacing engineering software. 

c) Engineers are no longer using traditional maps. d) GPS has many applications in modern technology. 

Vocabulary part answers: 

Part 1) 

1. tracking 2. innovative 3. senior 4. monitoring  5. topography  6. ensure 

Part 2) 

1. GPS  2. product development 3. senior manager 4. creative 5. tracking 

6. surveying 7. innovative  8. ensure 9. exploration 10. end-user 11. associated 

12. monitoring 

Reading part - Answers and explanations: 

1. What is one primary function of GPS in modern digital maps? 

Correct answer: A) It provides accurate location information. 

Explanation: The text explains that GPS provides accurate location information and is an important technology behind modern digital maps. 

Text evidence: 

“GPS, or the Global Positioning System, is one of the primary technologies behind modern digital maps. Today, applications such as Google Maps and Apple Maps use GPS to provide accurate location information and navigation services.” 

 2. How do digital maps monitor traffic conditions? 

Correct answer: B) By tracking the movement of vehicles 

Explanation: Digital maps collect GPS information from vehicles and track their movement to identify traffic problems. 

Text evidence: 

“By tracking the movement of vehicles, the system can identify slow roads, traffic jams, and possible delays.” 

 3. Why is GPS useful in surveying projects? 

Correct answer: D) It helps engineers record accurate locations. 

Explanation: The text states that engineers can use GPS during surveying to collect information about the locations of roads, buildings, bridges, and other structures. 

 Text evidence: 

“They can collect information about the location of roads, buildings, bridges, and other structures.” 

 4. What can engineers study by using GPS and digital maps? 

Correct answer: A) The topography of an area 

Explanation: GPS and digital maps can help engineers study the physical features of an area, or its topography. 

Text evidence: 

“GPS can also help engineers study the topography of an area.” 

 5. How can GPS support geological exploration? 

Correct answer: B) It can record geological locations. 

Explanation: The text explains that engineers and scientists can use GPS to record the exact locations of geological features and field measurements. 

Text evidence: 

“Engineers and scientists can use GPS to record the exact location of geological features and field measurements.” 

 6. What is one application of GPS in the maritime sector? 

Correct answer: C) It helps ships determine their position. 

Explanation: GPS is used in maritime transportation to help ships know their location and follow planned routes. 

Text evidence: 

“In the maritime sector, GPS can help ships determine their position and follow planned routes.” 

 7. Why do product development teams improve digital maps? 

Correct answer: A) To improve the end-user experience 

Explanation: The text says that product development teams work on new features with the goal of improving the user experience. 

Text evidence: 

“Their primary goal is to improve the user experience while maintaining accurate and reliable information.” 

 8. Which locations can reduce GPS accuracy? 

Correct answer: C) Tall buildings and underground areas 

Explanation: GPS signals can become less accurate when there are tall buildings or when users are underground. 

Text evidence: 

“GPS signals can become less accurate near tall buildings, underground areas, or locations with poor satellite visibility.” 

 9. Why do companies combine GPS with other technologies? 

Correct answer: B) To ensure more reliable navigation 

Explanation: GPS has some limitations, so companies use other technologies and data sources to make navigation more reliable. 

Text evidence: 

“Therefore, digital map companies need to use other technologies and data sources to ensure reliable navigation.” 

 10. What is the main idea of the reading? 

Correct answer: D) GPS has many applications in modern technology. 

Explanation: The entire text discusses different applications of GPS, including navigation, traffic monitoring, surveying, geological exploration, aviation, maritime transportation, and future technologies. 

Text evidence: 

“From navigation and traffic tracking to engineering surveying, geological exploration, avionics, and maritime transportation, GPS has become an important part of modern technology.”




15 Haziran 2026 Pazartesi

ATTENTION !!!!!!

 




          LENG 102 RE-SIT EXAM FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS


                                      WILL BE HELD IN


                            MD-AMFI 1   AND   MD-AMFI 2

12 Mayıs 2026 Salı

READING MATERIAL

 STUDENT’S COPY 2026 LENG102 IN-CLASS STUDY MATERIAL

Read the texts below and choose the best answer for each question.

Between upgrades and breakdowns to cellphones, tablets, laptops, and appliances, so many electronics are getting tossed in the trash that they've taken on a name of their own: e-waste.

According to a 2024 report issued by the United Nations, the amount of e-waste worldwide has almost doubled in the past 12 years, from 34 billion to 62 billion kilograms -- the equivalent of 1.55 million shipping trucks -- and it's estimated to hit 82 billion kilograms by 2030. Just 13.8 billion kilograms -- about 20 percent of the total -- is expected to be recycled, a number projected to remain flat.

Put simply, we're throwing away more and more electronics, and recycling isn't keeping up. But a new study in Advanced Materials by two Virginia Tech research teams offers a potential solution to the e-waste problem: a recyclable material that could make electronics easier to break down and reuse.

Chemistry and engineering have an answer

Michael Bartlett, associate professor of mechanical engineering, and Josh Worch, assistant professor of chemistry, come from different fields, but together they created a new class of circuit materials. With significant work from their team of postdoctoral and graduate student researchers, including Dong Hae Ho, Meng Jiang, and Ravi Tutika, the new circuits are recyclable, electrically conductive, reconfigurable, and self-healing after damage. Yet they retain the strength and durability of conventional circuit board plastics -- features rarely found together in a single material.

The new material starts with a vitrimer, a dynamic polymer that can be reshaped and recycled. This versatile material is combined with droplets of liquid metal that do the work of carrying the electric current, the way rigid metals do in a traditional circuit.

This is a fundamentally different approach from other recyclable or flexible electronics. By combining the high-performance, adaptable polymers with electrically conductive liquid metals, the new circuit holds up under a host of challenges.

"Our material is unlike conventional electronic composites," said Bartlett. "The circuit boards are remarkably resilient and functional. Even under mechanical deformation or damage, they still work."

A second life

Recycling traditional circuit boards involves several energy-intensive deconstruction steps and still yields large amounts of waste. Billions of dollars of valuable metal components are lost in the process.

Recycling the team's circuit board is straightforward and can be accomplished in multiple ways.

"Traditional circuit boards are made from permanent thermosets that are incredibly difficult to recycle," said Worch. "Here, our dynamic composite material can be healed or reshaped if damaged by applying heat, and the electrical performance will not suffer. Modern circuit boards simply cannot do this."

The vitrimer circuit boards also can be deconstructed at their end of life using alkaline hydrolysis, enabling recovery of key components such as the liquid metal and LEDs. Fully reusing all components of the conductive composites in a closed-loop process remains a goal for future research.

While it may not be possible to curb the amount of electronics that are discarded by the world's consumers, this work represents a key step toward keeping more electronics out of landfills.

This research was supported by Virginia Tech through the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science and Bartlett's National Science Foundation Early Faculty Career Development (CAREER) award.

1. What is the primary reason the amount of e-waste is increasing, according to the article?

A. Electronics are becoming more affordable and widely available.

B. People frequently upgrade or dispose of broken electronic devices.

C. Recycling programs are not promoted by major manufacturers.

D. Governments lack effective policies to reduce electronic consumption.

2. What does the vitrimer in the new material allow the circuit boards to do?

A. Convert electrical signals into reusable energy.

B. Recover valuable metals lost during recycling.

C. Be reshaped and recycled without losing strength.

D. Improve signal quality in high-performance systems.

3. Why is the new material considered innovative compared to traditional circuit boards?

A. It is made entirely from natural and biodegradable materials.

B. It combines electrical conductivity with self-repair properties.

C. It replaces the need for metal parts in all electronic devices.

D. It reduces the size of circuit boards for portable electronics.

4. What makes the new circuit boards more environmentally friendly than traditional ones?

A. They can be chemically broken down to recover components.

B. They avoid the use of any plastic or synthetic polymers.

C. They are made using less water and fewer raw materials.

D. They use solar energy instead of electrical currents.

5. According to Professor Bartlett, what is especially notable about the material's performance?

A. It can conduct electricity more efficiently than copper.

B. It resists corrosion and oxidation in extreme conditions.

C. It can be used in both large-scale and nano-scale circuits.

D. It continues to function even when physically damaged.

6. What challenge do conventional circuit boards present in terms of recycling?

A. They are incompatible with current renewable technologies.

B. They cannot store energy after a certain number of cycles.

C. They are made of materials that are fixed and hard to reuse.

D. They contain rare elements that are illegal to export.

7. How does alkaline hydrolysis contribute to the recycling process of the new boards?

A. It strengthens the liquid metal so it can be reused again.

B. It separates electrical signals into reusable forms of power.

C. It improves the flexibility of circuits during heating.

D. It breaks down the board material to recover key parts.

8. What is the long-term goal of the Virginia Tech research team regarding this new material?

A. To create a closed-loop system where all parts are fully reused.

B. To eliminate the need for rare earth elements in electronics.

C. To produce consumer-ready devices using entirely organic circuits.

D. To reduce electricity consumption in modern appliances.

VOCABULARY EXERCISES

Exercise 1 – Match the words from the text with the correct definitions.

Vocabulary                                                           Definition  


1. conductive                                                     a. able to be changed or adjusted

2. resilient                                                          b. producing a lot of energy consumption

3. deconstruction                                               c. capable of carrying electricity

4. adaptable                                                        d. able to recover quickly from damage

5. energy-intensive                                              e. the process of taking something apart

6. discarded                                                         f. thrown away

7. straightforward                                                g. easy and uncomplicated8. durability

                                                                             h. the ability to last for a long time

Exercise 2 – Use the words below to complete the sentences.

Words: conductive – hydrolysis – deformation – recyclable – conventional – components –                                                                  recovery – reshaped

1.Copper is highly __________, making it suitable for electrical wiring.

2.Engineers are trying to design fully __________ materials to reduce industrial waste.

3.Mechanical stress can cause __________ in soft materials.

4.Unlike __________ plastics, dynamic polymers can be reused.

5.The damaged material can be heated and __________ into a new form.

6.Water treatment plants often use chemical __________ processes.

7.The electronic __________ include LEDs, processors, and sensors.

8.The __________ of valuable metals is essential for sustainable manufacturing.

Exercise 3 – Choose the best synonym for the highlighted word.

1.The material is durable. 

a) weak b) long-lasting c) temporary d) flexible

2.The circuits are reconfigurable. 

a) adjustable b) fragile c) expensive d) limited

3.The researchers developed a versatile material. 

a) rigid b) multifunctional c) unstable d) dangerous

4.The process is straightforward. 

a) complex b) risky c) simple d) experimental

5.The electronics were discarded. 

a) repaired b) upgraded c) recycled d) thrown away

Exercise 4 – Complete the engineering collocations from the text.

1.electrically __________

2.liquid __________

3.mechanical __________

4.conductive __________

5.closed-loop __________

6.traditional __________ boards

7.dynamic __________

8.valuable __________ components

Exercise 5 – Complete the paragraph using the words below.

Words: polymer – waste – resilient – conductive – landfill – recycled – flexible – components

The new circuit material combines a dynamic __________ with liquid metal to create highly __________ electronics. Unlike traditional rigid boards, the new material is both durable and __________ under stress. Researchers believe this technology could reduce electronic __________ because the circuits can be easily repaired and __________. At the end of their life cycle, valuable __________ can be recovered instead of being sent to a __________.

Exercise 6 – Reading Comprehension Vocabulary

Answer the questions using vocabulary from the text.

1.What term is used to describe discarded electronic devices?

2.Which material allows the circuit boards to be reshaped and recycled?

3.What property enables the material to continue working after damage?

4.What chemical process is used to deconstruct the circuit boards?

5.What is the environmental advantage of a closed-loop process?

Exercise 7 – Each sentence contains one vocabulary mistake. Correct it.

1.The material is highly destructive and can carry electricity efficiently.

2.Traditional circuit boards are difficult to recycle because they are made from dynamic thermosets.

3.The researchers designed a very fragile material that survives deformation.

4.Valuable electronic compounds are often lost during recycling.

5.The polymer can be reshaped without affecting its electrical performer.

TEXT 2

Washi is a traditional Japanese paper known for its beauty and strength. It has been used in bookbinding, art, furniture, and architecture for hundreds of years. However, its use has declined as people prefer more western-style housing designs. To revive interest in this craft, researchers from Tohoku University have created a new, environmentally friendly material from washi. This new material is stronger and biodegradable.

People want more bio-based and biodegradable materials as we move away from fossil-based plastics to build a more sustainable society. Green composites mix plastics with natural fibers, making materials that are stronger, biodegradable, and better for the environment.

"We made a green composite from washi, which comes from plant fibers. We improved its properties while keeping its traditional beauty," said Hiroki Kurita, a co-author of the paper and an associate professor at Tohoku University's Graduate School of Environmental Studies. To make the material, Kurita and his team layered and hot-pressed sheets of washi with polybutylene succinate (PBS). They got the washi from a Miyagi-based artisan. The new material’s tensile strength, or how much stress it can withstand, was 59.85 MPa, which is over 60% stronger than before.

Washi has a lot of space between its fibers. When combined with PBS, the plastic fills these spaces, locking the fibers in place and stopping them from moving. PBS is also biodegradable, so the new material breaks down much faster than pure plastic. After 35 days, the material had biodegraded by 82%. This was measured by the amount of CO2 released when the material was buried in compost. Researchers also measured weight loss and loss of strength during degradation.

The team was not only successful in making a new material, but they also improved biodegradation testing methods. "We used both standard and non-standard methods to measure biodegradability. This will help compare biodegradability between different materials in future research," Kurita said.

1. What is the primary characteristic that defines traditional Japanese washi paper?

a) Its beautiful appearance and strong composition. b) Its widespread use in modern construction.

c) Its inexpensive cost and simple production. d) Its unique texture and dark coloration.

2. What kind of materials are people increasingly seeking in today's society?

a) Cost-effective and widely available synthetic materials.

b) Fossil-based and highly durable plastic alternatives.

c) Bio-based and environmentally friendly substances.

d) Chemically enhanced and water-resistant compounds.

3. What is a "green composite" described as in the text?

a) A mixture of natural fibers and certain plastics. b) A type of paint made from plant extracts.

c) A new method for recycling old newspapers. d) A specific kind of biodegradable fertilizer.

4. What did Hiroki Kurita and his team use to enhance the properties of washi?

a) They blended it with various types of metallic fibers.

b) They soaked it in a solution of natural dyes and oils.

c) They exposed it to high levels of heat and intense pressure.

d) They layered and hot-pressed it with biodegradable plastic.

5. What does the term "tensile strength" refer to in the context of the new material?

a) The overall weight the material can effortlessly support.

b) The amount of stress the material can cope with.

c) The flexibility and elasticity of the material's surface.

d) The resistance of the material to changes in temperature.

6. How much stronger was the new washi-based material compared to its original form?

a) It was approximately 30% more robust than before.

b) It showed an improvement of nearly 59.85% in strength.

c) It demonstrated an increase of over 60% in strength.

d) It was exactly 82% more durable than previously.

7. How did the researchers measure the biodegradability of the new material?

a) By monitoring its change in color over an extended period.

b) By measuring the amount of CO2 released when composted.

c) By observing its physical appearance after exposure to water.

d) By analyzing its chemical composition in a laboratory setting.

8. Besides creating a new material, what other significant achievement did the team make?

a) They discovered a new source for traditional washi paper.

b) They established a new company to produce washi composites.

c) They patented a novel process for recycling plastic waste.

d) They developed improved methods for biodegradation testing.