Part 1 READING PASSAGE 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.

THE HISTORY OF GLASS

Throughout human history, glass has played a significant role in daily life. One of the earliest types of glass used by humans was obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass that was formed by the intense heat of an eruption melting sand. Early civilizations, including prehistoric societies, shaped obsidian into sharp-edged tools and weapons. Archaeological findings suggest that by around 4000 BC, humans had begun to produce artificial glass, initially in the form of glazes used to coat stone ornaments. However, the first hollow glass container did not appear until approximately 1500 BC, when early glassmakers discovered a technique of shaping molten glass around a sand core. This innovation laid the foundation for the glassmaking industry that would continue to evolve over time.

The technique of glass blowing, which became a revolutionary advancement, was developed around 30 BC in a region along the Syrian coastline. This method involved using a hollow metal tube to inflate hot glass, allowing it to be shaped into a variety of forms. Glassblowing enabled artisans to craft numerous types of glass objects quickly and efficiently. The practice spread throughout the Roman Empire, where it became increasingly common. However, after the collapse of the empire in AD 476, the production of glass declined significantly for many centuries. It was not until the 14th century that glassmaking regained importance, particularly in Venice, Italy, where artisans perfected techniques for producing high-quality, beautifully coloured glass.

By the late 16th century, glass manufacturing had reached England, where Venetian glassmakers introduced their knowledge and skills. The initial products were often thick and lacked clarity, but by the end of the century, British craftsmen had developed improved methods, resulting in clearer glass. However, the industry faced difficulties in the following century due to high taxation. In 1746, an English craftsman named William Cookson found a way to circumvent these taxes by working with lead crystal glass, which was not subject to the same duties. His approach was quickly adopted by others, leading to the widespread use of lead crystal for luxury glassware across Europe.

The 19th century witnessed two major advancements in glassmaking. First, the introduction of mechanical pressing allowed glass to be mass-produced at a lower cost, making it affordable for a wider population. This innovation particularly benefited the production of everyday glass items, such as bottles. Secondly, American inventor Michael Owens pioneered a method for automating the production of glass bottles, significantly reducing their cost. Consequently, glass was increasingly used in construction, with larger windows becoming commonplace in buildings. During this period, glass also found new applications in furniture and decorative art. By the 1960s, a special type of heat-reflective glass was developed to reduce energy consumption in buildings, further extending the versatility of this material.

Modern glass is valued not only for being a green material but also for its sustainability. It is composed of abundant raw materials, including sand and soda, and is infinitely recyclable without degrading in quality. In 2003, European countries collected 2.6 million tonnes of glass for recycling, with an impressive 62% being successfully processed for reuse. Some nations, such as Finland and Switzerland, achieved even higher recycling rates, exceeding 90%. Recycling glass requires less energy than producing new glass from raw materials, contributing to significant energy savings.

Beyond recycling, glass also supports environmental protection in other ways. For example, some modern air-conditioning systems use glass-reinforced plastic tanks to store chilled water, allowing for more energy-efficient cooling. Additionally, large glass containers filled with water have been submerged in oceans to create artificial reefs, providing a habitat for marine life in areas where natural reefs have been destroyed. These innovative uses of glass demonstrate its continuing role in both technological advancements and environmental protection.

Questions 1-8

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?

In boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE.	if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE.	if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN.	If there is no information on this