Reading Comprehension Related

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Glass
I wonder who first discovered glass. This commodity has been a part of civilization from the very beginning. Imagine a world without glass! How dark and dismal it would be. No windows, corrective lenses, telescopes, microscopes, cameras, sparkly drinking containers or mirrors. Life would not be the same without this wonderful discovery. Thank you, whoever found glass!
Glass is not an element, but a combination of several elements. It is a hard, brittle, transparent solid material composed mainly of silica, with additives to change the character of the glass. Common additives are soda, lime, lead, and boron. Each additive changes the properties of the final product. Soda and lime are the most common additives, accounting for about 90% of glass production. Adding lead increases reflectivity, causing the glass to "sparkle." The addition of boron changes the thermal and electrical properties of glass, allowing cookware that can be used in the oven without shattering.

What is the definition of the term 'brittle'?

  • A. Flexible and resilient
  • B. Easily broken
  • C. Strong and durable
  • D. Thick and heavy
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of 'brittle' is 'Easily broken,' making choice B the correct answer. Brittle materials are prone to breaking or shattering when subjected to stress, lacking flexibility and resilience. In the context of the passage, glass is described as brittle, indicating its tendency to break easily when under pressure.