Cast Iron Reading Answers

Jan 29, 2025

Cast Iron Reading Answers is a generic topic for IELTS Reading Answers. Cast Iron Reading Answers has a total of 13 IELTS questions in total. In the given set of questions (i.e., Questions No. 1-4), you have to choose the correct option from the given list of options. In Questions No. 5-8, fill the given statements with the appropriate words that should be not more than two words. Finally, in Questions No. 9-13, you have to answer the given statements in the TRUE/ FALSE or NOT GIVEN option.

The IELTS Reading Section plays an important role in the IELTS exam, assessing the candidate's ability to understand and analyze different texts. This passage offers many IELTS Reading Practice questions that reflect real testing situations. Working through these practice questions will help you better understand the test structure and build confidence for the IELTS exam, ultimately improving your chances of getting a high score.

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Section 1 Cast Iron

Cast iron, a resilient and versatile iron alloy, has played a pivotal role in various industries and daily life for centuries. Comprising 2% — 4% carbon, 1% — 3% silicon, and trace elements, including sulfur and phosphorus, cast iron boasts a composition that can be further optimized with manganese, molybdenum, cerium, copper, vanadium, and titanium. The production of cast iron involves the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace, resulting in liquid iron being cast into crude ingots known as pigs. These pigs are then remelted with scrap and alloying elements before being recast into molds, shaping the alloy for an array of products and uses. One of the key attributes that have contributed to the enduring demand for cast iron is its remarkable castability, allowing for intricate and detailed designs. Beyond the aforesaid trait, cast iron is also celebrated for its relative affordability, making it an accessible material for a wide range of applications. This alloy’s adjustable properties further enhance its appeal, providing manufacturers and artisans with a material that can be tailored to meet specific requirements and wishes.

The rich history of making cast iron dates back to the 6th century BCE in China. Although there were occasional instances of European manufacture in the 14th century, the introduction of cast iron to England did not occur until approximately the year 1500. In the 18th and 19th centuries, cast iron was cheaper than worked iron, but it was hard to work with because it was so fragile. Regardless, it was the first important structural metal and was a key part of building the first skyscrapers. Nevertheless, in many building projects during the 20th century, steel replaced cast iron as the material of choice. Even with this change, cast iron is still used in many industry settings, showing its usefulness and flexibility. At first, lacking advanced technology, cast iron came in either gray or white forms, with gray cast iron being favored for its machinability. However, the 18th century saw the development of malleable cast iron, offering enhanced versatility. In the mid-20th century, ductile iron further expanded the applications of cast iron in machine parts. Today, ductile iron is widely utilized, showcasing the alloy's evolution and its continued impact on modern industrial processes.

In modern times, cast iron finds itself ubiquitously used in various items, showing its adaptability and indispensability. In any ordinary kitchen, cookware enthusiasts and ordinary home cooks cherish cast iron for its great heat retention, even heating, and unparalleled durability. Beyond its uses within the food industry, cast iron is used by the automotive industry for the production of parts such as engine blocks or cylinder heads, showcasing its reliability under demanding conditions. Finally, the sturdiness and ease of installation of cast iron pipes have made them a preferred choice in plumbing systems. Interestingly, cast iron itself can be converted into other alloys serving different purposes, leading to even more uses connected to its existence.

The classification of cast iron varies based on its silicon content, leading to distinctions between white and gray cast iron. Grey iron, noted by its wear resistance, finds application in components such as engine blocks, cylinder heads, and gear blanks. Meanwhile, white iron, known for its brittleness and high wear resistance, is employed in specialized areas like mill linings, shot-blast nozzles, and railroad brake shoes. Moreover, a subtype of white iron, Ni-Hard Iron, stands out for applications involving mixer paddles, augers, and ball mill liner plates, among others. In response to the evolving demands of different industries, cast iron can undergo further treatment to produce malleable or ductile cast iron. Malleable cast iron, with its varying microstructure stress, serves a diverse range of purposes. As such, it is employed in bearing surfaces, chains, sprockets, connected rods, and even in the production of railroad rolling stock and farm machinery. The porous surface of malleable cast iron facilitates effective lubricant retention, and its non-abrasive wear particles contribute to its durability.

Ductile cast iron, famous for its grades tailored for specific applications, has found a home in various industrial sectors. From steering knuckles and plow shares to crankshafts, gears, and hydraulic components, ductile iron’s versatility has cemented its main role in the production of durable and reliable machine components. In addition, door hinges, automotive components, and a myriad of construction applications also benefit from the properties inherent in ductile cast iron. Over more than 3,000 years, in its various forms, has remained a key part of human civilization. From the ancient Chinese founders’ forges of centuries past to the modern age’s invention of cast iron represents a remarkable synthesis of practicality and strength. Like wrought iron, however, because of its excessive object for decorative purposes, cast iron has not remained limited to structural use alone. Engaged in multiple industries, cast iron’s mechanical properties ensure its continued relevance and importance.

Section 2

Solutions and Explanations

Questions 1-4

Choose the correct letter.

What are the elements found in the lowest amount in the composition of cast iron?
a. manganese and silicon

b. sulfur and phosphorus

c. phosphorus and copper

d. carbon and silicon

Answer: b (Sulfur and Phosphorus)

Supporting statement: “.......Comprising 2% — 4% carbon, 1% — 3% silicon, and trace elements, including sulfur and phosphorus, cast iron boasts a composition that can be further optimized with manganese, molybdenum, cerium, copper, vanadium, and titanium.........”

Keywords: Sulfur, Phosphorus, Cast Iron

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 2-4

Explanation: Sulfur and phosphorus are described as trace elements in the composition of cast iron, indicating their presence in the smallest quantities compared to other elements.

2. During the production of cast iron, what is the initial form of the alloy after the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace?

a. liquid iron

b. crude ingots

c. pig iron

d. alloyed molds

Answer: c (Pig Iron)

Supporting statement: “.......The production of cast iron involves the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace, resulting in liquid iron being cast into crude ingots known as pigs.........”

Keywords: Pigs, Production, Reduction, Furnace

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 5-7

Explanation: During pig iron production, the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace results in liquid iron, which is cast into raw ingots called pig iron, which is the initial form of the alloy.

3. In the historical context, when was cast iron first introduced to England?

a. 20th century

b. 18th century

c. 15th century

d. 14th century

Answer: c (15th century)

Supporting statement: “.......Although there were occasional instances of European manufacture in the 14th century, the introduction of cast iron to England did not occur until approximately the year 1500..........”

Keywords: England, Century, Introduced, Year

Keyword Location: para 2, Line 2-4

Explanation: Cast iron was first brought to England around the year 1500, which belongs to the 15th century.

4. What key role did cast iron play in the 18th and 19th centuries, despite its challenges?

a. primary use in jewelry

b. main structural metal for skyscrapers

c. common material for fine arts

d. a dominant component in military weapons

Answer: b (main structural metal for skyscrapers)

Supporting statement: “.......Regardless, it was the first important structural metal and was a key part of building the first skyscrapers...........”

Keywords: Structural, Metal, Skyscrapers, First

Keyword Location: para 2, Line 5-7

Explanation: During the 18th and 19th centuries, cast iron was the first significant structural metal used to build skyscrapers despite its fragility, making it important in early structural engineering advances.

Questions 5-8

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each.

5. Without ________________, cast iron was at first either gray or white, but later more types emerged.

Answer: Advanced Technology

Supporting statement: “.......At first, lacking advanced technology, cast iron came in either gray or white forms, with gray cast iron being favored for its machinability............”

Keywords: Technology, Gray, White, Favored

Keyword Location: para 2, Line 10-11

Explanation: Initially, cast iron was only available in gray or white forms due to the lack of advanced technology for further modifications. Technological advances enabled the development of ductile and malleable cast iron, leading to an expansion of its types.

6. The development of ductile iron in the middle of the 20th century increased the uses of cast iron in ________________.

Answer: Machine Parts

Supporting statement: “........In the mid-20th century, ductile iron further expanded the applications of cast iron in machine parts...........”

Keywords: Ductile, Iron, Machine, Impact

Keyword Location: para 2, Line 13-15

Explanation: Ductile iron expanded the application of cast iron, especially in the manufacture of reliable and durable machine parts.

7. Cookware enthusiasts and home cooks love cast iron for its uniform heating, ability to last a long time, and ________________.

Answer: Heat Retention

Supporting statement: “........In any ordinary kitchen, cookware enthusiasts and ordinary home cooks cherish cast iron for its great heat retention, even heating, and unparalleled durability............”

Keywords: Cookware, Enthusiasts, Heat, Durability

Keyword Location: para 3, Line 2-4

Explanation: Cast iron is acclaimed for its excellent heat retention, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures. This feature is ideal for cookware as it helps distribute heat evenly over the surface.

8. Cast iron pipes are popular in some industries due to their durability and ease of ________________.

Answer: Installation

Supporting statement: “........ Finally, the sturdiness and ease of installation of cast iron pipes have made them a preferred choice in plumbing systems............”

Keywords: Installation, Pipes, Choice, Plumbing

Keyword Location: para 3, Line 6-8

Explanation: Cast iron pipes are preferred in plumbing due to their “strength and ease of installation”, to ensure reliability and durability in plumbing systems.

Questions 9-13

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

TRUE If the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN If there is no information on this

9. Grey iron's wear resistance is a trait only it has.

Answer: FALSE

Supporting statement: “........Meanwhile, white iron, known for its brittleness and high wear resistance, is employed in specialized areas like mill linings, shot-blast nozzles, and railroad brake shoes............”

Keywords: Resistance, Brittleness, Employed, Areas

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 4-6

Explanation: Grey iron's wear resistance is not unique to it; white iron also has high wear resistance.

10. Ni-hard iron is created by making ordinary white iron undergo further treatment

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: “........Moreover, a subtype of white iron, Ni-Hard Iron, stands out for applications involving mixer paddles, augers, and ball mill liner plates, among others.............”

Keywords: Ni-Hard, Subtype, Augers, Plates

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 6-8

Explanation: Ni-hard iron is a subtype of white iron, known for use in specialized areas. It is made by further treatment of white iron.

11. Malleable cast iron can be used to assist multiple industries.

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: “.........Malleable cast iron, with its varying microstructure stress, serves a diverse range of purposes. As such, it is employed in bearing surfaces, chains, sprockets, connected rods, and even in the production of railroad rolling stock and farm machinery..........”

Keywords: Malleable, Stress, Purposes, Chains

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 10-13

Explanation: Ductile cast iron is used in various industries including railway rolling stock, agricultural machinery, and others due to its versatile properties.

12. Ductile cast iron is most commonly used in the production of machine components

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: “.........Ductile cast iron, famous for its grades tailored for specific applications, has found a home in various industrial sectors...........”

Keywords: Ductile, Commonly, Grades, Machine

Keyword Location: para 5, Line 1-2

Explanation: Ductile cast iron is widely used in the production of durable and reliable machine components, such as steering knuckles, crankshafts, gears, and hydraulic components.

13. Wrought iron was used for nothing more than making decorations.

Answer: FALSE

Supporting statement: “.........Like wrought iron, however, because of its excessive object for decorative purposes, cast iron has not remained limited to structural use alone...........”

Keywords: Wrought, Decorative, Excessive, Object

Keyword Location: para 5, Line 10-12

Explanation: Wrought iron was used for more than just decoration; It was an important material in the past for various applications, including structural purposes.

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