12-2014 Final Test Mechanical E
12-2014 Final Test Mechanical E
12-2014 Final Test Mechanical E
Marks: Invigilators:
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ANSWER SHEET
Mark (X) on the letter of the correct answer, circle to delete, blacken to undo your choice
1 A B C D 11 A B C D 21 A B C D
2 A B C D 12 A B C D 22 A B C D
3 A B C D 13 A B C D
4 A B C D 14 A B C D
5 A B C D 15 A B C D
6 A B C D 16 A B C D
7 A B C D 17 A B C D
8 A B C D 18 A B C D
9 A B C D 19 A B C D
10 A B C D 20 A B C D
a.________________ f.________________
b.________________ g.________________
c.________________ h._______________
d.________________ i.________________
e._______________ j.________________
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SECTION 3. READING
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SECTION 1. VOCABULARY AND LANGUAGE Choose the correct answer (4.4 marks)
1. Which of the following simple machines is a wedge?
A. B. C. D.
2. The slide, shovel, broom and screw driver illustrate some types of simple machines except for----------?
A .pulley B. A wedge C. A lever D. An incline plane
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19. ---------------- and alloys refer to the multitude of metals and alloys that do not contain iron or, if any
iron is present, it is only a minute trace.
A. Ferrous metals B. Non-ferrous metals C. Non-metals D. Bi-metals
20. Because iron is soft and pasty it is not suitable to be used as a structural material, so a small
amount of carbon is added to it to make ------------.
A. bronze B. brass C. aluminum alloy D. steel alloy
21. The core function of an Otis flat belt is to-----------------------.
A. enable people to locate their precise geographical position
B. raise something into the space
C. eliminate the metal to metal effect of conventional steel cables.
D. provide an effective , light weight solution for vehicles
22. Car and truck ------------ have incorporated Kelvar into their construction because it offers superb
puncture and abrasion resistance.
A. drive belts B. brake pads C. tyres D. wings
SECTION 2. GAP FILLING. Complete the following passage with words given. Note that each word is
used once only and there are more words than necessary (2 marks)
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SECTION 3: READING (3.6 MARKS)
Read the passage and answer the questions
The modern hot air balloon is constructed by suspending a wicker basket underneath a large bag of
nylon fabric, known as an envelope. The wicker basket carries the balloon’s pilot, any other
passengers, and the propane tanks that provide the balloon with a source of fuel. The propane tanks
are connected by hose to a pair of burners, which are located between the basket and the envelope.
When the burners ignite, their heat passes through the balloon’s skirt – a circular sheath of fire-
resistant material at the mouth of the envelope-and finally into the envelope itself. Located at the top
of the envelope is a parachute vent, a mechanism that allow the pilot to release hot air and increase
the balloon’s rate of decent when required. This is controlled by a parachute valve cord that extends
through the balloon and into the basket.
The use of hot air balloons can be trace back to the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history (220-
280AD). Zhuge Lian used the early incarnations, known as Kongming lanterns, as military signals. The
first manned flight on record took place in France on October 15 th, 1783. In a balloon constructed by
Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier, a Frenchman named Pilatre de Rozier was elevated 80 feet off the
ground. Modern hot air balloons, with their capacity to ascend or descend and occasionally “steer” at
the pilot’s will, were first developed by Ed Yost in the 1950s. The Bristol Belle is generally regarded as
the first balloon modern hot air balloon and had its inaugural flight in 1967. Since then, balloon
technology has become extremely sophisticated. Some hot-air balloons have reach altitudes of 21,000
metres, travelled over 7,500 kilometers, and reached speeds of up to 400 kilometers per hour.
Hot air ballooning is generally a safe activity and serious accidents are rare. In the event that
something does go wrong, several items of safety gear are used to have on board. In case the pilot
light and the auxiliary piezo ignition fail, it is a good idea to have a welding torch flint sparker available
for the pilot’s use. Given the propane combustion used to propel the hot air balloon, a fire
extinguisher is an absolute necessity. Flame resistant gauntlets made out of either leather or nomex
are required for the pilot so that a gas valve can be disabled even if an open flame is present. While
nomex is a specially manufactured synthetic form of fire retardant material, synthetic clothing is
generally a hindrance to fire safety, and clothing made of natural fibre is a superior option for pilot.
Finally, a handling line-a long rope that can be thrown overboard-is a vital precautionary measure that
allows people on the ground to steer the balloon away from trouble.
To ensure balloon longevity and safety in operation, it is vital that hot air balloons be maintained and
repaired while not in use. Keeping the envelope clean and dehumidified is an important step that
prevents mould from forming on the fabric. This is especially important if the balloon has landed in a
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wet or muddy environment. The burner and fuel system also requires regular maintenance. This can
involve the replacement or repair of damaged hoses and any sticking or leaky valves. The wicker
basket has skids on its bottom to help it gain traction upon landing; over time these are worn down
and will need to be replaced. International regulations stipulate that balloons must be given a full
inspection every one hundred flight hours or twelve months. This ensures that any problems can be
rectified before they become hazardous.
Questions 7-9. Which three of the following seven pieces of safety equipment are suggested for use
with a hot air balloon?
A. Drop line
B. gas valve
C. piezo ignition
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D. synthetic clothing
E. Fire proof gloves
F. Flint spark lighter
G. Propane combustion
Questions 10-13. Complete the sentences below with words taken from the passage.
10. A dry envelope helps to stop the growth of ------------- on the material.
11. Frequent -------------is important: fixing or changing the faulty parts of the propulsion system when
necessary.
12.----------- help the basket grip the ground when it is set down.
13. Balloons must be checked annually according to----------.
Approved by Prepared by
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Source: ielts simulation test 7