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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which phrase describes the authors' view on efficiency?
(a) That it creates worker equity.
(b) That it focuses on "less bad" designs.
(c) That it focuses on positive designs.
(d) That it contributes to natural systems.

2. What is the prediction of Thomas Malthus in the 1800s?
(a) The Industrial Revolution will end in destruction.
(b) Consumers will thrive off the Industrial Revolution.
(c) The Industrial Revolution will be the solution to consumerism.
(d) The government will end the Industrial Revolution.

3. Which word describes how industry views efficiency?
(a) Losses.
(b) Cumbersome.
(c) Profits.
(d) Equity.

4. When can PVC, a commonly used plastic in children's playground equipment, be toxic?
(a) When heated to high temperatures.
(b) When exposed to carbon dioxide.
(c) When frequently touched or rubbed on the skin.
(d) When consumed.

5. What is Bill's final solution to creating "less bad" design?
(a) To give up architecture and design.
(b) To be completely positive in creating new designs.
(c) To be positive about creating old designs.
(d) To recreate old designs to be "less bad."

6. Which products are the best examples of the brute force mentality?
(a) Cookware.
(b) Petrochemicals and coal.
(c) Children's toys.
(d) Pet foods.

7. What is an example of Bill and Michael's unique ideas for design?
(a) A computer that runs on refillable corn oil fuel.
(b) A biodegradable soda bottle with a seed implanted in it.
(c) A miniature solar panel that can power an entire house.
(d) A chair made entirely of wood products.

8. What does Bill find inspiring about the environment that he grows up in?
(a) He learns from many famous mathematicians.
(b) The environment is dirty and polluted.
(c) He eats many recyclable foods.
(d) Everywhere there are many beautiful and well-designed items.

9. What phrase do the authors use to describe the attitude during the Industrial Revolution?
(a) Cradle to grave.
(b) Grave to grave.
(c) Cradle to cradle.
(d) Grave to cradle.

10. What is the authors' point in opening the introduction by discussing common household products?
(a) Cleaning products are very dangerous in and out of the home.
(b) Commonplace objects are dangerous for children.
(c) Household objects are dangerous because they are very flammable.
(d) Commonplace objects appear safe but are very dangerous once they are waste in the environment.

11. What health problems can be caused by high levels of contaminants in a normal household?
(a) Liver and brain cancer.
(b) Heart attack.
(c) Asthma and allergies.
(d) Stroke.

12. What is an alternative solution to using International Style for home design?
(a) Design using old materials that can be recycled.
(b) Design using newer technology for design.
(c) Design using new materials and resources.
(d) Design using local resources and products.

13. What is a positive change that occurs during the Industrial Revolution?
(a) Workers' wages increase.
(b) Families left their rural farms.
(c) Increased pollution.
(d) Increased use of natural resources.

14. Which is an example of too much focus on efficiency?
(a) Inexpensive housing in Turkey several decades ago.
(b) Smaller power plants that save money.
(c) Refrigerators that can be rented.
(d) Running shoes that last 20 years.

15. Why are books problematic to recycle?
(a) Because they are difficult to re-bind.
(b) Because the covers are made of different materials than the interior pages.
(c) Because the interior pages are impossible to remove from the cover.
(d) Because the ink is very easy to remove.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Silent Spring to educate the public about specifically?

2. What word do the authors use as a realistic alternative to the word "recycling"?

3. What is the main goal of industry?

4. What are some unique properties of ink used in printing this book?

5. What product do the authors use as an example of designing for specific instead of general use?

(see the answer keys)

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