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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What word best describes the authors' goal in design?

2. What is Bill's final solution to creating "less bad" design?

3. What phrase do the authors use to describe the attitude during the Industrial Revolution?

4. Which is an example of a material that is downcycled?

5. What health problems can be caused by high levels of contaminants in a normal household?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the authors suggest for a solution to more efficient home designs, as opposed to the International Style of architecture?

2. Explain what the authors mean by "brute force."

3. What do the authors mean by "crude product"? Also, give an example.

4. Compare the ideas of less-bad and completely positive design.

5. Describe what causes "sick building syndrome" and name some of the associated health effects.

6. Describe how the authors use soap as an example of designing products for "worst-case" scenarios.

7. Explain how recycling is problematic and a poor solution to positive design.

8. Explain why the authors say that eco-efficiency is not possible.

9. Name two common household objects and their hidden health effects because of the chemicals they contain.

10. Explain one example of how recycling is really downcycling of materials.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How has industry decreased the diversity that exists in the natural world? What do the authors find inspiring about the diversity that exists nature? How can designs reflect the diversity of the natural world?

Essay Topic 2

Write a three-part essay to describe the effects the Industrial Revolution has had on the planet and society.

Part 1. Describe the landscape the Industrial Revolution has created in our cities and in agriculture.

Part 2. Explain how the Industrial Revolution has affected the environment and other living organisms.

Part 3. Describe the positive and negative changes that the Industrial Revolution has brought upon society.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the problems and solutions to the throwaway society. What do the authors mean by a throwaway society? Why do consumers buy new products instead of alternatives? What are some solutions to change the throwaway mentality of product design?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 915 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample