Nanotechnology: the science of the very small
Read Nanotechnology: the science of the very small and check the IELTS Reading answers. Nanoscience and nanotechnology have become very fashionable in recent times. Their prominence has inspired science fiction and raised a lot of hope and hype about the possibilities. But what exactly is nanotechn…
Passage preview
Nanoscience and nanotechnology have become very fashionable in recent times. Their prominence has inspired science fiction and raised a lot of hope and hype about the possibilities. But what exactly is nanotechnology? Most definitions agree that it is the manufacture of structures that measure up to 100 nanometres (nm). The diameter of an atom is typically 0.1 or two or three tenths of a nanometre while that of the human hair is around 1,000,000 nm. Essentially, we are now able to make new structures from atoms and molecules as if we were using the bricks of a children's construction toy.
Answers with explanations
- 14. bricks
The summary states scientists create new structures just like a child may use something. The text compares the process of making structures from atoms to a child using **bricks** from a construction toy. 'Bricks' is the correct one-word answer.
- 15. diameter
The summary compares the 'exact [15]' of an atom with a human hair. The passage states that the **diameter** of an atom is typically a fraction of a nanometre, compared to the 1,000,000 nm diameter of human hair. The required noun is **diameter**.
- 16. sunscreen
The summary talks about a product developed in the 1990s due to safety concerns that relies on nanoparticles. The text identifies this everyday item as **sunscreen**, which was re-developed because of safety issues with previous products. The correct word is **sunscreen**.
- 17. E
Paragraph E explicitly compares two vital natural resources: **water** and **oil**, stating that water may become more valuable than oil. This matches the requirement for 'a comparison between two of the world's vital natural resources'.
- 18. F
Paragraph F discusses the potential dangers of nanotechnology for humans, specifically mentioning concerns about **potentially harmful nano-products entering the body**. This perfectly matches the prompt.
- 19. A
Paragraph A states that nanoscience and nanotechnology have **inspired science fiction**. Science fiction writers are modern authors, making Paragraph A the correct location for a claim that nanotechnology has influenced modern authors.
- 20. G
Paragraph G explicitly states that the application of nanotechnology in healthcare is **exceeding the expectations** (achieved more than anticipated) of **ten years ago** (a decade ago). This makes Paragraph G the correct match.
- 21. H
Paragraph H mentions both ecological benefits (**protecting our environment**) and financial benefits (**creating new business opportunities**). Therefore, H contains the suggestion required by the question.
- 22. D
Paragraph D discusses new ideas for energy and greenhouse gas capture but acknowledges that it will be **another decade or so before some of these ideas are deployed**, indicating more time is required to realise their potential.
- 23-24: CD
The question asks for two statements the writer makes about nanotechnology and energy. Paragraph D provides the answers. First, it mentions that **further research is needed** because 'there are... many technical problems involved, and it will be another decade or so before some of these ideas are deployed' (Option C). Second, it states that nanotechnology is being used to 'capture harmful greenhouse gases' (remove dangerous gases from the atmosphere) (Option D).
- 25-26: BD
The question asks how nanotechnology could improve food production. Paragraph F states two specific ways. First, it can be adapted to 'help preserve and package food', which matches **keeping food fresh for longer** (Option B). Second, it can improve the 'delivery of pesticides to the field', which relates to **protecting food from insects better** (Option D).