Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 2...

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 27 to 34.

        3D printers have been widely used in educational settings from K–12 schools to universities as tools that support experiential learning and innovation. They are placed in various locations and environmental settings on campus, such as classrooms, maker centers, laboratories, and offices, alongside other office equipment such as photocopy machines, and are used for teaching, research, design, and prototyping in engineering, architecture, and other fields. In particular, university maker centers often house diverse types and multiple 3D printers within a single space, where these devices may operate continuously for extended periods. This intensive and frequent use increases the likelihood of prolonged exposure to emissions for students and staff working nearby.

        Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) has conducted a multi-year research initiative on 3D printer emissions and has found that 3D printing produces ultrafine particles (UFPs, smaller than 100 nm) as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Due to their extremely small size, UFPs can remain suspended in the air for long durations and are easily inhaled. Once inhaled, these particles may penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, which has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

        In addition, some VOCs released during 3D printing processes have been associated with both acute and chronic adverse health effects, including eye and throat irritation, respiratory illness, and, in some cases, cancer, depending on exposure duration and concentration levels. The use of 3D printers on campuses can therefore contribute to elevated levels of indoor air pollutants, raising particular concerns for vulnerable populations such as individuals with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions.

        As a result, the growing prevalence of 3D printers in educational environments has increased attention to indoor air quality management. In enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, continuous printer operation may lead to the accumulation of airborne pollutants, thereby heightening potential health risks. Consequently, systematic monitoring of particle and VOC levels, together with effective ventilation and exposure mitigation strategies, is essential to ensure a safe learning and working environment.

(Adapted from https://chemicalinsights.ul.org)

Question 27. The phrase “these devices” in paragraph 1 most directly refers to ____________.

        A. laboratories              B. photocopy machines        C. universities                        D. 3D printers

Question 28. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 1?

A. The heavy and repeated use makes it more likely that students and staff in close proximity will experience long-term exposure to emissions.

B. Intensive and frequently repeated use reduces the chances that emissions will affect students and staff working close to the source.

C. Because students and staff work nearby, they are exposed to emissions for a long time, although the use is not frequent and intensive.

D. The frequent exposure of students and staff results in more intensive use of emission-producing equipment nearby.

Question 29. The word “penetrate” in paragraph 2 mostly means ____________.

        A. remain                B. enter                        C. embark                        D. remove

Question 30. Which of the following is NOT implied in the passage regarding 3D printers in educational environments?

        A. They are commonly used for innovation-oriented learning activities.

        B. Prolonged printer operation may increase exposure to airborne emissions.

        C. Educational institutions are legally required to limit printer usage time.

        D. Indoor air pollution levels may rise as a result of printer use.

Question 31. The word “accumulation” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

        A. retention                B. reduction                        C. intensity                        D. increase

Question 32. Which of the following can be reasonably inferred from the passage?

        A. Extended exposure increases potential health risks in enclosed spaces.

        B. 3D printer emissions pose no risk in well-ventilated classrooms.

        C. UFPs are more dangerous than VOCs in all exposure conditions.

        D. Maker centers are safer than laboratories for operating 3D printers.

Question 33. Which paragraph(s) mainly focus on the health implications of exposure to 3D printer emissions?

        A. Paragraphs 1 and 4                                         B. Paragraphs 2 and 3                

        C. Paragraph 1 only                                            D. Paragraph 4 only

Question 34. Which paragraph emphasizes the need to balance educational benefits with health protection measures?

        A. Paragraph 1        B. Paragraph 2                        C. Paragraph 3                        D. Paragraph 4