Even if the saying "cold hands, warm heart'' were really true. the warmhearted probably
would prefer to forgo frozen fingers during the winter. In Japan, where central heating is still
something of a luxury. Aoi Co. Ltd. has been distributing a small, disposable hand-and-body warmer that makes use of a harmless chemical reaction in order to generate heat. This winter the
Poco body warmer is making its debut in Canada, the United States and parts of Europe. In
addition to chasing away winter chills, the body warmer can be used to help relieve pain that
results from muscle sprains and arthritis.
The Poco body warmer measures about three by five inches and is one quarter inch thick. It
consists of a cloth bag containing a mixture of iron powder, moisturized wood powder, activated carbon and salt. To get it going, the user simply opens the outer vinyl bag in which the unit is vacuum-packed and shakes the cloth bag. The unit then absorbs oxygen from the air, which in conjunction with the moisture from the wood powder oxidizes the iron, giving off heat. The packet maintains an average temperature of 140 degree Fahrenheit for 24 hours, according to the manufacturer. Aoi Co. officials say that the product contains no toxic chemicals. The only
precaution users need to follow is to avoid direct contact between the skin and the body warmer
because burns can occur. The unit sells for about $ 1.
11. What is the author's main purpose in the passage?
(A) To explain a chemical reaction.
(B) To recommend a cure for arthritis.
(C) To introduce a new product.
(D) To compare central heating with the body warmer.
12. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be characteristic of a Poco body warmer?
(A) It makes use of electric power to generate heat.
(B) It measures about three by five inches and is one quarter inch thick.
(C) It contains iron powder, wood powder, carbon and salt.
(D) It maintains an average temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
13. In the first paragraph, the word "forgo'' in "to forgo frozen fingers'' could best be replaced by which of the following?
(A) warm.
(B) forget.
(C) put up with.
(D) do without.
14. In the second paragraph, the word "it'' in "To get it going'' refers to.
(A) arthritis
(B) muscle sprain
(C) the body warmer
(D) moisturized wood powder
Questions 15~19
Seoul, once a city for kings, can now claim to be a city for commuters. The third nation in
the Orient to develop an underground rapid-transit system, Korea opened its first line in 1974.
After 12 years of continuing construction, Seoul had finally completed the rest of its extensive
subway system capable of serving 5 million commuters a day.
The 73-mile-long system, the world's seventh largest, is expected to alleviate the acute
daily traffic congestion downtown.
For an estimated $ 2. 7 billion, the city has built one of the most modern subways in the
world, replete with air-conditioning, high-tech ticket machines and escalators to deep-level
stations. The subway stops, bucking an international tradition of dull concrete walls, are
attractions themselves: many are lined with shopping arcades, others sponsor art exhibits and
several have been blasted out of granite and left in their natural state, creating an eerie, cavelike
effect.
