Comprehension

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

The telephone is a common object in most homes. It has become an essential means of
communication. The word ‘telephone’ means ‘far’ and ‘sound’ in Greek. The telephone cuts distance
and time. With telephones installed in houses, people can make calls at their convenience. They can
talk to people who are hundreds of miles away. Instead of writing a letter which will take a long time
to reach, making a phone call is more convenient and saves time.
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. He was helped by his assistant, Mr.
Watson. During the experiment, Bell gave instructions to his assistant to wait in another room while he
was fixing the transmitter in his room. Suddenly, Bell accidentally spilled some acid from a battery on
his clothes. He quickly cried out, “Mr. Watson come here I want you.” Mr. Watson ran excitedly to
Bell and said “Mr. Bell, I heard every word you said – distinctly.” Thus the first telephone was
invented.
The telephone has a handset with a mouthpiece and an earpiece. When the caller speaks into the
mouthpiece, the sound is converted into electric waves. The electric waves are then transformed into
sound again.
Though the concept is the same, the telephone has changed tremendously today. With the
invention of mobile phones, telecommunications has become a more profitable industry. Young and
old people like to carry mobile phones with them. Though their main aim is communication it also
serves as a status symbol. They have digital phones which are operated through computer networking.
What more, the latest innovation in mobile phones is that you can actually look at the person you are
talking to by fixing a gadget to the phone.

Choose the best answer.

1. What is the function of the telephone?
It is……
A. an item in every home.
B. a means of communication.
C. a decorative object.
D. a status symbol.
2. Why has the telephone become
important in homes?
A. It saves time and is hassle free.
B. It saves time and money.
C. It is convenient.
D. It is a must in every home.
4. Which of these describes how the telephone
works?
A. Light is converted to sound waves
waves and electric waves.
B. Sound waves are converted to
electric waves and back to sound waves.
C. Sound waves are converted to electric
waves.
5. How does the digital phone work? By ….
A. pressing the numbers.
B. a computer link.
C. talking into the mouthpiece
D. having a handset.

3. The invention of the telephone was 6. What is meant by the phrase ‘status
A. planned and recorded. symbol’?
B. a coincidence during an experiment. A. To display the phone.
C. videotaped. B. It is a sign of prestige in society.
D. audiotaped. C. To demonstrate how to use the phone.
D. It is a sign of an educated person.

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