History of Refrigeration - IELTS Reading Passage With Questions & Answers

Introduction:

The ability to preserve food through cooling has revolutionized the way we eat and live. The history of refrigeration is not just a story of technological advancement but also a narrative of human ingenuity. This passage explores the origins and development of refrigeration technology—a topic that might chill and intrigue IELTS reading test-takers.

Passage:

Refrigeration has dramatically shaped modern society. The journey from harvesting ice to developing complex electromechanical systems marks a significant leap in human innovation. Prior to the 18th century, cooling was primarily achieved through the use of naturally occurring ice and snow, stored in insulated structures called icehouses. However, the desire for year-round cooling and the preservation of perishable goods led to the advent of artificial refrigeration.

The first known artificial refrigeration system was demonstrated by William Cullen at the University of Glasgow in 1748. Though not practical for everyday use, it laid the groundwork for future developments. It wasn't until 1805 that American inventor Oliver Evans designed the first refrigeration machine, though he never built a working prototype. The first practical refrigerating machine was built by Jacob Perkins in 1834, using ether in a vapor-compression cycle.

The late 19th century saw the widespread commercialization of refrigeration technology, with industries and households benefiting from the preservation and cooling capabilities. The invention of the absorption refrigerator in 1856 by Ferdinand Carré and the subsequent development of Freon in the 1930s by Thomas Midgley, Jr. revolutionized the industry, making refrigerators safer and more efficient.

Today, refrigeration is an indispensable part of global food supply chains, medical storage, and everyday convenience. The modern refrigerator is a testament to the progress of refrigeration technology, incorporating advanced features like frost-free operation and energy efficiency.

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Before the 18th century, how was cooling generally achieved?

A1: Through the use of naturally occurring ice and snow stored in icehouses.

Q2: Who demonstrated the first known artificial refrigeration system?

A2: William Cullen.

Q3: Did Oliver Evans build a working prototype of his refrigeration machine?

A3: No, he did not.

Q4: Who built the first practical refrigerating machine?

A4: Jacob Perkins.

Q5: What did Ferdinand Carré invent?

A5: The absorption refrigerator.

Q6: Who developed Freon, and when?

A6: Thomas Midgley, Jr. in the 1930s.

Q7: True or False: Refrigeration technology is only used in the food industry.

A7: False.

Q8: Multiple Choice: What feature is common in modern refrigerators?

A. Frost-free operation

B. Ice-making

C. Energy efficiency

D. All of the above

A8: D. All of the above

Q9: Fill in the Blanks: The first practical refrigerating machine used ______ in a vapor-compression cycle.

A9: ether

Q10: Multiple Choice: The refrigeration technology was commercialized widely in which century?

A. 17th century

B. 18th century

C. 19th century

D. 20th century

A10: C. 19th century

Answers Explanation:

A1: Historical records indicate that natural ice and snow were used for preservation in insulated buildings.

A2: William Cullen's experiments in 1748 mark the first instance of artificial cooling being demonstrated.

A3: Oliver Evans conceptualized a refrigeration machine but did not construct it.

A4: Jacob Perkins is credited with constructing the first working model of a refrigerating machine.

A5: Carré's invention was crucial in the development of refrigeration technology.

A6: Midgley's work in the 1930s introduced Freon, a safer refrigerant that propelled the industry forward.

A7: Refrigeration has applications beyond the food industry, including medical storage and more.

A8: Modern refrigerators typically feature frost-free operation, ice-making, and energy efficiency.

A9: Ether was the substance used in the vapor-compression cycle by Jacob Perkins.

A10: The 19th century was when refrigeration technology began to be commercialized broadly.

Tips for Cracking the IELTS Reading Exam:

Tip 1: Understand the Passage Structure

Read the passage to grasp the chronological flow of events, which can aid in answering questions accurately.

Tip 2: Note Key Names and Dates

These details are often the subject of specific questions in the IELTS reading section.

Tip 3: Practice Skimming for Information

Develop the skill to quickly identify relevant information in a passage without reading every word in detail.

Tip 4: Learn to Eliminate Wrong Answers

In multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination to narrow down the most likely correct answer.

Tip 5: Manage Your Time Wisely

Allocate your time efficiently across questions, ensuring you have enough time to answer each one to the best of your ability.