Diamond Properties and Synthetic Production Quiz

Diamond Properties and Production: Comprehension Check

Maximum Score: 7 points

1. True or False Statements (2 points)

Determine if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Copy the evidence directly from the source text. No marks are awarded for only stating TRUE or FALSE.

1. The structure of man-grown diamonds is completely different from that of natural diamonds.

   FALSE: Optically, chemically, and physically they're identical to a mine diamond.

2. Gemesis diamonds are cheaper than those found in mines.

   TRUE: As regards price, a one-carat yellow diamond from nature costs about $20,000 and a man-made one costs about $6,000.

2. Answering Questions in Your Own Words (2 points)

Based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions in your own words. Do not copy phrases from the text.

1. Why is Clark McEwen mentioned in the text?

   Because he is in charge of a company that produces artificial diamonds.

   Note: This is a suggested answer among other possibilities. Add your own answer for discussion.

2. Summarize what Gemesis Corporation does to create a diamond.

   It subjects a piece of coal to extremely high temperatures and great pressure over a period of various days.

   Note: This is a suggested answer among other possibilities. Add your own answer for discussion.

3. Vocabulary Matching (1 point)

Find the words or phrases in the text that correspond to the following definitions:

• a) controlled (paragraph 1): overseen
• b) piece (paragraph 1): lump
• c) classified (paragraph 2): graded
• d) written (paragraph 3): inscripted

4. Sentence Completion and Grammar (2 points)

Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the word provided in brackets when given.

1. A diamond is the ________ (hard) natural substance ________ earth.

   A diamond is the hardest natural substance on earth.

2. If a diamond is heated to about 700ºC, it ________ (vanish), without ________ (leave) any ash.

   If a diamond is heated to about 700ºC, it will vanish, without leaving any ash.

   (Alternative correct answer): If a diamond is heated to about 700ºC, it vanishes, without leaving any ash.

3. During the 15th century, it ________ (discover) that diamonds ________ only be cut with other diamonds.

   During the 15th century, it was discovered that diamonds can only be cut with other diamonds.

   (Alternative correct answer): During the 15th century, it was discovered that diamonds could only be cut with other diamonds.

4. At the beginning of the 20th century, a prominent scientist, ________ was born in 1854, spent a considerable part of ________ fortune trying to produce diamonds.

   At the beginning of the 20th century, a prominent scientist, who was born in 1854, spent a considerable part of his fortune trying to produce diamonds.

   (Alternative correct answer): At the beginning of the 20th century, a prominent scientist, who was born in 1854, spent a considerable part of her fortune trying to produce diamonds.