World without Wires We are lucky to live in a world that is full of incredible technology. Our living rooms are packed with computers, LCD TVs, video game systems, and Blue-ray players that help us enjoy the latest entertainment. Although these items bring us joy and convenience, they also create a lot of clutter. Each device needs its own plug and adaptor to keep its batteries recharged, and over time these wires get tangled. Thankfully, something has come along to help get rid our homes of this mess while still supplying these devices with the power they need. It’s called wireless charging and this trend is just starting. Wireless charging, also known as inductive charging, has a lot of potential for smartphones and other electronic devices. Coils are used to create a magnetic field. Electronic devices can then absorb the electricity once they are placed on a special charging pad. There are several advantages that wireless charging offers over traditional methods. For starters, cords have a tendency to wear out with use. Wireless charging eliminates this hassle so users never have to worry about buying replacement cords. Wireless charging is also far more convenient for medical implants, as patients won’t need to recharge their devices through the skin using cords. In turn, this cuts down on the risks of infection. Wireless charging can also bring safety benefits, as wired charging devices that come in contact with water can increase the chances of getting an electric shock. Wireless charging eliminates that danger completely. Still, there are a few drawbacks to wireless charging. The first is speed. It takes a bit longer to charge devices wirelessly than it does if the device is plugged in. The process also requires more heat, so devices tend to get a bit hotter, which could create other safety issues. Also, since devices must be left on a special pad while charging, it is harder to operate them while they are powering up. This limitation may be eliminated in the future, as researchers are developing transmitters that can charge several different devices in a room without the need to connect to a charging pad. Although wireless-charging technology may be far from perfect, it seems like a step in the right direction as we move towards a less- tangled future. 1. What does the passage say is a problem with many modem appliances? A. Most people can’t afford to pay for them. B. They can cause a lot of clutter around the house. C. They can go out of style too quickly. D. They are not very entertaining. 2. Why is wireless charging beneficial for medical patients? A. It often brings down the cost for their medical bills. B. Wireless charging has shown to cure people of serious diseases. C. It makes maintenance of their devices much easier. D. It’s being used as a replacement for many pills. 3. What danger does wireless charging get rid of completely? A. People don’t have to replace their older devices. B. People who get shocked while using wet products. C. People will never need to charge their products anymore. D. People can now buy fewer devices for their homes. 4. How does the author seem to feel about wireless charging? A. He feels that the device has been perfected and cannot be improved soon. B. He doesn’t seem to have an opinion on the matter one way or another. C. He feels that this is a short-lived fad that will soon go out of style. D. He seems fairly certain that it will catch on in the future. 5. Who would probably enjoy wireless charging the most? A. Someone who is often on the go with a cellphone B. Someone who repairs the wiring system in households C. Someone who lives in a small bedroom with many electronic devices D. Someone who makes so many business phone calls and is very busy. 6. All of the following are the advantages of wireless charging EXCEPT________. A. avoiding the mess of the wires and adaptors B. offering absolute safety in all cases C. not worrying about buying replacement cords D. giving convenience to patients with medical implants 7. The word “tangled” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to________. A. powerful B. inconvenient C.messy D. tidy 8. All of the following are the improvements which should be made on wireless charging devices EXCEPT________. A. reducing the time of charging B. reducing the heat released from the process C. getting rid of the charging pad D. connecting a charging pad to several different devices