Henry Ford and Mass Production
Henry Ford (1863–1947) was an American industrialist who designed and produced a highly successful range of cars. At a time when cars were largely (1)___________ a luxury, Ford produced the affordable Model T, which was to transform both ordinary people’s lives and factory production systems. Ford’s vision was to produce a car (2)___________ for the average person, and this meant reducing production costs and therefore the price to the final customer. In most factories at the time, each skilled worker was responsible for putting together the whole product, a process that was both time-consuming and expensive. (3)___________, Ford gave each worker a single task to perform repeatedly as the vehicle passed along a moving belt. This assembly line system, as it (4)___________ to be known, was much more efficient, reducing the price of the car. This meant ordinary people could afford one, increasing their personal freedom and allowing cities to grow. Ford’s assembly line system was eventually (5)___________ up by other industries and, by revolutionising manufacturing processes, it fuelled economic growth in the USA and globally in the twentieth century.
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct Answer: C
Why this is correct: considered means 'thought of as'. It can be followed straight by a noun, so 'considered a luxury' works cleanly and means people saw cars as a luxury.
Tips: Memory trick: 'considered' can stand alone before a noun - 'considered a luxury'. 'Regarded' always drags 'as' along.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B: regarded has a similar meaning, but it needs 'as' - you say 'regarded as a luxury'. This is a Structural Trap because the little word 'as' is missing.
- A: referred needs 'to as' - 'referred to as a luxury'. This is a Structural Trap - without those words the grammar does not work.
Key Vocabulary:
- considered = thought of as = seen as
- regarded as / referred to as (need extra words)
Correct Answer: B
Why this is correct: suitable means 'right' or 'good enough for a purpose'. It pairs with 'for', so 'suitable for the average person' fits both the meaning and the grammar.
Tips: Memory trick: SUIT-able - if it suits you, it is suitable. A car that suits the average person is suitable for them.
Why the other options are wrong:
- C: approachable describes a person who is friendly and easy to talk to. This is a Thematic Trap - it sounds welcoming, but it does not describe a car made for someone.
- A: reachable means 'able to be contacted or got to'. That is a different idea from being right for a person.
Key Vocabulary:
- suitable for = right for = fit for
- approachable = friendly, easy to talk to
Correct Answer: B
Why this is correct: Instead means 'in place of that'. The old way was slow and costly, so Ford did something different instead. This linking word shows one thing replacing another.
Tips: Memory trick: IN-STEAD - one thing steps into the place of another. Old way out, new way in - instead.
Why the other options are wrong:
- C: Alternatively means 'as another option you could choose'. This is a Thematic Trap - it offers a choice, but Ford actually replaced the old method, he did not just suggest an option.
- A: Nonetheless means 'despite that' and shows a contrast, which does not match a simple swap of methods.
Key Vocabulary:
- instead = in place of that
- alternatively = as another choice
Correct Answer: A
Why this is correct: came is right because 'came to be known' is a fixed phrase meaning 'slowly became known as'. The assembly line gradually got this name over time.
Tips: Memory trick: learn 'came to be known' as one chunk, like a magnet phrase. The other verbs will not stick to it.
Why the other options are wrong:
- C: went does not fit - 'went to be known' is not an English phrase, so the grammar sounds wrong.
- B: got is too informal and does not form the set phrase - 'came to be known' is the standard expression.
Key Vocabulary:
- came to be known = gradually became known as
- fixed phrase = words that always go together
Correct Answer: C
Why this is correct: taken is correct because 'take up' is a phrasal verb meaning 'start to use'. The word 'up' after the gap is the clue - 'taken up by other industries' means other industries began using it.
Tips: Memory trick: spot the 'up' after the gap. Only 'take' teams up with 'up' to mean 'start using'.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A: copied does not join with 'up' - there is no phrasal verb 'copy up'. This is a Structural Trap set by the 'up' after the gap.
- B: adopted means 'started to use', which is close, but you do not say 'adopted up'. This is a Structural Trap - the extra 'up' does not fit adopted.
Key Vocabulary:
- take up = start to use = adopt
- phrasal verb = verb plus a small word like 'up'
The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.
Sign in to read the full explanation