Why Hagoromo Chalk Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

Why Hagoromo Chalk Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider
Quizzed ESL Activities

Hagoromo Chalk: The Secret to Smooth Writing

Hagoromo chalk is a beloved writing utensil among mathematicians, known for its smooth performance, consistency, and vibrant colors. The secret to its success lies in its special formula and production methods, which include a unique blend of calcium carbonate, kaolin, and premium pigments.

The chalk is made in South Korea, where it undergoes a labor-intensive process that involves mixing, shaping, and drying. The final product is a stick of chalk that is nearly dustless, easy to erase, and provides a smooth writing experience.

Mathematicians swear by Hagoromo chalk, citing its ability to bring complex ideas to life with precision and clarity. The chalk’s popularity has endured despite its higher price point, with fans willing to pay a premium for its unique qualities.

In 2015, the original Japanese company announced its intention to shut down, sending shockwaves through the mathematical community. However, a new owner, Shin Hyeong-seok, stepped in to save the brand, and the chalk continues to be made with the same attention to detail and quality.

Today, Hagoromo chalk remains a sought-after writing utensil, with mathematicians and educators alike praising its performance and durability. Despite the challenges of maintaining traditional production methods, the brand continues to thrive, thanks to its loyal following and commitment to quality.

Term Definition Example Usage
Calcium Carbonate A common mineral compound used in various applications, including construction, pharmaceuticals, and art supplies. Hagoromo chalk’s special formula includes a unique blend of calcium carbonate, kaolin, and premium pigments.
Kaolin A soft, white clay mineral used in ceramics, paper coating, and as a filler in various products. The combination of kaolin and calcium carbonate in Hagoromo chalk contributes to its smooth performance and durability.
Pigments Colored substances used to create a wide range of hues and shades in art supplies, including chalk, paints, and inks. Hagoromo chalk’s vibrant colors are achieved through the use of premium pigments in its formula.
Dustless Describing a product that produces minimal or no dust, often used to describe art supplies or cleaning products. Hagoromo chalk is nearly dustless, making it a preferred choice among mathematicians and educators.
Eraser-friendly Describing a surface or material that can be easily erased or cleaned without leaving residue or marks. Hagoromo chalk is easy to erase, making it a convenient choice for mathematicians and educators.
Mathematical Community A group of individuals who share an interest in mathematics, including mathematicians, educators, and students. The mathematical community was shocked when the original Japanese company announced its intention to shut down Hagoromo chalk production.
Traditional Production Methods Methods of manufacturing or producing goods that have been used for a long time, often involving manual labor or specialized techniques. Hagoromo chalk continues to be made with traditional production methods, despite the challenges of maintaining these methods.
Attention to Detail A focus on ensuring that all aspects of a product or process meet high standards of quality and precision. Hagoromo chalk is made with attention to detail, resulting in a high-quality writing utensil.
Commitment to Quality A dedication to maintaining high standards of quality in products or services, often demonstrated through a focus on detail and customer satisfaction. The brand continues to thrive due to its commitment to quality and loyal following.
Brand Loyalty A customer’s loyalty to a particular brand, often resulting from positive experiences or a strong emotional connection. Hagoromo chalk’s loyal following has helped the brand endure despite challenges and changes in ownership.

Hagoromo Chalk Vocabulary Quiz

  1. The word “beloved” in the text means:

    • A) Hated by many
    • B) Liked or loved by many
    • C) Neutral or indifferent
    • D) Unknown or unfamiliar

  2. The word “labor-intensive” in the text means:

    • A) Requiring little effort or time
    • B) Requiring a lot of effort or time
    • C) Requiring specialized skills or training
    • D) Requiring expensive equipment or machinery

  3. The word “precision” in the text means:

    • A) Lack of accuracy or exactness
    • B) High degree of accuracy or exactness
    • C) Moderate level of accuracy or exactness
    • D) Uncertainty or doubt

  4. The word “endured” in the text means:

    • A) Lasted for a short time
    • B) Lasted for a long time despite challenges
    • C) Changed or varied over time
    • D) Remained unchanged or unaffected

  5. The word “thrive” in the text means:

    • A) To decline or decrease in success
    • B) To remain stable or unchanged
    • C) To grow or increase in success
    • D) To become stagnant or inactive

Answer Key

  1. B) Liked or loved by many
  2. B) Requiring a lot of effort or time
  3. B) High degree of accuracy or exactness
  4. B) Lasted for a long time despite challenges
  5. C) To grow or increase in success

The Present Perfect Tense: Expressing Experiences and Actions

The present perfect tense is used to describe an action or experience that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. It is often used to express actions that have a connection to the present. In the text, the present perfect tense is used in the following sentence: “The chalk’s popularity has endured despite its higher price point, with fans willing to pay a premium for its unique qualities.”

Choose the correct form of the present perfect tense to complete the sentences:

  1. The company ____________________ (announce) its intention to shut down in 2015.
  2. Hagoromo chalk ____________________ (make) in South Korea for many years.
  3. Mathematicians ____________________ (swear) by Hagoromo chalk for its precision and clarity.
  4. The brand ____________________ (thrive) thanks to its loyal following and commitment to quality.
  5. Fans ____________________ (pay) a premium for Hagoromo chalk’s unique qualities.

  1. has announced

    announced

    have announced

    had announced

  2. is made

    has been made

    was made

    were made

  3. have sworn

    swear

    swore

    had sworn

  4. has thrived

    thrives

    had thrived

    will thrive

  5. have paid

    pay

    paid

    will pay

Answer Key:

  1. c) have announced
  2. b) has been made
  3. a) have sworn
  4. a) has thrived
  5. a) have paid

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