CP: How Pencils Are Made

Class Plans
Featured Image

Set the Scene:

Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of pencil production and manufacturing. Please consider the following questions:

  • Have you ever wondered how pencils are made?
  • What do you think are the most important materials used in pencil production?
  • How do you think the manufacturing process of pencils has evolved over time?
  • What role do you think pencils play in your daily life, and how do you think they will be used in the future?
  • Can you think of any alternative uses for pencils or their components?

Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:

Take a look at the featured image and analyze it. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please discuss your thoughts and predictions with your partner or group.

Introduction:

Now, let’s read the introduction to the activity and learn more about pencil production and manufacturing. Please read the text carefully and take note of any key terms or concepts that you find interesting or important.

Video Engagement:

Watch the video about how pencils are made, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N_d1ZpwdJ8. As you watch the video, please pause at the following points and discuss the questions with your partner or group:

  1. Pause at 1:00 minute: What are the primary materials used in pencil production, and how are they sourced?
  2. Pause at 2:30 minutes: How has the manufacturing process of pencils evolved over time, and what role did Nicholas Jacques Conte play in this evolution?
  3. Pause at 4:00 minutes: What is the purpose of vulcanizing the rubber mixture in eraser manufacturing, and how does it affect the final product?

For more information about the activity, you can visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/how-pencils-are-made/.

Vocabulary Focus:

Let’s review some key vocabulary related to pencil production and manufacturing. Please match the terms with their definitions and example usage:

Term Definition Example Usage
Graphite A naturally occurring form of carbon used in pencil production. The pencil’s core is made of a mixture of graphite and clay.
Cedar Wood A type of wood often used in pencil production due to its durability and sustainability. The pencils are made with cedar wood to ensure a smooth writing experience.
Pencil Lead Hardness The level of hardness or softness of a pencil lead, determined by the ratio of graphite to clay. The artist preferred a softer pencil lead for sketching.
Vulcanization A process of applying heat and pressure to transform raw rubber into a more durable and resilient form. The eraser manufacturing process involves vulcanization to create a durable product.
Ferrule A metal or plastic piece used to attach the eraser to the pencil. The ferrule holds the eraser in place, ensuring it doesn’t come loose during use.
Extrusion A process of shaping a material, such as rubber or graphite, into a desired form. The graphite mixture is extruded into rods, which are then cut to size.
Sanding A process of smoothing the surface of a material, such as wood or graphite. The pencils undergo sanding to smoothen their surfaces and improve appearance.
Quality Control A process of ensuring that products meet certain standards or requirements. The company has a strict quality control process to ensure that all pencils meet the required standards.
Market Size The total value of a particular market or industry. The global pencil market size is expected to increase by 7% by 2028.
Sustainable Forestry A practice of managing forests to ensure their long-term health and productivity. The company sources its wood from sustainable forestry practices to reduce its environmental impact.

Vocabulary Quiz:

Test your understanding of the vocabulary by answering the following questions:

  1. What is the primary factor that determines a pencil’s hardness and darkness?
    • A) The type of wood used
    • B) The amount of water used in the manufacturing process
    • C) The ratio of graphite to clay
    • D) The temperature used in the vulcanizing process
  2. Who revolutionized the manufacturing process of pencils by discovering a mixture of graphite, clay, and water could produce a smooth writing material?
    • A) A modern-day scientist
    • B) Nicholas Jacques Conte
    • C) A group of anonymous researchers
    • D) An ancient civilization
  3. What is the purpose of vulcanizing the rubber mixture in eraser manufacturing?
    • A) To add color to the eraser
    • B) To make the eraser softer
    • C) To transform the raw rubber into a more durable and resilient form
    • D) To reduce the cost of production
  4. What is the expected growth rate of the global pencil market by 2028?
    • A) 3%
    • B) 5%
    • C) 7%
    • D) 10%
  5. What is the primary material used to make the wooden slats in pencil manufacturing?
    • A) Pine wood
    • B) Oak wood
    • C) Cedar wood
    • D) Maple wood

Answer Key:

  1. C
  2. B
  3. C
  4. C
  5. C

Grammar Focus:

The passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of a sentence receives the action described by the verb. It is often used in formal or technical writing, such as in the text about pencil production and manufacturing. The passive voice is formed using the verb “to be” in combination with the past participle of the main verb.

Grammar Quiz:

Test your understanding of the grammar by answering the following questions:

  1. The pencils ____________________ in bulk quantities for distribution to retailers and wholesalers.
    • are packaged
    • package
    • have packaged
    • were packaging
  2. The graphite cores ____________________ in wooden slats, typically made from cedar wood.
    • are encased
    • encase
    • have encased
    • were