1. Directions

You will read passages on the topic and then answer questions about them. You may find vocabulary at the end of the test. Read the questions carefully before choosing the correct answers.

2. Questions of the test

Question 1. What is crimson originally derived from?
A) A scale insect called Kermes vermilio
B) Cochineal, another scale insect
C) Alizarin, a synthetic pigment
D) Madder lake, a natural pigment

Question 2. Why was kermes dye replaced by cochineal?
A) It was less effective in producing the desired color
B) It was more expensive to produce
C) It was more toxic
D) It was not as colorfast

Question 3. What is the pigment alizarin used for?
A) To produce a dye for textiles
B) To create a pigment that is mixed with ochre, sienna and umber
C) To synthesize carmine, a dye made from cochineal
D) To replace madder lake, a natural pigment

Question 4. Who could afford to wear crimson in the past?
A) Everyone
B) Only the rich
C) Only the poor
D) Only the middle class

Question 5. What is carmine made from?
A) Cochineal, a scale insect native to Mexico
B) Alizarin, a synthetic pigment
C) Madder lake, a natural pigment
D) Kermes, a scale insect native to the Mediterranean