An extraordinary bet on a risky piece of technology changed the course of the company.
Read the article and choose the best answer A-D to the questions below:
1. How did Lego’s founder initially react to the idea of using plastic in toy production?
A. He was enthusiastic and eager to adopt the new technology.
B. He was hesitant and unsure about the feasibility of the idea.
C. He dismissed the idea completely and wanted to stick to wooden toys.
D. He wanted to collaborate with his brother-in-law to explore plastic production.
2. What was the main reason Lego’s founder decided to have the plastic production take place in Billund instead of Copenhagen?
A. He wanted to keep the production closer to the company’s headquarters.
B. He was concerned about the delays in the delivery of the moulding machine.
C. He believed the facilities in Billund were better suited for plastic production.
D. He wanted to maintain control over the entire manufacturing process.
3. What was Lego’s first step in their experimentation with plastic toys
A. They created entirely new plastic designs.
B. They made some totally new toys.
C. They used pre-made plastic moulds from other companies.
D. They focused on producing plastic figurines and characters.
4. How did Lego’s son Gotfried, who later became the owner, decide to move the company forward?
A. He wanted to continue producing both wooden and plastic toys.
B. He decided to stop making wooden toys and focus solely on plastic bricks.
C. He wanted to expand the company’s product range beyond just toys.
D. He planned to gradually phase out the production of plastic bricks.
5. What was the primary factor that contributed to the success of Lego’s plastic bricks?
A. Kristiansen’s unwavering belief in the idea and his willingness to take risks.
B. The company’s extensive experience in producing wooden toys.
C. The versatility and affordability of the plastic materials used.
D. The innovative design and patent protection of the Lego brick.
6. What key lesson can be learned from Lego’s founder’s decision to invest in the plastic injection moulding machine?
A. Entrepreneurs should always have a detailed business plan before making big investments.
B. Luck plays a significant role in the success of entrepreneurial ventures.
C. Diversifying product lines is the key to long-term business success.
D. Taking calculated risks and following one’s intuition can lead to transformative outcomes.
Key: 1. D; 2. B; 3. C; 4. B; 5. A; 6. D
Glossary
- injection mold/molding machine – an industrial device used for shaping plastics by injecting them under pressure into a mold, where the material solidifies
- mold (US mould) – a hollow container into which you pour a soft or liquid substance so that it will cool or harden into the shape of the container
- steadfast – convinced that what they are doing is right and they refuse to change it or to give up
Practice makes perfect
Watch the video and answer the question below:
1. How did the speaker’s LEGO obsession begin?
2. What was the initial reaction of the speaker and his wife when they bought the first LEGO set?
3. Describe the process the speaker went through to organize and store his growing LEGO collection.
4. What are some examples of impressive creations seen at LEGO conventions mentioned by the speaker?
5. How did the speaker feel about being part of the LEGO enthusiast community?
6. Can you explain some of the unique ways people have used LEGO beyond just building structures?
Discuss:
- What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ”lego blocks”?
- Did you play with lego blocks when you were a child?
- Do you like playing Lego with your child/children/nephew/niece?
- Would you agree that Lego blocks are overpriced?
- How do you feel about lego blocks for adults?
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Watch and revise!
The magic of Lego: from Childhood to Adulthood
https://www.cloud.worldwideschool.pl/index.php/s/eY4nB6zL57BAMPm
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