104 學年度學測英文 第 36 題

A paperclip, made of steel wire bent into a hooped shape, is an instrument used to hold sheets of paper together. This common 31 is a wonder of simplicity and function. But where did this simple, cheap, and indispensable invention come from?

In the late 19th century, the most common way to hold papers together was by using a pin. Although the pin was an inexpensive tool and was easily 32, it would leave holes in the paper. Later, as steel wire became more common, inventors began to notice its elastic feature. With this feature, it could be stretched and 33 various clip-like objects. In the years just prior to 1900, quite a few paperclip designs emerged. The name most frequently 34 the paperclip invention is Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian inventor. However, Vaaler’s clips were not the same as the paperclips currently in use. Specifically, they did not have the interior loop we see today. The 35 looped design was invented by Gem Manufacturing Ltd. in England. This clip is therefore sometimes 36 the Gem clip.

Because of Vaaler, the paperclip played an important 37 role in Norway. During World War II, Norway was occupied by the Nazis. Norwegians were prohibited from wearing any 38 of their national unity, such as buttons with the initials of their king. Thus, in 39, they started wearing paperclips to show their solidarity. The reason for doing this was simple: Paperclips were a Norwegian invention whose original function was to bind together. After the war, a giant paperclip statue was erected in Oslo to 40 Vaaler—even though his design was never actually manufactured.