Toilet paper

High school (ages 12+)
Everyday Life

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/toilet-paper

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical precursors?Use of natural materials like leaves, grass, and water predates paper-based hygiene
2. What is the embossing function?Patterns increase surface area, enhancing the paper's cleaning efficacy
3. What did people use to clean themselves before toilet paper was invented?They used leaves, grass, water, sand, or even animal furs. These natural materials were the first ways people kept clean.
4. When did China first start using paper for cleaning?Paper was first used for this purpose in China in the 6th century AD. It was a big step toward better hygiene.

Personal Hygiene: Practices undertaken to maintain health and prevent disease, especially through cleanliness.
Industrial Revolution: A period of major industrialization and innovation that began in the late 18th century.
Biodegradability: The ability of a substance to be decomposed by biological agents, like bacteria, over time.