Laszlo Biro — Questions and answers

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What was the name of the first commercially viable ballpoint pen presented by László Bíró?

Choices

  1. Birome ✓
  2. Martin
  3. Meyne
  4. Bíró Pen

Answer: Birome

From page 1

What problem did László Bíró notice with fountain pens when he worked as a newspaper editor?

Choices

  1. They were too expensive.
  2. The ink smudged and dried slowly. ✓
  3. They were too small to hold.
  4. They made loud noises.

Answer: The ink smudged and dried slowly.

From page 2

Who did László Bíró talk to about his observations, and what was his brother's job?

Choices

  1. Juan Jorge Meyne, a businessman.
  2. György Bíró, a chemist. ✓
  3. Henry G. Martin, an investor.
  4. Agustín Pedro Justo, a president.

Answer: György Bíró, a chemist.

From page 3

What was László Bíró's main focus when designing the pen's tip?

Choices

  1. Making the ink colorful.
  2. Creating a tiny ball bearing that rotates. ✓
  3. Making the pen very light.
  4. Designing a cap that stays on tightly.

Answer: Creating a tiny ball bearing that rotates.

From page 4

When and where did László Bíró first get a patent for his ballpoint pen?

Choices

  1. In Argentina in 1943.
  2. In Hungary in 1938. ✓
  3. In the US in 1945.
  4. In Europe in 1940.

Answer: In Hungary in 1938.

From page 5

Who helped László Bíró start manufacturing his pen in Argentina?

Choices

  1. His brother, György.
  2. Juan Jorge Meyne.
  3. Agustín Pedro Justo, a former President. ✓
  4. Henry G. Martin.

Answer: Agustín Pedro Justo, a former President.

From page 6

In what year did László Bíró's ballpoint pen begin industrial production in Argentina?

Choices

  1. 1938.
  2. 1940.
  3. 1943. ✓
  4. 1945.

Answer: 1943.

From page 7

Why did the British Royal Air Force want László Bíró's ballpoint pens during World War II?

Choices

  1. They were shiny and new.
  2. They didn't leak at high altitudes. ✓
  3. They wrote in many colors.
  4. They were cheaper than fountain pens.

Answer: They didn't leak at high altitudes.

From page 8

What happened after American companies like Reynolds started selling their version of the ballpoint pen in the US?

Choices

  1. Bíró earned a lot of money very quickly.
  2. Bíró's original 'Birome' became even more popular.
  3. The market was flooded, and Bíró's pen was sometimes overshadowed. ✓
  4. All companies stopped selling ballpoint pens.

Answer: The market was flooded, and Bíró's pen was sometimes overshadowed.

From page 9