The Fascinating History of Everyday Things

1) What does the word 'ensued' mean in the sentence below?

I pressed start and then a strange silence, not a steady, busy hum, ensued.

2) What connotation does 'exclusively' have in the following sentence from \"Everyday Things\"?

This way, American manufacturers let their buyers know that they used Chinese graphite exclusively.

3) What is the connotation of 'mundane' in the sentence below?

It is amazing how such a tradition has a profound effect on something as mundane, yet important, as pencil production.

Answers:

1) A. Occurred. 2) A. Solely. 3) B. Ordinary.

1) The word 'ensued' in the sentence means 'occurred' or 'took place'. It refers to the following event that happened after the pressing of the start button.

2) In the context of the sentence, 'exclusively' means 'solely', indicating that the American manufacturers used only Chinese graphite without any other additives or alterations.

3) 'Mundane' in this sentence means 'ordinary' or 'normal'. It highlights that despite being a common or everyday thing, pencil production has a significant impact and history.