The Cost of One More Potter
Written by Studio AM.
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Before anyone arrives at a community pottery room, the group must pay for rent, tables, shelves, and a kiln. These are fixed costs because they do not change much when one more member joins.
Other expenses grow with use. One more pot requires clay, glaze, kiln space, and some cleanup. Economists call the added expense a marginal cost. It is usually smaller than the full cost of operating the studio. That difference explains why sharing can make an expensive craft more affordable. Many members divide the fixed costs, while each person still covers the materials they use.
By contrast, a full room may require extra spending. When every worktable is taken, the existing setup cannot serve another member at the same time. The group may need longer hours or another kiln firing. Once the room is full, the next member can cause a large jump in cost. Good pricing therefore considers both shared savings and capacity. A low fee may welcome members, but it must also keep the tables, tools, and kiln working well.
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Questions
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Question 1 of 4
What is the passage mainly about?
The answer is C: A shared studio lowers costs by dividing fixed expenses, but limited capacity still affects pricing.
The passage first shows how members share fixed costs, then explains why crowding and added capacity can make the next member more expensive.
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Question 2 of 4
Why might one new member become costly after the room is full?
The answer is D: Serving that member may require more hours or an additional kiln firing.
Once current space and time are fully used, the passage says another person may trigger a larger step such as extended hours or another firing.
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Question 3 of 4
What is a “marginal cost” in this passage?
The answer is A: The added expense caused by making one more pot or serving one more member
The text defines marginal cost through the extra clay, glaze, kiln space, and cleanup required for one additional pot.
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Question 4 of 4
Which pair does the passage present as fixed costs?
The answer is B: Rent and shelves
Rent and shelves appear in the opening list of costs that exist before anyone arrives and change little with one more member.
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