writing instruments [3]![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The first true writing instruments were made by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia nearly 5,000 years ago.
ballpoint pen ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Instrument invented at the beginning of the 20th century; the writing tip holds a small rotating ball.
point ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Tip that contains the ball bearing used to deposit ink from the cartridge onto the writing surface.
joint ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
clip ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Curved metal bar that attaches the ballpoint pen to a pocket.
ball bearing ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Small metal ball in the point of the pen; when turned, it deposits ink from the cartridge onto the writing surface.
ink ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Black or colored liquid used for writing.
refill ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Cartridge that is inserted into the body of a ballpoint pen to refill the ink.