Find the Content and Exercises with Solution
Lesson Objectives
The objective of this lesson is to enable students to understand the historical development of the wheel across different civilizations and recognize its impact on human progress.
The Fastest Wheel on Earth
B. Read the following dialogue between the English teacher, Mr Ramis, and a student Rubina.
The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse)
The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse, meaning high-speed train) is France's high-speed rail service.
It started in the 1970s. Originally, it was powered by gas turbines. But in , the TGV was changed into electric trains. The TGV service first started between Paris and Lyon in . Later, the network connected other cities in France with Paris.
A TGV test train set the world record for the fastest conventional wheeled train on . It reached the speed of 574.8 km/h (357.2 m/h) on the test run. But the regular TGV trains operate at the highest speed of 320 km/h (200 m/h). It is the present world record of speed of a conventional commercial train.
The Bullet Train (Japan)
The Bullet Train is the network of high-speed train service in Japan. It started operation in on a limited route. But at present, most major cities of Japan come under the network.
The Bullet Train runs at a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 m/h). It plans to increase speed up to 320 km/h (200 mph). In , Japan set the world record for unconventional magnetic trainsets. In a test run, the speed was 581 km/h (361 mph). But it is not yet in regular commercial operation.
The High-speed Rail (China)
The High-speed Rail service in China started operation on . Currently China has started building a high-speed passenger rail network. It will be similar to French TGV or Japanese Bullet Trains. The usual top speed of China's conventional quick trains is 300 km/h (186 mph).
Recently China has set the world record of a speed of 487.3 km/h (303 mph). In , this record was set by an unconventional magnetic trainset called the "Harmony Express". This is the highest speed of an unconventional magnetic trainset in regular commercial operation.
Multiple Choice Questions
- Which propulsion system was originally used in the first models of the TGV in the 1970s?
- Electric motors
- Diesel engines
- Gas turbines
- Steam locomotives
- On which specific date did the TGV set the world record for the fastest conventional wheeled train?
- April 18, 2007
- April 3, 2007
- October 1, 1981
- March 27, 2011
- The Bullet Train of Japan began its operation in 1964. What was its initial limitation?
- It could not exceed 200 km/h
- It was available only on a limited route
- It relied on imported technology
- It was restricted to cargo transport
- What distinguishes the Japanese record-setting train of 2003 from the TGV record train of 2007?
- The Japanese train used unconventional magnetic levitation technology
- The Japanese train was slower than the French train
- The Japanese train carried commercial passengers
- The Japanese train was powered by gas turbines
- Which name was given to the Chinese unconventional magnetic trainset that set a world record in 2011?
- Dragon Express
- Harmony Express
- Oriental Pearl
- Silk Road Flyer
- What is the highest operational speed of regular commercial TGV trains as mentioned in the passage?
- 574.8 km/h
- 300 km/h
- 320 km/h
- 487.3 km/h
- In terms of record-holding, how does China’s "Harmony Express" differ from Japan’s record magnetic train?
- It operates in regular commercial service
- It achieved a higher speed than Japan’s train
- It runs only between Beijing and Shanghai
- It was introduced earlier than Japan’s train
Short Questions
- Which energy source powered the earliest TGV models before the switch to electricity in 1973?
- On which exact date did the TGV establish the world record for the fastest conventional wheeled train?
- What was the unique technological distinction of Japan’s record-breaking train in 2003 compared to the TGV?
- Which unconventional magnetic trainset in China set a world record in 2011, and what was its highest speed?
- How does the operational speed of regular commercial TGV trains differ from the extraordinary test run speed achieved in 2007?
Fill in the Blanks
The first models of the TGV were powered by __________ in the 1970s. In __________, the TGV switched from turbines to electric trains. The first TGV service began between __________ and Lyon in 1981. On April 3, 2007, a TGV test train set a world record speed of __________ km/h. The Japanese __________ Train began operating in 1964 and later expanded to most major cities. In 2003, Japan tested a __________ train that reached 581 km/h, though it was not used commercially. China’s high-speed rail service started in __________ and later introduced the “Harmony Express,” which set a record of __________ km/h in 2011.
Suffix and Prefix Exercise
The invention of the TGV was a remarkable __________ (develop) in transportation history. Its __________ (introduce) in 1981 changed travel between Paris and Lyon. The Japanese Bullet Train’s __________ (operate) began in 1964, showing Japan’s commitment to speed and efficiency. China’s __________ (expand) of high-speed rail networks demonstrates its ambition in modern rail transport. The magnetic train records of Japan and China highlight the __________ (possible) of future technology. Despite the __________ (limit) of commercial use, these trains represent an __________ (impress) achievement in engineering.
Complete the Table
Fill in the blanks in the Event/Action and What/Why columns using information from the passage. Blanks alternate for practice.
| Subject | Event/Action | What/Why |
|---|---|---|
| TGV (France) | (i) ____________________ | to begin as a high-speed rail service in the 1970s |
| TGV (France) | Converted from gas turbines to electric trains in 1973 | ____________________ |
| TGV Test Train | (iii) ____________________ | to set the record for the fastest conventional wheeled train at 574.8 km/h |
| Bullet Train (Japan) | Started operation in 1964 on a limited route | ____________________ |
| Bullet Train (Japan) | (v) ____________________ | to achieve 581 km/h with a magnetic trainset in 2003 |
| Harmony Express (China) | Set a world record of 487.3 km/h in 2011 | ____________________ |
Answers
Multiple Choice Questions
- Which propulsion system was originally used in the first models of the TGV in the 1970s?
- Electric motors
- Diesel engines
- Gas turbines ✅
- Steam locomotives
- On which specific date did the TGV set the world record for the fastest conventional wheeled train?
- April 18, 2007
- April 3, 2007 ✅
- October 1, 1981
- March 27, 2011
- The Bullet Train of Japan began its operation in 1964. What was its initial limitation?
- It could not exceed 200 km/h
- It was available only on a limited route ✅
- It relied on imported technology
- It was restricted to cargo transport
- What distinguishes the Japanese record-setting train of 2003 from the TGV record train of 2007?
- The Japanese train used unconventional magnetic levitation technology ✅
- The Japanese train was slower than the French train
- The Japanese train carried commercial passengers
- The Japanese train was powered by gas turbines
- Which name was given to the Chinese unconventional magnetic trainset that set a world record in 2011?
- Dragon Express
- Harmony Express ✅
- Oriental Pearl
- Silk Road Flyer
- What is the highest operational speed of regular commercial TGV trains as mentioned in the passage?
- 574.8 km/h
- 300 km/h
- 320 km/h ✅
- 487.3 km/h
- In terms of record-holding, how does China’s "Harmony Express" differ from Japan’s record magnetic train?
- It operates in regular commercial service ✅
- It achieved a higher speed than Japan’s train
- It runs only between Beijing and Shanghai
- It was introduced earlier than Japan’s train
Short Questions with Answers
-
Which energy source powered the earliest TGV models before the switch to electricity in 1973?
The earliest TGV models were powered by gas turbines before being converted to electric trains in 1973. -
On which exact date did the TGV establish the world record for the fastest conventional wheeled train?
The TGV set the world record for the fastest conventional wheeled train on April 3, 2007, reaching 574.8 km/h. -
What was the unique technological distinction of Japan’s record-breaking train in 2003 compared to the TGV?
Japan’s 2003 record-breaking train was an unconventional magnetic levitation (maglev) train, unlike the conventional wheeled TGV. -
Which unconventional magnetic trainset in China set a world record in 2011, and what was its highest speed?
China’s “Harmony Express” set a world record in 2011, reaching a speed of 487.3 km/h in regular commercial operation. -
How does the operational speed of regular commercial TGV trains differ from the extraordinary test run speed achieved in 2007?
Regular TGV trains operate at a top speed of 320 km/h, which is significantly lower than the test run record of 574.8 km/h in 2007.
Fill in the Blanks – Answer Key
The first models of the TGV were powered by gas turbines in the 1970s. In 1973, the TGV switched from turbines to electric trains. The first TGV service began between Paris and Lyon in 1981. On April 3, 2007, a TGV test train set a world record speed of 574.8 km/h. The Japanese Bullet Train began operating in 1964 and later expanded to most major cities. In 2003, Japan tested a magnetic train that reached 581 km/h, though it was not used commercially. China’s high-speed rail service started in 2007 and later introduced the “Harmony Express,” which set a record of 487.3 km/h in 2011.
Suffix and Prefix Exercise – Answer Key
The invention of the TGV was a remarkable development (develop) in transportation history. Its introduction (introduce) in 1981 changed travel between Paris and Lyon. The Japanese Bullet Train’s operation (operate) began in 1964, showing Japan’s commitment to speed and efficiency. China’s expansion (expand) of high-speed rail networks demonstrates its ambition in modern rail transport. The magnetic train records of Japan and China highlight the possibility (possible) of future technology. Despite the limitations (limit) of commercial use, these trains represent an impressive (impress) achievement in engineering.
Complete the Table – Answer Key
| Subject | Event/Action | What/Why |
|---|---|---|
| TGV (France) | Began as a high-speed rail service in the 1970s | to modernize long-distance passenger transport |
| TGV (France) | Converted from gas turbines to electric trains in 1973 | to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability |
| TGV Test Train | Set the world record on April 3, 2007 | to achieve the fastest conventional wheeled train speed of 574.8 km/h |
| Bullet Train (Japan) | Started operation in 1964 on a limited route | to connect major Japanese cities efficiently |
| Bullet Train (Japan) | Tested a magnetic trainset in 2003 | to explore the possibility of achieving ultra-high speeds of 581 km/h |
| Harmony Express (China) | Set a world record of 487.3 km/h in 2011 | to demonstrate the highest speed of an unconventional magnetic trainset in commercial operation |
📖 Key Features
- 📌 Format: Reading Text with High Quality Graphics
- 📌Content: Class VIII – Unit Nine, Lesson 3: The Fastest Wheel on Earth (Page 113)
- 📌 Exercise: Multiple Choice Questions, Short Questions, Fill-in-the-Blanks, suffix and prefix, information transfer
- 📌 Ideal for: IT-Assisted Classrooms
- 📌 Perfect for: Presentation Purposes and Personal Learning too
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