There have been many great inventions, things that changed the way we live. The first great invention was one that is still very important today—the wheel. This made it easier to carry heavy things and to travel long distances. For hundreds of years after that, there were few inventions that had as much effect as the wheel. Then in the early 1800's the world started to change. There was little unknown land in the world people did not have to explore much any more. They began to work instead to make life better.
In the second half of the 19th century many great inventions were made. Among them were the camera, the electric light and the radio. These all became a big part of our life today.
The first part of the 20th century saw more great inventions: the helicopter in 1909;moves with sound in 1926;the computer in 1928;and jet planes in 1930.This was also a time when a new material was first made. Nyloh came out in 1935.It changed the kind of clothes people had been wearing.
The middle part of the 20th century brought new ways to help people get over diseases. They worked very well. They made people healthier and let them live longer lives. By the 1960's most people could expect to live at least 60.
By this time most people had a very good life. Of course new inventions continued to be made. But man now had a desire to explore again. The world was known to man but the stars were not. Man began looking for ways to go into space. Russia made the first step. Then the United States took a step .Since then other countries, including China and Japan, have made their steps into space.
In 1969 man took his biggest step away from the earth. Americans first walked on the moon. This is certainly just a beginning thought. New inventions will someday allow us to do things we have never dreamed of. Q1. Think of three 20th inventions to do with travel
Q2. Think of three 20th inventions to do with food and cooking
Q3. Which of the invention do you think would be more useful? Why? Q4. Is there anything you would like to invent? If so, what and why?
Q5. Compare the inventions you have listed. Discuss the importance of each invention. Example: I think fridges are more important than cans because fridges can keep meat fresh. Homework:
1. Finish the exercises 10-14 on page 94-95. 2. Preview the content of Cultural Corner. Period 5
Step 1. Pre-reading
Look at the photos on page 49. And answer the following questions. Q1. What can you see in the picture?
Q2. What was the main energy source of it? Q3. Who was the person to invent it?
Q4. What do you know about the Industrial Revolution? Q5. Where did it start first? Suggested answers: 1. A train.
2. the steam engine. 3. James Watt 4. open 5. Europe.
Step 2. While-reading
Read the passage carefully, and then answer the following questions. Q1. When did the Industrial Revolution start?
Q2. Before that, what kind of society does Europe belong to?