Grade 8 (Unit 8) Historical Inventions (Reading II)

 Unit 8 (Part II)

Reading II (page 97)

 

Historical Inventions

A. Complete the crossword puzzle with the words in red from the text.

Across

2. an object that causes a feeling of great surprise and admiration

6. made by people, often as a copy of something natural

7. understood a situation

Down

1. an idea or fact that something is based on

3. unusual or surprising in a way that causes people to take notice

4. the use of a communication system that works by sending electric signals through wires or by radio waves

5. forced someone to leave a place/ state

Answer

Across

2. an object that causes a feeling of great surprise and admiration-wonder

6. made by people, often as a copy of something natural- artificial

7. understood a situation- realized

Down

1. an idea or fact that something is based on- foundation

3. unusual or surprising in a way that causes people to take notice-remarkable

4. the use of a communication system that works by sending electric signals through wires or by radio waves- telegraphy

5. forced someone to leave a place/ state- expelled

B. Match the inventions with their inventors.

a. Application of Steam Engine      i. Michael Faraday

b. Motor car                                       ii. Reginald Fessenden

c. Electricity                                      iii. A group of scientists

d. Spaceship                                      iv. James Watt

e. Mobile phone                                v. Daimler

                                                            vi. Stephenson

Answer

a. Application of Steam Engine            iv. James Watt

b. Motor car                    v. Daimler

c. Electricity                    i. Michael Faraday

d. Spaceship                    iii. A group of scientists

e. Mobile phone             ii. Reginald Fessenden

C. Read the text again and answer these questions.

a. What incident inspired James Watt to invent the steam engine?

b. Mention a benefit of motor car compared to train.

c. Why is electricity called 'white coal'?

d. Why is a spaceship thought to be a wonder?

e. When was the first spacecraft launched to the moon?

f. How old are mobile phones?

Answer

a. James Watt was inspired to invent the steam engine when he observed the lid of a kettle rising due to the pressure of steam from the boiling water. He realized that the power of steam could be used to drive engines.

b. A benefit of motor car compared to train is that it is cheaper.

c. Electricity is called 'white coal' because water is used to generate it.

d. A spaceship is thought to be a wonder because it is a type of artificial satellite which moves in space beyond the atmosphere of the Earth.

e. The first spacecraft was launched to the moon on October 4, 1957.

f. Mobile phones are new and recent technology. The first mobile phone was invented by Martin Cooper in 1973.

 

D. What modern appliances or gadgets do you use? Make a list of them and discuss how they have aided in your life.

Answer

Computer: The computer has made our life easier. It is possible for us to stay connected with friends and family, to get work done, and to learn new things. I use my computer to write emails, create documents, and browse the internet.

Smartphone: The smartphone has made it possible for me to stay connected with friends and family, to get work done, and to access information. I use my smartphone to make calls, send text messages, and access the internet. Tablet: The tablet has made it possible for me to stay connected with friends and family, to get work done, and to access information. I use my tablet to read books, watch movies, and play games.

Washing machine: The washing machine has made it possible for me to do laundry quickly and easily. I use my washing machine to wash my clothes, towels, and bedding.

Smartwatch: The smartwatch has made it possible for me to stay connected with friends and family, to get work done, and to access information. I use my smartwatch to check my email, send text messages, and track my fitness goals.

Refrigerator: The refrigerator has made it possible for me to keep my food fresh and cold. I use my refrigerator to store my food, drinks, and leftovers.

Microwave oven: The microwave oven has made it possible for me to cook food quickly and easily. I use my microwave oven to heat up leftovers, cook frozen meals, and make popcorn.

Television: The television has made it possible for me to watch movies, TV shows, and sporting events. I use my television to relax and unwind after a long day.

 

Grammar II

A. Read the given passage and underline the verb forms that refer to habitual past actions. One example is given.

When I was 10 years old, I used to stay with my uncle. At my uncle's house, I used to start my tasks early in the morning. I used to go to the tap with my aunt to fetch water. After returning from the tap, I used to do my homework. I was free to study but whenever I had free time, I used to work on the farm, too. Despite my daily chores at home, I used to work hard to be in the first position in my studies. We used to create a lot of resources for ourselves. Therefore, we did not use to go on any excursions. All the teachers used to engage us in different practical activities helped me a lot to become successful.

Answer

When I was 10 years old, I used to stay with my uncle. At my uncle's house, I used to start my tasks early in the morning. I used to go to the tap with my aunt to fetch water. After returning from the tap, I used to do my homework. I was free to study but whenever I had free time, I used to work on the farm, too. Despite my daily chores at home, I used to work hard to be in the first position in my studies. We used to create a lot of resources for ourselves. Therefore, we did not use to go on any excursions. All the teachers used to engage us in different practical activities helped me a lot to become successful.

 

B. Rewrite the given sentences using used to. Use negation where necessary.

a. She lived in Italy when she was five.

b. We grew a lot of crops.

c. Did you spend much money?

d. There were a lot of trees in that jungle.

e. William and Fiona went to school together.

f. The Smiths did not work much.

g. What did you do in the evenings?

h. Suhana did not help her parents.

i. People were helpful in the past.

Answer

a. She used to live in Italy when she was five.

b. We used to grow a lot of crops.

c. Did you use to spend much money?

d. There used to be a lot of trees in that jungle.

e. William and Fiona used to go to school together.

f. The Smiths did not use to work much.

g. What did you use to do in the evenings?

h. Suhana did not use to help her parents.

i. People used to be helpful in the past.

 

Writing II

You might have attended a ceremony, e.g. birthday, picnic, etc. recently. Write a short narrative essay about it.  Include the following details about the event:

a. What was the event?

b. When did you attend it?

c. Where did it happen?

d. What happened in the ceremony?

e. How did you feel?

 

Answer:

A Memorable Picnic by the Lake

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a delightful picnic by the most beautiful lakeside. The event was a spontaneous gathering of friends and family, brought together by a shared love for nature and good company.

The sun was shining brightly as I set out for the picnic on a warm Saturday afternoon. It was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The location, a picturesque park surrounding a tranquil lake, was just a short drive away from the city. As I arrived, I was greeted by the laughter of children playing on the grass and the smell of delicious food being prepared on portable grills.

The event took place on a grassy patch shaded by a group of tall, swaying willow trees. Colorful picnic blankets were spread out, forming a cozy and inviting space for everyone to sit and relax. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as people caught up with each other, sharing stories and laughter.

As the afternoon unfolded, a variety of activities were organized to keep everyone entertained. We played a friendly game. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the unplanned talent show that emerged. Guests showcased their hidden talents – from singing and playing musical instruments to performing magic tricks. The laughter and applause that followed each performance created an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we gathered around a bonfire. The crackling flames cast a warm glow on our faces as we shared stories, roasted marshmallows, and savored the moment. The sense of togetherness and the simple pleasures of life made the event truly memorable.

Leaving the picnic, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The day had been a perfect blend of laughter, nature, and cherished connections. The event served as a reminder that sometimes, it's the unplanned and spontaneous gatherings that create the most meaningful memories.

 

 

For previous part CLICK HERE.

For unit nine CLICK HERE.

For unit seven CLICK HERE.

For Grade 6 CLICK HERE.

For Grade 7 CLICK HERE.

For Grade 8 CLICK HERE.

For Grade 9 CLICK HERE.

For Grade 10 CLICK HERE.

For Grade 11 CLICK HERE.

For Grade 12 CLICK HERE.