Reading comprehension activity | Class 10 worksheets

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

A few countries already use powerful electromagnets to build high speed trains. These trains are called maglev trains. Maglev is the shortened form of magnetic levitation. Maglev trains work on the principles of magnetism and float over a guideway.

Magnets have south and north poles. Opposite poles of two magnets attract whereas like poles repel each other. This is the basic principle behind electromagnetic propulsion. Electromagnets are similar to other magnets but their magnetic properties are temporary. They can attract metal objects. It is easy to create a small electromagnet. You only have to connect the ends of a copper wire to the negative and positive ends of an AA, C or D-cell. This creates a small magnetic field around the cell. If either end of the wire is removed from the cell, the magnetic field will also disappear.

The maglev train system works on the principles of electromagnetism. There are three components to a maglev train system: a large electrical power source, a track with metal coil lining and train cars with huge guidance magnets attached to their underside.

The maglev train is different from a conventional train in that it does not have an engine. At least it does not have the kind of engines that pull train cars along steel tracks. It does not consume fossil fuels either.

The magnetized coils running along the guideway (track) repel the powerful magnets on the underside of the train. This repulsion causes the train to levitate 1 to 10 cm above the guideway. After levitating the train, power is supplied to the coils within the guideway walls. This creates a unique system of magnetic fields that push and pull the train along the guideway.

Since maglev trains float in the air, there is no friction between the train and the track. This lack of friction and the aerodynamic design of these trains allow them to reach speeds of over 500 kilometer per hour. At that speed, you can travel from Rome to Paris in less than 2 hours.

Japan and Germany pioneer research in the maglev train technology. They have already built their prototypes and are in the process of testing them. Transrapid is an electromagnetic suspension system developed by German engineers. The idea of maglev transportation has been in existence for over a century. The first commercial maglev train made its debut in Shanghai, China in 2002. This train was developed by a German company. Right now the Shanghai Transrapid line connects Longyang Road station and Pudong airport. China is planning to extend this line to Hangzhou by building a 99 miles guideway.

Several other countries are also planning to build their own maglev train system, but right now the Shanghai maglev train is the only commercial maglev line.

Answer the following questions

1. The two main differences between maglev trains and conventional trains are: …………………………….., ……………………………………..

2. Maglev trains are environment friendly because ………………………

3. The two nations that lead the research in maglev train technology are ……………………………..

4. The two factors that help maglev trains to achieve high speeds are …………………………………….

5. The first country to have a commercial version of the maglev train technology ……………………….

Find words in the passage that mean

a) forward movement: …………………………….

b) float in the air: ……………………………..

c) profit-oriented: …………………………..

d) traditional: ……………………………….

e) parts: ………………………………………

Answers

1. The two main differences between maglev trains and conventional trains are: a) they don’t have engines; b) they don’t use fossil fuels

2. Maglev trains are environment friendly because they do not consume fossil fuels.

3. The two nations that lead the research in maglev train technology are Germany and Japan.

4. The two factors that help maglev trains to achieve high speeds are a) their aerodynamic design; b) lack of friction between the train and the guideway

5. The first country to have a commercial version of the maglev train technology is China.

Find words in the passage that mean

a) forward movement: propulsion

b) float in the air: levitate

c) profit-oriented: commercial

d) traditional: conventional

e) parts: components