Comprehension Made Great : With Practice Worksheets For Class 5th,6th,7th

THE HISTORY OF BICYCLE

The bicycle is one of the most popular modes of transportation in the world today, but it has gone through many changes since it was first invented. The earliest version of bicycle, known as the “Draisine” or ” Running Machine”, was invented by Baron Karl von Drais in 1817. This early bicycle had no pedals, and riders has to push themselves along with their feet. It wasn’t until the 1860s that pedals were added, creating what was known as the “velocipede” or “bone-shaker” due to its rough ride.

The next major improvement came in the 1870s with the introduction of the “penny-farthing”, which had a very large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. Although faster, it was difficult to ride and dangerous because of its height. In the 1880s, the “safety bicycle” was developed, which had two wheels of equal size and a chain drive that made riding safer and more comfortable. This design is very similar to the bicycles we ride today.

The invention of the pneumatic tire by John Boyd Dunlop in 1888 further improved the comfort and performance of bicycles. Over the years, bicycles have continued to evolve with new materials and technologies, making them lighter, faster and more efficient. Today, bicycles are used for commuting, recreation, sports and even competitive racing. They are eco – friendly mode of transport that promotes fitness and well – being.
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ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
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Q.1) Who invented the earliest version of the bicycle and what was it called?

ANS: Baron Karl von Drais invented the earliest version of the bicycle. It was called the “Draisine” or “Running Machine”.
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Q.2) When were pedals first added to the bicycle and what was this version called ?

ANS: The pedals were first added to the bicycle in 1860s. This version was called as the “velocipede” or “bone – shaker”.
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Q.3)Describe the “penny – farthing” and its main disadvantage.

ANS: The “penny – farthing” had a very large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. It’s main disadvantage was that it was difficult to ride and dangerous because of its height.
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Q.4) What was the major improvement of the “safety- bicycle” introduced in the 1880s?

ANS: The “safety-bicycle” had two wheels of equal size and a chain drive, making riding safer and more comfortable.
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Q.5) Who invented the pneumatic tire and in what year ?

ANS: John Boyd Dunlop invented the pneumatic tire in 1888.
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CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS:
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Q.1) Why do you think the “bone-shaker” earned its nickname ?

ANS: The “bone-shaker” earned its nickname because of its rough ride. It had no pedals and riders had to pull themselves along their feet, thereby being uncomfortable.
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Q.2) How did the development of the safety bicycle change the popularity of cycling?

ANS: The development of the safety bicycle made cycling safer and more comfortable, it had two wheels of equal size and a chain drive. People could ride without fear.
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Q.3) Why are bicycles considered an eco-friendly mode of transportation?

ANS: Bicycles are considered an eco-friendly mode of transportation because they do not emit pollution and human energy is required i.e. no electricity is needed.
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Q.4) Rewrite the following sentences in the past tense: “Today bicycles are used for commuting, recreation, sports and even competitive racing.”

ANS : “In the past, bicycles were used for commuting, recreation , sports and even competitive racing.”
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Q.5) Find the synonym for the word “evolve” used in the paragraph.

ANS :The synonym for the word “evolve” is develop.
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Q.6) What are some of the modern uses of bicycles mentioned in the paragraph?

ANS: Modern uses of bicycles in the paragraph include commuting, recreation, sports and competitive racing.
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