READING COMPREHENSION I TERM

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

 What were the earliest bicycles called?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

What material were the first bicycles mostly made of?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

How were the earliest bicycles powered?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

What innovation made riding bicycles smoother and faster?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

In which century did bicycles first appear?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

What was a major feature of the “safety bicycle”?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

 Why were bicycles popular by the late 1800s?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

According to the passage, bicycles today symbolize:

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

Which of the following best describes the author’s tone?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

Which phrase from the passage shows that bicycles became widely used?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

 Which innovation directly improved bicycle safety?

Reading Passage

The history of bicycles is both fascinating and complex. The earliest bicycles, called “velocipedes,” appeared in the early 19th century. They had wooden frames and iron wheels and were propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Over time, innovations improved their design: the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel, and the introduction of rubber tires made the ride smoother and faster. By the late 1800s, bicycles had become popular among all social classes, providing both transportation and recreation. The invention of the safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, marked a turning point, making bicycles safer and easier to ride. Today, bicycles are not only a mode of transport but also a symbol of environmental consciousness and healthy living.

What is the main idea of the passage?