Vocabulary:
- maglev /mag-lev/
- acceleration /ak-sel-uh-rey-shuhn/
- intercity /in-tur-sit-ee/
- solely /sohl-lee/
- decibel /des-uh-bel/
[noun] short for magnetic levitation: an advanced type of transport system in which a train travels on a magnetic track, often at very high speeds
South Korea’s first maglev train began operations on February 3, 2016.
[noun] the increase in something’s speed, or its ability to go faster
He bought a sports car that has impressive acceleration.
[adjective] traveling from one city to another, or happening between cities
There is an intercity bus station near the shopping mall.
[adverb] only and not involving anyone or anything else
He is solely in charge of the event that will be held next week.
[noun] (symbol:dB) a unit for measuring the loudness of sound
Exposure to sounds above 85 dB is harmful.
According to an article, China is set to introduce a new and faster generation of driverless magnetic levitation (maglev) trains in 2020. These medium-low-speed maglev trains will run at a speed of 200 kph which is faster than the older versions. Maglev 3.0, developed by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotives Co. Ltd, will have bigger capacity, better acceleration speed, and improved ascending abilities. Zhou Qinghe, chairman of the company, stated that the trains will also have a more “powerful brain” than the previous ones because of its safer autopilot operation.
The latest maglev is planned to be used for intercity transport of 50 to 200 kilometers in distance. Once operations commence, it will be the fastest commercial maglev train planned and created solely by Chinese companies. Maglevs are considered safer and quieter than normal trains. They are lower than 70 decibels, which is quieter than an average vacuum cleaner. Currently, China, Japan, and South Korea are the only countries operating maglev trains around the world.
The latest maglev is planned to be used for intercity transport of 50 to 200 kilometers in distance. Once operations commence, it will be the fastest commercial maglev train planned and created solely by Chinese companies. Maglevs are considered safer and quieter than normal trains. They are lower than 70 decibels, which is quieter than an average vacuum cleaner. Currently, China, Japan, and South Korea are the only countries operating maglev trains around the world.
True or False:
- The new maglev trains will run at a speed of 200 kph.
- China will introduce the new trains in 2025.
- CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotives Co. Ltd is the developer of the trains.
- Maglevs are noisier and more dangerous.
- China, Japan, and South Korea are the only countries who have maglevs.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you already tried taking maglev trains in Japan? Why or why not?
- What do you think are the benefits of maglev trains?
- Do you believe that this kind of train is secure? Please explain your answer.
- Do you think faster and safer trains will be developed in the future? Why or why not?
- What is the best public transportation system for you? Explain.
Express Your Opinion:
- “Trains are beautiful. They take people to places they’ve never been, faster than they could ever go themselves. Everyone who works on trains knows they have personalities, they’re like people. They have their own mysteries.” – Sam Starbuck
- “There can be no doubt that the transportation sector is the most critical sector of our economy.” – Robert Brady
- “You can’t understand a city without using its public transportation system.” ― Erol Ozan