Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of Kenworth trucks. Please take a moment to think about and discuss the following questions:
- Have you ever seen a Kenworth truck on the road or in a movie?
- What do you think makes a truck company successful?
- Have you ever heard of the company Kenworth before, and if so, what do you associate with the brand?
- How do you think trucks have evolved over the years, and what features do you think are most important for truckers?
- What do you think is the most challenging part of designing and manufacturing trucks?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a look at the featured image of this activity. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please discuss your thoughts and predictions with your partner or group.
Introduction:
Now, let’s read the introduction to the activity and learn more about the history of Kenworth trucks. Please read the text carefully and take note of any important dates, events, or features that you find interesting.
Video Engagement:
It’s time to watch the video associated with this activity. Please watch the video and pause at the following points to discuss the questions with your partner or group:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What do you think was the most significant challenge faced by the Bourlingueur brothers when they started their truck company?
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: How do you think the introduction of pneumatic tires and sleeper cabs impacted the trucking industry?
- Pause at 10:00 minutes: What do you think was the most important factor in Kenworth’s success during the post-war period?
After watching the video, please visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/history-of-kenworth-trucks-truck-history-episode-7/ to learn more about the history of Kenworth trucks.
Key Vocabulary:
Let’s review some key vocabulary related to the topic of Kenworth trucks. Please match the terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Kenworth | An American truck manufacturer founded in 1912 by George and Lewis Bourlingueur. | The Kenworth company has been producing trucks for over a century, with a focus on customization and innovation. |
| Bourlingueur Motorcar Works | The initial car and truck dealership owned by the Bourlingueur brothers. | The Bourlingueur Motorcar Works was the starting point for the Kenworth company, where the brothers built their first truck in 1915. |
| Pneumatic Tires | Tires filled with air, providing a smoother ride and better traction. | Kenworth introduced pneumatic tires as an innovative feature in their early trucks, improving the overall driving experience. |
| Sleeper Cab | A type of truck cab that includes a sleeping compartment for drivers. | Kenworth introduced its first sleeper cab in 1939, providing a more comfortable and convenient option for long-haul truckers. |
| Cab-Over-Engine | A type of truck design where the cab is positioned over the engine. | Kenworth introduced the first post-war cab-over-engine truck in 1948, which became a popular design for its time. |
| Aerodynamics | The study of the interaction between air and solid objects, applied to improve truck design and reduce wind resistance. | Kenworth’s T600 model, introduced in 1985, featured an aerodynamically enhanced design, improving fuel efficiency by up to 22% and aerodynamics by 40%. |
| Customization | The process of modifying or tailoring a product to meet specific customer needs or preferences. | Kenworth has always focused on customization, building vehicles to customer specifications and introducing innovative features to meet their needs. |
| Diesel Engine | A type of internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel and is commonly used in trucks. | Kenworth became the first American truck manufacturer to install diesel engines as standard equipment in 1933, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. |
| W900 | A model of truck produced by Kenworth, known for its conventional design and popularity among truckers. | The W900 was a highly successful model for Kenworth, with its first major change in 1967, including a wider hood to accommodate larger diesel engines. |
| T600 | A model of truck produced by Kenworth, featuring an aerodynamically enhanced design. | The T600, introduced in 1985, was a groundbreaking model that improved fuel efficiency and aerodynamics, setting a new standard for the industry. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the key vocabulary with the following quiz:
- Which word means ‘a period of time when there is no war’?
- A) War Efforts
- B) Post-War Developments
- C) Peace Time
- D) Great Depression
- What does ‘pneumatic’ refer to in the context of tires?
- A) Solid Rubber
- B) Filled with Air
- C) Made of Steel
- D) Heavy Duty
- What is a ‘sleeper cab’ in the context of trucks?
- A) A type of engine
- B) A compartment for sleeping
- C) A type of tire
- D) A type of chassis
- What does ‘aerodynamic’ mean in relation to truck design?
- A) Having a square shape
- B) Having a shape that reduces air resistance
- C) Having a heavy weight
- D) Having a large size
- What is a ‘vocational truck’?
- A) A truck used for long-distance driving
- B) A truck used for a specific job or profession
- C) A truck used for racing
- D) A truck used for transportation of goods
Answer Key:
- C
- B
- B
- B
- B
Grammar Focus:
The grammar focus for this activity is the use of the past simple and past perfect tenses. Please review the following examples and explanations:
The past simple tense is used for completed actions that happened at a specific time, whereas the past perfect tense is used to describe an action that happened before another action in the past.
Example: “The company was later renamed, with Kent’s retirement in 1919, and his son Harry becoming a partner, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Kenworth Truck Company in 1923.” (past simple tense