Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of the activity:
- Have you ever seen a Peterbilt truck on the road and wondered about its history?
- Do you know someone who works in the trucking industry or has a family member who does?
- What do you think are some of the most important qualities of a reliable truck, and how do you think Peterbilt achieves these qualities?
- Have you ever heard of the term “aerodynamics” and how it relates to truck design?
- What do you think are some of the challenges that truck manufacturers like Peterbilt face in terms of environmental responsibility and fuel efficiency?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a look at the featured image and answer the following questions:
- What do you see in the image?
- What do you think this activity will be about based on this image?
- Do you see any Peterbilt trucks in the image, and if so, what do you notice about their design?
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the activity and get a sense of what Peterbilt is and its significance in the trucking industry.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E488Ef0l6gw, and pause at the following strategic points:
- Pause the video at 2 minutes and discuss: What were some of the key innovations that Peterbilt introduced in its early years, and how did these innovations impact the trucking industry?
- Pause the video at 5 minutes and discuss: How did Peterbilt’s expansion into the medium-duty truck market and its focus on environmental responsibility contribute to its growth and success?
- Pause the video at 8 minutes and discuss: What are some of the advanced technologies and features that Peterbilt has introduced in its recent models, and how do these features improve safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency?
For more information on Peterbilt’s history and innovations, visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/how-peterbilt-went-from-a-small-local-trucking-business-to-a-billion-dollar-company/.
Key Vocabulary:
Review the key vocabulary terms and their definitions:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Peterbilt | A leading American truck manufacturer known for its durable and reliable trucks. | Peterbilt introduced models 334 and 260, featuring all-steel cabs, which was revolutionary at the time. |
| Heavy-Duty Truck | A type of truck designed for heavy lifting and tough conditions. | The company developed the model 364, a truck designed to handle tough conditions, which became a dependable choice for the military. |
| Aerodynamics | The study of the interaction between air and solid objects, applied to improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact. | The company introduced models 587 and 579, which brought breakthroughs in aerodynamic design and featured high-tech advancements. |
| Medium-Duty Truck | A type of truck designed for lighter loads and shorter distances. | The company expanded into the medium-duty truck market with the Model 330 in 1990, reaching a new customer base. |
| Vocational Truck | A type of truck designed for specific jobs or industries, such as construction or mining. | The company entered the vocational market with the model 567, a heavy-duty off-road truck built for versatility and adaptability. |
| Advanced Driver Assist Systems | Technologies designed to improve safety and driver comfort, such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. | The company introduced models 587 and 579, which featured advanced driver assist systems to improve safety and driver comfort. |
| Automated Transmission | A type of transmission that automatically changes gears, improving fuel efficiency and reducing driver fatigue. | The company introduced a 12-speed automated transmission to maximize efficiency and durability, offering smooth shifting and improved fuel efficiency. |
| Cab-Over-Engine Design | A type of truck design where the cab is located over the engine, improving visibility and maneuverability. | The company introduced the Model 362, a cab-over-engine design that was incredibly popular with truckers due to its practicality and power. |
| Long-Haul Trucking | The transportation of goods over long distances, often requiring specialized trucks and equipment. | The company’s trucks are designed for long-haul trucking, with features such as comfortable living spaces and advanced driver assist systems. |
| Environmental Responsibility | The practice of reducing the environmental impact of business operations, such as through the use of fuel-efficient technologies. | The company has focused on environmental responsibility, introducing models such as the 386, designed with aerodynamics and fuel efficiency in mind. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the key vocabulary terms with the following quiz:
- Which word means ‘a person who has a strong desire to succeed and achieve something’ in the context of Ta Peterman’s transformation of the trucking industry?
- A) Relentless
- B) Visionary
- C) Innovative
- D) Determined
- What does ‘aerodynamics’ refer to in the context of Peterbilt’s truck designs?
- A) The study of the movement of water
- B) The study of the movement of air and its interaction with solid objects, such as trucks
- C) The study of the movement of sound
- D) The study of the movement of earth
- Which term describes ‘a symbol or image used by a company to represent its brand’ in the context of Peterbilt’s red oval logo?
- A) Logo
- B) Slogan
- C) Trademark
- D) Emblem
- What does ‘vocational’ mean in the context of Peterbilt’s entry into the vocational market with the model 567?
- A) Related to a profession or job that requires specialized training or education
- B) Related to a hobby or leisure activity
- C) Related to a type of truck used for long-haul driving
- D) Related to a type of engine used in trucks
- Which word means ‘a new or original idea, method, or product’ in the context of Peterbilt’s commitment to innovation and environmental concerns?
- A) Innovation
- B) Tradition
- C) Efficiency
- D) Durability
Answer Key:
- A) Relentless
- B) The study of the movement of air and its interaction with solid objects, such