Did Hancock Invent a Pickle?

10/10/2020 6:08:00 PM
bouncing-balls.com
Hancock's pickle. Image: bouncing-balls.com

Do you know?

  • It was difficult to dissolve rubber in solvents until Thomas Hancock invented a device which was capable of softening the rubber in 1820.
  • This device, known as a pickle, enabled rubber to be formed by moulding it.

Let's explore more about this!

fr.findagrave.com
Thomas Hancock - the father of "pickle". Image: fr.findagrave.com

Listen and choose the correct answer.

  • When did Thomas Hancock invent elastic?
  • What was called "pickle"?

When did Thomas Hancock invent elastic?

  • 1812
  • 1820
  • 1837

What was called "pickle"?

  • leftover rubber
  • a scrap
  • a machine

Complete the text you are listening to by dragging the correct word to each blank.

Did Hancock Invent a Pickle?

Long ago, Thomas Hancock invented . The year was 1820. Today, we use elastic to hold up our socks. Hancock invented it for something else. What was it for? It was for the tops of . Why was it for pocket tops? Some people think it was to stop ! It made it harder to get a hand inside.

Hancock had a lot of . He wanted to use the scraps. He made a machine. He called it a "pickle." 

Why did he call his a pickle? He did not want anyone to know what it was for. He didn't want anyone to steal it. Later, Hancock got a . He got the patent in 1837. Now, no one could him. No one could copy his machine.

Read the text and answer the questions.

wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk
The model of a pickle. Image: wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk

Long ago, Thomas Hancock invented elastic. The year was 1820. Today, we use elastic to hold up our socks. Hancock invented it for something else. What was it for? It was for the tops of pockets. Why was it for pocket tops? Some people think it was to stop robbers! It made it harder to get a hand inside.

Hancock had a lot of leftover rubber. He wanted to use the scraps. He made a machine. He called it a "pickle." 

Why did he call his invention a pickle? He did not want anyone to know what it was for. He didn't want anyone to steal it. Later, Hancock got a patent. He got the patent in 1837. Now, no one could rob him. No one could copy his machine.

Source: Daily Warm-ups Reading Grade 2

What did some people think about the elastic that Hancock invented?

  • They thought it prevent robbers from stealing.
  • They thought Hancock made it for fun.
  • They thought Hancock used it to hold up socks.
  • They thought it made the pocket tops more beautiful.

If an invention is still under a patent, it most likely means that, by law, you ____

  • can copy it.
  • can't copy it.
  • can make pockets.
  • can’t make pockets.

What is the text mostly about?

  • The advantages of elastic
  • How you can get a patent
  • Some inventions of Thomas Hancock
  • The "pickle" invention of Thomas Hancock

Put the right word in each blank. The sentences are from the text.

  1. Why did he call his a pickle?
  2. What was it for? It was for the tops of .
  3. Hancock had a lot of . 
  4. Hancock got a . He got the patent in 1837. Now, no one could him.
  5. Long ago, Thomas Hancock invented .
  6. Some people think it was to stop !  

Put the right word in each blank. These are new sentences for words in the text.

  1. The three of us stood there, hands in , and waited.
  2. escaped with $30 000.
  3. She uses the meat to make a curry.
  4. Tyres are almost always made of .
  5. Fax machines were a wonderful at the time.
  6. I'll report you to the police if I catch you again.
  7. The gloves have at the wrist for a snug fit.
  8. He got a for the toy he designed.