In ancient times, housework was hard because homes did not have water or electricity. One of the most difficult household activities was washing clothes. People took their dirty clothes to the river once or twice a week and used rocks, sand and water to clean them.
For many years, people tried to find easier ways to wash their clothes. Sailors, for example, put their clothes in bags and threw them into the sea. This method worked quite well because the moving water helped.
In 1846, the first washing machine was invented, but it was difficult to use. The water was cold, so people warmed it on a fire. Then they pulled the clean, wet clothes through a special machine to take out the water.
The first electric washing machine was designed in 1908. It was more useful because it could warm the water but the clothes were still very wet. The contemporary washing machine wasn’t invented until 1930s. This indispensable item has changed our lives. Today, all the hard work is done for us while we sit and relax.
True or False:
1. In ancient times, it was hard for people to do chores because they didn’t have water or electricity.
2. Sailors used the moving water to wash their clothes.
3. The first electric washing machine was invented in 1846.
4. The contemporary washing machine has changed our lives
5. The word “This” refers to:
A. the first washing machine
B. the first electric washing machine
C. the contemporary washing machine
6. Topic of the passage:
A. The use of washing machine
B. History of washing machine
C. How people wash their clothes in the past
