Lesson 8

Front

What is the main idea of the passage about the transcontinental railroad?

Back

The transcontinental railroad was a significant development in transportation that connected the east and west of the United States.

Front

What does the term 'ancestor' mean?

Back

An ancestor is a person in someone’s family who lived a long, long time ago.

Front

What does 'convenient' mean?

Back

Convenient means being close by or useful to accomplish a specific purpose.

Front

What is an 'iron horse'?

Back

An 'iron horse' is a nickname for the first locomotives.

Front

Why did people decide to build a transcontinental railroad?

Back

People decided to build a transcontinental railroad because trains were faster and cheaper than other forms of transportation.

Front

What is a locomotive?

Back

A locomotive is a powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains.

Front

What does 'transcontinental' mean?

Back

Transcontinental means extending across a continent.

Front

What is the significance of the Pony Express?

Back

The Pony Express was a mail service that used fast horses to deliver messages across the United States.

Front

What is a railroad?

Back

A railroad is a track made of steel rails along which trains run.

Front

What does 'steam boat' refer to?

Back

A steam boat is a boat that is powered by steam engines.