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 4 . What does the word devastation mean as it is used in the text?
a. emptiness
b. destruction
c. helpless
d. overwhelmed
 5 . In what ways could weather and how it affects us be considered a current event?
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©Teacher Created Resources 
83 
#3658 Daily Warm-Ups: Reading

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Name
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Daily 
Warm-Up
14
Nonfiction: Current Events
Travel of the Future
Sometimes, invention is born out of frustration as 
much as necessity. Elon Musk has been playing with a 
new form of high-speed transportation. He sees it as an 
alternative to current high-speed rail projects. Musk 
works with an electric car company and a solar energy 
company. He calls his invention the Hyperloop.
Using the Hyperloop, people would travel in pods 
through low-pressure steel tubes. The capsules would 
reach speeds of about 760 mph. Existing high-speed 
rail systems in Asia reach speeds of 300 mph.
One way to think about how the Hyperloop would 
work is to think about a roller coaster. It’s possible the 
capsules would receive an initial boost of power from 
spinning steel balls. The momentum would move the 
pod toward an electromagnet that would pull the unit 
forward. The magnet would then repel the pod, 
sending it toward the next magnet along the track.
The efficiency of the system comes from a couple of 
factors. Pods would be suspended on a cushion of 
compressed air, which would reduce friction. Musk 
also plans to use solar energy to power his system, 
making it environmentally friendly. The solar panels 
would be mounted on top of the tubes.
The Hyperloop would be efficient up to distances of 
about 900 miles. Beyond that, air travel would 
probably be more cost effective. Initially, he would 
propose transit between San Francisco and Los 
Angeles. The commute time between the two cities 
would be reduced to a little over 30 minutes. The trip 
would cost commuters about $20. Musk’s plans 
include elevating the system on pylons in close 
proximity to a major freeway. He says this would 
reduce the need for land acquisition, thus cutting 
down on the overall cost of the project.
Whether or not the Hyperloop is feasible, one thing is 
certain—it adds new interest to the ongoing debate 
about efficient transportation.
Text Questions
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 1 . What is one factor that would increase the efficiency of the proposed system?
a. It will only travel short distances.
b. It would rely on magnetic principles.
c. The pods would be lightweight.
d. The pods would travel on a layer of compressed air which would reduce friction.
 2 . What does the word acquisition mean as it is used in the text?
a. something that is obtained
b. something that is shared
c. something that is added to the system
d. something that is given away