The wonder of Maglev Train 1 Do you know what a maglev train is? It is a wonder! It floats, it goes faster than a bullet train, and doesn’t use any fuel! Do you think it’s all in your imagination? No! It’s all thanks to amazing technology and advanced science.

2 Magnetic Levitation Transport (or Maglev for short) is a special train that uses magnetic forces to travel across the track levitating*. The maglev train floats by levitation using magnets. Two magnets, using opposing forces, push against each other, which enables the maglev to run. It doesn’t use any fuel; instead it uses energy that is emitted from the track called a guide way. The maglev train can go up to 300 mph using this system.

3 The maglev train has its pros and cons. One benefit to having a maglev train is that it is faster than a bullet train and uses 30% less energy than normal trains. Its track requires little maintenance and could create a new industry along with helping the economy. While these are pros, a maglev train also has its limitations that should be taken into account. The maglev train’s tracks are more expensive than normal train tracks and a whole new set of tracks would have to be built. The last con is that, despite being quiet, air disturbance occurs by maglev train traversing the track.

4 It may have costly limitations, but its pros are sure interesting. It can save fuel and carry large numbers of passengers. It’s all thanks to amazing science and technology advances.

Two pictures of maglev trains

*levitating: rising or causing to rise in the air; hovering

Question 1
1) Part A

Which is the author's primary claim in this article?

A Maglev trains have a structural design that creates air flow disruptions that should be considered when deciding to use them. Maglev trains have a structural design that creates air flow disruptions that should be considered when deciding to use them.

B Maglev trains are energy saving inventions made possible by incredible technology and cutting-edge science. Maglev trains are energy saving inventions made possible by incredible technology and cutting-edge science.

C Maglev trains are costly so many countries have decided against the expense of building them. Maglev trains are costly so many countries have decided against the expense of building them.

D Maglev trains will create the need to replace outdated tracks with new technology. Maglev trains will create the need to replace outdated tracks with new technology.
POSSIBLE POINTS: 2.35
Question 2
1) Part B

Which detail from the article best supports the answer to Part A?

A “It doesn’t use any fuel; instead it uses energy that is emitted from the track called a guide way.” (paragraph 2)“It doesn’t use any fuel; instead it uses energy that is emitted from the track called a guide way.” (paragraph 2)

B “Its track requires little maintenance and could create a new industry along with helping the economy.” (paragraph 3)“Its track requires little maintenance and could create a new industry along with helping the economy.” (paragraph 3)

C “The maglev train’s tracks are more expensive than normal train tracks and a whole new set of tracks would have to be built.” (paragraph 3)“The maglev train’s tracks are more expensive than normal train tracks and a whole new set of tracks would have to be built.” (paragraph 3)

D “The last con is that, despite being quiet, air disturbance occurs by maglev trains traversing the track.” (paragraph 3)“The last con is that, despite being quiet, air disturbance occurs by maglev trains traversing the track.” (paragraph 3)