3
Life before electricity
Workbook 2: Topic 6.1, pp. 68–70
GoalDescribe how people made light before electricity, and say why electric light is so useful.
New words
candle · a stick of wax that burns slowly to give lightoil lamp · a lamp with a small flame that burns oillight bulb · a glass bulb that lights up when electricity flows through it
Explanation
Long ago there was no electricity in homes. At night people used candles and oil lamps. These have a real flame, so they must be watched all the time. The light is dim and it flickers. A flame can also start a fire. Then inventors worked for many years to make an electric light bulb that glows brightly. A bulb needs no flame, and it gives bright light as soon as you press a switch.
Worked examples
Aisha’s great-grandmother read by candle light. The flame moved in every breath of wind, and she had to be very careful.
An oil lamp stood on the table in the evening. Someone had to fill it with oil and light it.
Now we press a switch and the whole room is bright at once. There is no flame to worry about.
Class activity
A power-cut game (with an adult): at dusk, switch off the room lights and pull the curtains a little. Use a torch with cells to find three objects in the room. Then switch the light on. Talk about it: how was it different? Never use real candles or matches yourself.
Practice
1
Which two give light with a flame, and which two use electricity?
A and C (the oil lamp and the candle) use a flame. B and D (the torch and the light bulb) use electricity.
2
Why did someone have to watch a candle all the time?
Because it has a real flame, and a flame can start a fire.
3
Name two jobs that are easier at night with electric light.
For example: reading, doing homework, cooking, finding things in a room.
4
Which one is the safest light inside a tent at night?
B, the torch. It has no flame, so it cannot set the tent on fire.