Taiwan High Speed Rail Intermediate

Reading Passage
Taiwan’s High Speed Rail, known as the HSR, is one of the fastest and most efficient train systems in Asia. The trains travel at speeds up to three hundred kilometers per hour, making them incredibly fast. The entire system opened in two thousand seven after many years of careful planning and construction. It connects major cities along Taiwan’s western corridor from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south. What once took over four hours by regular train now takes only ninety minutes.
The HSR uses advanced Japanese bullet train technology called Shinkansen, known for its safety and speed. The trains are sleek and aerodynamic, designed to cut through the air with minimal resistance. Each train has twelve cars and can carry over one thousand passengers on a single trip. The seats are comfortable with plenty of legroom, and the ride is incredibly smooth and quiet. Business travelers especially love the HSR because they can work on laptops during the journey.

Safety is the top priority for Taiwan’s High Speed Rail system. In all the years of operation, there has never been a single fatal accident. The trains have special systems that automatically slow down during earthquakes. Engineers monitor the tracks constantly using advanced computers and sensors. During typhoons, the trains may stop running temporarily to ensure everyone stays safe. This excellent safety record makes passengers feel confident traveling on the HSR.
Buying tickets for the HSR is very convenient and easy for travelers. People can purchase tickets online, through a mobile app, or at station kiosks. There are different classes of service including standard and business class seats. Many tourists buy special passes that allow unlimited rides for several days. The stations are modern and clean with restaurants, shops, and excellent facilities for waiting passengers.
The High Speed Rail has changed how people live and work in Taiwan. Many people now live in smaller cities but work in Taipei because the commute is so fast. This has helped reduce crowding in the capital city and spread economic growth. The HSR also reduces pollution because fewer people drive cars between cities. Taiwan’s high speed rail shows how modern transportation can improve people’s lives.
Level: Level F
A. Vocabulary Matching
Match each word with its definition.
1. efficient ______
2. corridor ______
3. technology ______
4. aerodynamic ______
5. passengers ______
6. priority ______
7. monitor ______
8. convenient ______
9. unlimited ______
10. facilities ______
a. working well without wasting resources
b. scientific knowledge used practically
c. designed to move through air easily
d. something most important
e. to watch and check carefully
f. easy and suitable to use
g. buildings or equipment for activities
h. without any limits or restrictions
i. people traveling in a vehicle
j. a long narrow passage or route
B. True or False
Write T (True) or F (False) for each statement.
- The HSR travels at 300 kilometers per hour. ______
- The system opened in 2010. ______
- The trains use American technology. ______
- Each train has twelve cars. ______
- There has never been a fatal HSR accident. ______
- Trains always run during typhoons. ______
- Tickets can be bought through mobile apps. ______
- The trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes 4 hours. ______
- The HSR helps reduce air pollution. ______

C. Fill in the Blanks
Word Bank: efficient | technology | aerodynamic | passengers | priority | convenient | facilities
- Taiwan’s HSR is one of the most _______________ train systems in Asia.
- The trains use advanced Japanese bullet train _______________ for safety and speed.
- The sleek, _______________ design helps the trains move quickly through the air.
- Each train can carry over one thousand _______________ on a single trip.
- Safety is the top _______________ for the High Speed Rail system.
D. Comprehension Questions
- What is the top speed of Taiwan’s High Speed Rail trains?
- How long does it take to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung by HSR?
- What country’s technology does the HSR use?
- What happens to the trains during earthquakes?
- How has the HSR changed where people live and work?

E. Discussion Questions
Talk about these questions with a partner or write your answers.
- Would you prefer to travel by high speed train or airplane? Why?
- Does your country have high speed trains? Would you like one?
- How do you think fast trains can help the environment?
Answer Key
Check your answers below.
A. Vocabulary: 1-a, 2-j, 3-b, 4-c, 5-i, 6-d, 7-e, 8-f, 9-h, 10-g
B. True/False: 1-T, 2-F, 3-F, 4-T, 5-T, 6-F, 7-T, 8-F, 9-T
C. Fill in the Blanks: 1-efficient, 2-technology, 3-aerodynamic, 4-passengers, 5-priority
D. Comprehension: 1. Up to 300 kilometers per hour; 2. Only 90 minutes; 3. Japanese (Shinkansen); 4. They automatically slow down; 5. People can live in smaller cities but work in Taipei because the commute is fast
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