Hot Air Balloons: A Fun History

T: 01.07.2022 22:32:14 / U: 60fc538736b2c285 / OT: 1627544662

T: 01.07.2022 22:32:14 / U: 60fc538736b2c285 / OT: 1627544662

If you have ever seen a hot air balloon in flight, you may be wondering how it works and how they
came to be. Hot air balloons can be seen all over the world, and transport passengers for scenic flights
above some of the world's most popular landmarks. The first hot air balloon was launched in 1783
over France, and its passengers were a sheep, rooster and duck. The first flight lasted for eight
minutes and traveled about two miles before landing.

Scientist Jean-François Pilâtre De Rozier and his friend François Laurent d'Arlandes were the first
humans to pilot a hot air balloon, and together the two men flew for 20 minutes, making flight history.
In the early days of hot air ballooning, the sport became more popular amongst the wealthy French,
yet a nuisance to local farmers. Since pilots often cannot control where the balloon lands, they
frequently choose to fly over farmland to cushion their landings. This annoyed the farmers who
suffered damaged crops. To appease the farmers, the earliest hot air balloon pilots brought
champagne to celebrate the end of a successful flight. They then shared this champagne with the
farmers, smoothing things over. The tradition continues today with many hot air balloon pilots
celebrating hot air balloon flights with champagne for their passengers and crew.

Hot air ballooning is still a popular sport today. The largest display of hot air balloons is in
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their annual festival last for nine days and features more than 750
balloons. It is also the most photographed event in the entire world.

Did you understand the text?

1) What year was the first hot air balloon launched?

a) 1783
b) 1800
c) 1922
d) 1955

2) In which country was the first hot air balloon flight?

a) Spain
b) The United States of America
c) Portugal
d) France

3) Who were the first hot air balloon passengers?

a) Two French scientists
b) Children from the local school
c) A rooster, duck and a sheep
d) A navy pilot

4) How long did the first hot air balloon flight last?
a) 12 minutes
b) 25 minutes
c) One hour
d) Eight minutes

1/2
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 More questions about the text:
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5) Who were the first two humans to pilot a hot air balloon?
a) Jean-François Pilâtre De Rozier and François Laurent d'Arlandes
b) Sally Ride and Jim Lovell
c) Tom Stafford and Ed White
d) Frank Borman and Pete Conrad

6) Why do pilots serve champagne after a flight

a) The passengers are thirsty
b) To keep the tradition of appeasing farmers
c) To help the pilot calm his nerves after a flight
d) To celebrate good weather

7) Where is the largest display of hot air balloons in the world?

a) Cappadocia, Turkey
b) Napa Valley, California
c) Leon, Mexico
d) Albuquerque, New Mexico

8) The hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque features how many balloons?
a) 100
b) 750
c) 900
d) 225

Source: https://lingua.com/english/reading/hot-air-balloons-a-fun-history/
Solution: 1) a 2) d 3) c 4) d 5) a 6) b 7) d 8) b 2/2
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