In the late 19th century, John Henry, a towering figure known for his immense strength and determination, worked as a steel driver on the railroads. His job was to hammer steel drills into rock to create holes for explosives, carving tunnels through mountains. John Henry was admired by his fellow workers for his work ethic and incredible physical power.
One day, a salesman arrived with a steam-powered hammer, claiming it could outwork any man. Determined to prove human skill superior to machines, John Henry accepted the challenge. A race was set: man versus machine. The workers gathered, placing their hopes in John Henry.
As the competition began, the steam hammer puffed and clanked, driving steel with relentless force. John Henry, with his sledgehammer in hand, swung with unwavering rhythm and strength. Sweat poured down his face, but he kept pace with the machine, determined to show that human spirit could not be outmatched.
Hour after hour, the race continued. Finally, with a mighty swing, John Henry finished first, collapsing from exhaustion. Though victorious, he paid the ultimate price, dying with his hammer in hand. John Henry's legacy lived on as a symbol of human endurance and the unyielding spirit against mechanization.
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words based on the story. Answers are at the end.
1. John Henry worked as a ______ on the railroads.
2. John Henry was admired by his fellow workers for his ______ and incredible physical power.
3. A salesman arrived with a ______-powered hammer.
4. The steam-powered hammer was claimed to outwork any ______.
5. John Henry accepted the ______ to prove human skill superior to machines.
6. Workers gathered, placing their hopes in ______.
7. As the competition began, the steam hammer puffed and clanked, driving steel with ______ force.
8. John Henry swung with unwavering rhythm and ______.
9. Finally, with a mighty swing, John Henry finished ______.
10. John Henry's legacy lived on as a symbol of human ______ and the unyielding spirit against mechanization.
Answers: 1. steel driver, 2. work ethic, 3. steam, 4. man, 5. challenge, 6. John Henry, 7. relentless, 8. strength, 9. first, 10. endurance
Match the items in Column A with their correct descriptions in Column B.
