Socks
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Description Info Download Parts (20) Audio Readings IPA Script
Welcome to this British English reading and listening comprehension exercise, designed to help you improve your English language reading and listening skills as well as your vocabulary and grammar. In this lesson, we will explore the topic of Socks. As you read the text, Socks, pay close attention to vocabulary and content as after reading or listening, you will test your understanding of Socks with multiple-choice questions. This exercise will not only enhance your reading and listening comprehension but also provide you with valuable knowledge about Socks. Good luck and enjoy the exercises!
The history of socks, often overlooked in the fashion world, spans back to the Stone Age when animal skins were tied around ankles for protection. Their evolution continued with the Egyptians, who crafted socks from woven wool and cotton, even accommodating sandals with a separate compartment for the big toe. The term "sock" originates from the Latin "soccus," used by the Romans to describe a form of loose slipper. During the Middle Ages, socks, or "hose," became status symbols for the European nobility. The invention of the knitting machine in the 16th century, followed by the Industrial Revolution, democratized sock access. The 20th century introduced synthetic materials, such as nylon and polyester, offering greater durability and elasticity. Today, sock diversity is vast, spanning athletic socks to "smart" socks with built-in health sensors, highlighting the adaptability and evolution of this fundamental garment throughout history.
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The Fascinating History of Socks
In the realm of clothing and fashion, socks are often underrated. Despite their understated role, these functional garments boast a rich history that traces back to the Stone Age. From humble beginnings, socks have evolved, transforming in design, materials, and function across different civilizations and periods of history.
Ancient origins can be found as early as the Stone Age when our ancestors first tied animal skins around their ankles. Socks at that time served a practical function—to protect feet from harsh weather conditions and to avoid blisters during long walks and runs.
The evolution of socks took a significant turn with the advent of civilization in Ancient Egypt. Around the 8th century BC, Egyptians began to use woven materials, and socks were crafted by knitting with wool or cotton, sometimes even dyed in vibrant colours. The archaeological discovery of a pair of striped woollen socks from this era in the city of Antinoopolis exhibited that these socks were designed with a separate compartment for the big toe, presumably to allow for comfortable wear with sandals.
By the time of the Roman Empire, socks had developed further. Romans wrapped their feet in strips of fabric or leather known as "udones." As the empire expanded into colder climates, they adopted the thicker, warmer socks of the territories they conquered. Wool, felt, or woven cloth became common materials. The word "sock" is derived from the Latin "soccus," a loose-fitting slipper worn by Roman comic actors.
In the Middle Ages, socks became a status symbol among the nobility in Europe. Known as "hose," these long, tight-fitting versions of socks often extended up over the knee, were brightly coloured, and were made of luxurious materials like silk. These hose were usually held up by garter belts and were considered a symbol of wealth and power.
In the 16th century, the knitting machine's invention by William Lee revolutionized sock production, making them more accessible to the general populace. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries further streamlined sock production, enabling manufacturers to meet the increasing demand and make socks of different sizes and designs.
Fast forward to the 20th century, synthetic materials like nylon and polyester were introduced, providing durability and elasticity. Socks started to be produced en masse, not just as a necessity but as a fashion statement, with various patterns, lengths, and styles to match different occasions and outfits.
Today, in the 21st century, socks have never been more diverse. From athletic socks designed for specific sports to thermal socks for extreme weather, and from quirky novelty socks to "smart" socks with built-in sensors for health monitoring, socks have truly come a long way.
In summary, the journey of socks from the ancient past to the present day tells a compelling story of human ingenuity and innovation. It is a testament to how a simple item of clothing can evolve and adapt through the ages, mirroring societal changes and advances in technology. So the next time you put on a pair of socks, remember that you are wearing a piece of history.
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| Curiosity | Wisdom | Genius | |
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| Download Older Worksheets | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Access to all online lesson parts | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Exclusive video content | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Download New Worksheets | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
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Socks Comprehension Questions
To read the text, click the Readings button above. To listen to the audio, click the Audio button above. To read the IPA transcript, click the IPA Script button above. See if you can answer the comprehension questions below.
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