How Does It Work (2)

During March we will be using the theme of “how things work” to increase our vocabulary.

This week’s English lesson :

The Washing Machine

 

SECTION ONE

A domestic washing machine is a household appliance designed to clean clothes by using a combination of water, detergent, and mechanical agitation. The process begins when the user loads dirty clothes into the drum and adds the appropriate amount of detergent. After closing the door, the machine is programmed according to the fabric type and dirt level of the laundry, which dictates the cycle’s duration, temperature, and spin speed.

Once the settings are selected and the cycle initiated, the machine fills with water through an inlet valve, mixing with the detergent to create a soapy solution. The agitation process is facilitated by a rotating drum or an impeller that moves the clothes, allowing the detergent to penetrate the fabric and loosen dirt and stains. After the wash cycle, the machine drains the soapy water through a pump before filling with clean water for rinsing.

The rinse cycle flushes out residues of detergent and dirt, followed by another drain phase. Finally, the spin cycle accelerates the drum’s rotation to extract excess water from the laundry, leaving the clothes damp but significantly less wet. Once completed, the machine unlocks the door, allowing the user to remove freshly cleaned clothes. Modern washing machines also include features like energy-efficient modes, delayed starts, and sensor systems that adjust water levels based on the load size, further enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in household laundry tasks.

VOCABULARY:  After reading the text discuss the word   “agitation”

GRAMMAR:  Go back through the text and say all of the verbs in the text.

DIAGRAMS

1  Top Loader

2  Front Loader

SECTION TWO

1. **Drum** – The cylindrical container where clothes are loaded for washing; it rotates to create agitation.
2. **Agitator** – A central post with fins inside the drum that moves clothes during the wash cycle (common in top-loading machines).
3. **Impeller** – A low-profile vane or disc at the bottom of the drum that rotates to generate currents for cleaning clothes (found in some high-efficiency models).
4. **Motor** – The electric component that drives the drum’s rotation and powers other mechanisms within the machine.
5. **Water Inlet Valve** – A valve that controls the flow of water into the machine, opening or closing based on the wash cycle settings.
6. **Pump** – A device that removes water from the drum during the draining process after washing and rinsing cycles.
7. **Control Panel** – The interface for the user to select wash cycles, adjust settings, and monitor the machine’s operation.
8. **Heating Element** – A component that heats the water to the desired temperature, aiding in stain removal (not all models have this).
9. **Suspension System** – Springs and dampers that help absorb vibrations and keep the drum stable during operation.
10. **Door Lock** – A safety mechanism that prevents the door from being opened while the machine is in operation.
11. **Drain Hose** – A tube that directs wastewater out of the machine and into a drainage system or sink.
12. **Detergent Dispenser** – A compartment where detergent and additives are added before the wash cycle begins.
13. ** Filter** – A screen that captures lint and debris that comes off clothing during the washing process to prevent clogging the pump.

SECTION THREE:  Watch the 3 minute video and then answer the four questions below.

QUESTIONS:

1.  What is the guys name?
2.  What does the word agitate mean?
3.  What does the solenoid valve do?
4.  Which component heats up the water?
5. What is the weight do?
6. What connects the motor to the drum?
7.  What are the brains  of the machine?