Week 5 Assignment This resource was created by Bakhodir Shokirov

Measurements: Metric and imperial

Measurements: Metric and imperial
The imperial system of measurement, also known as the British Imperial system,
originated in the United Kingdom and was used throughout the British Empire . It was
formally established in 1826, replacing the older Winchester Standards . The imperial
system is still used in the UK and some former British colonies, including Canada,
alongside the metric system . However, most countries around the world have adopted
the metric system as their primary system of measurement .

The imperial system is based on units like feet, inches, pounds, and ounces, while the
metric system uses meters, grams, and liters . The United States is one of the few
countries that still primarily uses the imperial system, which can be confusing for
visitors from other countries . The United States chose to retain the imperial system
after gaining independence from Britain, even though the metric system was gaining
popularity at the time .

The imperial system is often considered less intuitive than the metric system because
it uses a variety of units with different relationships to each other . For example, there
are 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard, and 1760 yards in a mile . This can make it
difficult to convert between different units, especially when dealing with large
measurements .

The metric system, on the other hand, is based on a decimal system, making it easier
to convert between units . For example, there are 10 millimeters in a centimeter, 100
 Week 5 Assignment This resource was created by Bakhodir Shokirov

centimeters in a meter, and 1000 meters in a kilometer . This simple, consistent

system makes it easier to perform calculations and understand measurements .

Despite the advantages of the metric system, the imperial system remains popular in
some countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom . This is partly
due to familiarity and tradition, as well as the fact that many industries and businesses
are already established using the imperial system . However, as the world becomes
increasingly interconnected, the metric system is likely to become the dominant
system of measurement in the future .

The imperial system is still used in the UK for certain measurements, such as large
distances (miles) . However, the UK uses the metric system for other measurements,
such as money (pence) . This dual use of imperial and metric units can be confusing,
but it reflects the historical transition from the imperial system to the metric system .

Canada, like the UK, officially adopted the metric system in 1971 . However, due to its
close ties with the United States, Canada still uses both imperial and metric units in
many contexts . For example, many food products are labeled with both imperial and
metric measurements, and some suppliers still quote prices in pounds rather than
kilograms . This dual use of measurement systems reflects the ongoing influence of
both the United States and the UK on Canada .

Reading Summary
● The imperial system, originating in the UK, is still used in some countries,
including the UK, Canada, and the United States, alongside the metric system.
● The imperial system is based on units like feet, inches, pounds, and ounces, while
the metric system uses meters, grams, and liters.
● The metric system is considered more intuitive due to its decimal system, making
conversions easier, while the imperial system's varied units can be confusing.

Vocabulary
Term Definition Example Sentence
prevalent widespread or common Despite the popularity of the metric
(adjective) system, the imperial system
remains prevalent in the United
States and the United Kingdom.

intuitive easily understood or grasped Some people find the imperial

(adjective) system more intuitive, especially
when dealing with everyday
measurements.
 Week 5 Assignment This resource was created by Bakhodir Shokirov

tangible perceptible by touch; real or A foot is a more tangible unit than a

(adjective) concrete centimeter, which can be difficult to
visualize when measuring long
distances.

visualize to form a mental image of They argue that the imperial

(verb) something system's units are more familiar
and easier to visualize, particularly
when measuring larger distances.

context the circumstances that form the The choice of which system to use
(noun) setting for an event, statement, or often depends on personal
idea, and in terms of which it can preference, familiarity, and the
be fully understood and assessed specific context of the
measurement.

originated to come into being; to have its The imperial system of

(verb) beginning measurement originated in the
United Kingdom.

established to set up or create something The imperial system was formally

(verb) established in 1826.

replacing to take the place of something else The imperial system replaced the
(verb) older Winchester Standards.

alongside together with; in addition to The imperial system is still used in

(preposition the UK alongside the metric
) system.

adopted to accept or take something as Most countries around the world

(verb) one's own have adopted the metric system.

Multiple Choice Questions

Question #1 Question #2 Question #3
Which country adopted the What is the main reason According to the text, what
imperial system in 1826, why the United States is one advantage of the
replacing the Winchester continues to use the imperial system over the
Standards? imperial system? metric system?

A. The United States A. The United States has a A. The imperial system is
strong tradition of using the more widely used globally.
B. Canada imperial system.
B. The imperial system is
C. The United Kingdom B. The imperial system is considered more accurate
considered more accurate for scientific
D. Australia
 Week 5 Assignment This resource was created by Bakhodir Shokirov

than the metric system. measurements.

C. The United States has a C. The imperial system's

large population and it units are more familiar and
would be difficult to switch easier to visualize,
to the metric system. especially for larger
distances.
D. The United States chose
to retain the imperial D. The imperial system is
system after gaining simpler to convert between
independence from Britain. units.

Question #4 Question #5
Considering the text's discussion of the Drawing on the text's description of the
imperial system's use in the UK and metric system's advantages, how might
Canada, how might the concept of 'cultural the principles of the metric system be
inertia' explain the continued use of applied to other areas of life, such as
imperial units in these countries? organizing information or managing time?

A. Cultural inertia suggests that countries A. The metric system's principles are only
resist change, making it difficult to adopt applicable to measurement and cannot be
new systems like the metric system. applied to other areas of life.

B. Cultural inertia refers to the tendency of B. The metric system's decimal-based

cultures to adopt new systems quickly, structure could be used to create more
explaining the UK and Canada's rapid efficient and intuitive systems for
adoption of the metric system. organizing information and managing
time.
C. Cultural inertia is not relevant to the
discussion of measurement systems, as it C. The metric system's emphasis on
only applies to cultural practices. standardization would be ineffective in
other areas of life, as they require
D. Cultural inertia explains why the United flexibility.
States has been slow to adopt the metric
system, but not the UK or Canada. D. The metric system's use of base-10
units is not relevant to information
organization or time management.

Short Answer Questions

Question What is the historical significance of the Winchester Standards in
relation to the imperial system?
#1
 Week 5 Assignment This resource was created by Bakhodir Shokirov

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Question Explain the difference between the imperial system's units for volume
and weight compared to the metric system.
#2

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

What is the primary argument presented in the text for why some
Question people prefer the imperial system despite the metric system's
#3 simplicity?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Based on the text, what can be deduced about the complex dynamics of
Question the relationship between the United States and Canada regarding the
#4 use of measurement systems?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
 Week 5 Assignment This resource was created by Bakhodir Shokirov

___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Question Analyze the progression of the central theme about the transition from
the imperial system to the metric system throughout the text.
#5

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Open Ended Questions

The text discusses the transition from the imperial system to the metric
system. Consider a time when you had to adapt to a new system or way
Question of doing things. How did you feel during this transition? What strategies
#1 did you use to adjust? How did this experience shape your
understanding of change?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

The text highlights the persistence of the imperial system in certain

countries, despite the advantages of the metric system. Think about a
Question time when you held onto a familiar practice or belief even though a
#2 new, more efficient approach was available. What factors influenced
your decision to stick with the old way? What were the potential
benefits and drawbacks of this choice?

___________________________________________________________________________
 Week 5 Assignment This resource was created by Bakhodir Shokirov

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

The text explores the impact of historical influences on measurement

systems. Reflect on how your own cultural background or personal
Question experiences have shaped your understanding of the world. How have
#3 these influences affected your perspectives and values? How do you
navigate the complexities of different cultural perspectives?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________