Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- belief /bih-LEEF/
- evidence /EV-i-duhns/
- archaeological /ahr-kee-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/
- coexist /koh-ig-ZIST/
- manipulate /muh-NIP-yuh-leyt/
[noun] – a strong feeling that something is true or real
Many people have the belief that the Earth is flat.
[noun] – facts or signs that show something is true
The police found evidence that proved the suspect was guilty.
[adjective] – relating to the study of ancient cultures by examining artifacts, buildings, and other remains
Archaeological digs help us learn about ancient civilizations.
[verb] – to live together peacefully at the same time or place
Different species can coexist in a healthy ecosystem.
[verb] – to control or influence something or someone in a clever or unfair way
The magician manipulated the cards to make them appear and disappear.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
New research is challenging long-held beliefs about the arrival of humans in the Americas. For many years, scientists believed that humans first arrived around 13,000 years ago and played a major role in the extinction of large animals like giant ground sloths, mastodons, and saber-toothed cats. However, new evidence from several archaeological sites suggests that humans may have arrived much earlier, possibly up to 27,000 years ago, and coexisted with these enormous creatures. One of the key sites is Santa Elina in Brazil, where the bones of giant ground sloths show signs of being manipulated by humans. This new evidence could significantly alter the understanding of early human history in the Americas and its environmental impact.
Recent studies using advanced techniques, such as ancient DNA analysis and fossil chemical testing, have provided compelling evidence supporting an earlier human presence in the Americas. Researcher Mírian Pacheco has found that the bones of sloths from Santa Elina were carved shortly after the animals’ deaths, suggesting that humans were interacting with these creatures before they became extinct. This challenges the previously accepted theory known as the “Pleistocene overkill,” which suggested that human arrival led to the rapid extinction of large mammals. The findings have sparked significant debate among experts, but they open new possibilities for understanding human migration and its effects on the environment. As new sites are discovered and analyzed, the timeline of human settlement in the Americas may need to be revised, prompting a reevaluation of past assumptions and offering fresh insights into early human-animal interactions.
Recent studies using advanced techniques, such as ancient DNA analysis and fossil chemical testing, have provided compelling evidence supporting an earlier human presence in the Americas. Researcher Mírian Pacheco has found that the bones of sloths from Santa Elina were carved shortly after the animals’ deaths, suggesting that humans were interacting with these creatures before they became extinct. This challenges the previously accepted theory known as the “Pleistocene overkill,” which suggested that human arrival led to the rapid extinction of large mammals. The findings have sparked significant debate among experts, but they open new possibilities for understanding human migration and its effects on the environment. As new sites are discovered and analyzed, the timeline of human settlement in the Americas may need to be revised, prompting a reevaluation of past assumptions and offering fresh insights into early human-animal interactions.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever believed in something that was later proven to be false? If so, what was it, and how did you feel? If not, can you think of an example of how people’s beliefs have changed over time?
- Have you ever found any evidence that changed your mind about something? If so, what was it, and how did it affect your opinion? If not, what kind of evidence would you need to change your mind on a topic?
- Do you agree that new evidence can change what we believe about history?
- Do you agree that new evidence can change what we believe about history?
- Why do you think it’s important to challenge long-held beliefs with new evidence?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- challenging
- extinction
- enormous
- previously
- settlement