Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Do you think discovering new information about the past is exciting?
- Do you think early humans were skilled at problem-solving?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- toolkit /TOOL-kit/
- select /si-LEKT/
- sharp /shahrp/
- tip /tip/
- butcher /BOOCH-er/
[noun] – a set of tools or equipment used for a particular purpose
The scientist carried a specialized toolkit to collect soil samples from the cave.
[verb] – to carefully choose something from a group
The chef selected the freshest vegetables to prepare the dish.
[adjective] – having a thin edge or point that can cut or pierce something easily
The artist used a sharp knife to carve the intricate details into the wood.
[noun] – the pointed or top ends of something
The gardener carefully trimmed the tips of the branches to encourage new growth.
[verb] – to cut up an animal or meat for food
The chef learned how to butcher a whole fish properly.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
A remarkable discovery in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge has pushed back the known use of ancient bone tools by nearly a million years. Archaeologists found 27 shaped and sharpened bones from elephants and hippos, showing that early humans were using animal bones as cutting tools around 1.5 million years ago. While earlier studies confirmed that humans made stone tools as early as 3.3 million years ago, this new evidence reveals they had a more diverse and advanced toolkit than previously believed. The study, published in Nature, suggests that early human ancestors—possibly Homo erectus, Homo habilis, or Paranthropus boisei—carefully selected and modified bones, showing a systematic approach to tool-making.Examination of these tools reveals a clear method of production. Large leg bones were intentionally broken and shaped with stone tools to create sharp edges and pointed tips. These bone tools likely helped early humans butcher scavenged carcasses rather than serve as weapons. Some show repeated flake removal, proving skilled craftsmanship. Since natural erosion and animal damage were minimal, researchers believe early humans deliberately shaped them. This challenges previous ideas about primitive tools, highlighting their cognitive and technological abilities.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- The study in the article was published in a book about archaeology.
- The bone tools were mainly used as weapons for hunting animals.
- Stone tools were made by humans before they started making bone tools.
- The bone tools were made from small animal bones like bird bones.
- Scientists believe that early human ancestors carefully selected and modified bones.
Fill in the blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| toolkit | selected | sharp | tips | butcher |
- Farmers traditionally ______ their livestock before winter to store meat.
- The climbers reached the ______ of the mountains after a long journey.
- The tailor worked with ______ scissors to cut the fabric smoothly.
- The technician used a digital ______ to diagnose the software issue.
- The teacher ______ the best essays for the school competition.