©Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via AP
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you heard of Egypt before? If so, what do you know about its history? If not, what ancient cultures have you heard about?
- Do you know what a tomb is? If so, where have you seen one? If not, what do you think is inside it?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- appreciate /uh-PREE-shee-eyt/
- civilization /siv-uh-luh-ZEY-shuhn/
- significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/
- promote /pruh-MOHT/
- attract /uh-TRAKT/
[verb] – to understand how good something is or to be thankful for something
I appreciate your help with my school project.
[noun] – human society with its own culture and way of life in a certain place or time
Ancient civilization built big temples and roads.
[adjective] – important or large enough to be noticed or have an effect
This is a significant change to our school rules.
[verb] – to encourage people to buy, do, or support something
The teacher will promote reading by giving rewards.
[verb] – to make someone interested in something or want to join
The bright colors attract many kids to the game.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On June 17, 2025, Egyptian officials shared news about a major archaeological discovery in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis in Luxor. Archaeologists found three tombs from the New Kingdom period, around 1550–1070 B.C. These tombs belonged to eminent people, based on the writing on the walls. This discovery happened before the full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected to open in the summer. The museum will show more than 100,000 ancient items that reflect Egypt’s cultural legacy and history. These items will help both locals and visitors to appreciate the country’s past and its civilization.
The tombs were for important workers like Amum-em-Ipet, who helped in the estate of Amun; Baki, a grain silo supervisor; and a person named “S,” who had several jobs, like temple supervisor and town mayor. Each tomb had different features. Amum-em-Ipet’s tomb had artwork showing a funeral and a banquet, but some parts were damaged. Baki’s tomb had a long hallway and a room that was not finished. The tomb of “S” had a courtyard and incomplete rooms. Experts said more studies are needed to understand the writing inside. One official described this as a monumental discovery that could stimulate cultural tourism. Past finds in Luxor have shown the area’s profound and significant value in history and archaeology. The Ministry also plans to promote this site to attract international researchers and tourists.
The tombs were for important workers like Amum-em-Ipet, who helped in the estate of Amun; Baki, a grain silo supervisor; and a person named “S,” who had several jobs, like temple supervisor and town mayor. Each tomb had different features. Amum-em-Ipet’s tomb had artwork showing a funeral and a banquet, but some parts were damaged. Baki’s tomb had a long hallway and a room that was not finished. The tomb of “S” had a courtyard and incomplete rooms. Experts said more studies are needed to understand the writing inside. One official described this as a monumental discovery that could stimulate cultural tourism. Past finds in Luxor have shown the area’s profound and significant value in history and archaeology. The Ministry also plans to promote this site to attract international researchers and tourists.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What important event happened in Luxor on June 17, 2025?
- Where were the tombs discovered?
- From what time period were the tombs?
- What will the Grand Egyptian Museum show?
- Who were the tombs made for?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever learned about ancient history at school? If so, what did you learn? If not, what do you want to learn?
- Have you ever visited a famous site or museum? If so, what did you see? If not, where would you like to go?
- Do you agree that museums help people understand the past?
- Why is it important to protect old tombs and artifacts?
- Why do tourists visit places with ancient history?