©(Wessex Archaeology via AP)
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you imagine a ship from 200 years ago looked like?
- If you could find an old object from the past, what would you want to find? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- shipwreck /SHIP-rek/
- warship /WAWR-ship/
- resident /REZ-i-duhnt/
- role /rohl/
- coastal /KOHS-tl/
[noun] – the remains of a ship that has been destroyed or sunk at sea
A famous shipwreck was discovered near the coast of Italy during a diving expedition.
[noun] – a ship that is built and used for fighting in wars, usually by a navy
The country launched a new warship to strengthen its navy.
[noun] – a person who lives in a particular place
The residents of the mountain village helped build a new school for the children.
[noun] – the function or position that someone has in a particular situation or activity
The volunteers played an important role in saving the animals during the flood.
[adjective] – relating to or near the coast (the land next to the sea)
Strong winds damaged several coastal villages during the typhoon.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A shipwreck found in February 2024 on Sanday, one of the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, has been identified as the Earl of Chatham, a British warship from the 18th century. The remains were uncovered after a storm removed sand that had hidden them. Researchers reported that the ship was originally built in 1749 and was first known as HMS Hind, a Royal Navy frigate. It was involved in military actions at Louisbourg and Quebec during the 1750s and later escorted ships during the American War of Independence. The ship was sold in 1784, renamed, and used for whaling in the Arctic. It sank in 1788 near Sanday, but all 56 crew members survived.
Scientists used dendrochronology, a method that studies tree rings, to confirm the age of the wood. The oak timbers came from southern England and matched mid-18th-century naval records. About 12 tons of wood were recovered with help from local residents who used tractors and trailers. The remains are now stored in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre. Plans for a permanent display are being discussed. Experts praised the local community’s role in the discovery. Since over 270 shipwrecks have been recorded around Sanday, researchers believe more may be found in the future as climate change affects coastal conditions.
Scientists used dendrochronology, a method that studies tree rings, to confirm the age of the wood. The oak timbers came from southern England and matched mid-18th-century naval records. About 12 tons of wood were recovered with help from local residents who used tractors and trailers. The remains are now stored in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre. Plans for a permanent display are being discussed. Experts praised the local community’s role in the discovery. Since over 270 shipwrecks have been recorded around Sanday, researchers believe more may be found in the future as climate change affects coastal conditions.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where was the shipwreck found in February 2024?
- What did the ship do during the American War of Independence?
- What was the ship used for after it was sold in 1784?
- What method did scientists use to study the age of the wood?
- Who helped move the wooden remains from the beach?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a museum with old things or objects from the past? If so, what did you see there? If not, would you like to go to one? Why or why not?
- Have you ever seen something from a long time ago, like an old object or building? If yes, where did you see it, and what did you think? If not, what kind of old thing would you like to see?
- Do you agree that old ships and other things from history should be protected?
- Why is it important to learn about ships and life from a long time ago?
- What are some good ways to show old things from history to many people?