©(Katerina Harvati, Dimitris Michailidis via AP)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- poplar /POP-ler/
[noun] – a type of tall tree with light, soft wood
The park planted a poplar near the river because it grows well in wet soil. - decay /dih-KEY/
[verb] – to slowly break down or rot over time
Food can decay quickly if it is left outside in warm weather. - geological /jee-uh-LAH-jih-kul/
[adjective] – related to the structure and history of the Earth
A geological survey was done before building the bridge. - integral /IN-ti-gruhl/
[adjective] – very important and necessary as part of something
Communication is an integral part of working in a team. - sediment /SED-uh-muhnt/
[noun] – material such as sand or mud that settles at the bottom of water
Over time, sediment can slowly change the shape of a lake.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Archaeologists have announced the discovery of two ancient wooden tools found near the shore of an old lake in the Megalopolis basin of southern Greece. The objects are estimated to be about 430,000 years old, making them the oldest wooden tools known so far. The discovery was reported in a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. One artifact is a thin wooden stick about 80 centimeters long, which was likely used for digging in soft soil. The second object is a smaller piece of wood made from willow or poplar and may have been used to help shape stone tools. Wooden tools are rarely found because wood usually decays over time, which makes this find significant for understanding early human life. The age of the tools was identified using the geological layers at the site, where stone tools and animal bones with cut marks had already been uncovered. This evidence shows that wood played an integral role in early technology.
The tools were preserved because they were quickly covered by sediment and remained in a wet environment, which slowed natural decay. Researchers explained that similar conditions helped preserve ancient wooden tools found in other countries, showing that early humans used a diverse set of materials. Although no human remains have been found at the site, the tools may have been used by Neanderthals or other early human groups. The discovery highlights a rarely documented part of early technology and suggests that more wooden artifacts may still exist at the site. Overall, the findings show the remarkable skills early humans developed to survive in changing environments.
The tools were preserved because they were quickly covered by sediment and remained in a wet environment, which slowed natural decay. Researchers explained that similar conditions helped preserve ancient wooden tools found in other countries, showing that early humans used a diverse set of materials. Although no human remains have been found at the site, the tools may have been used by Neanderthals or other early human groups. The discovery highlights a rarely documented part of early technology and suggests that more wooden artifacts may still exist at the site. Overall, the findings show the remarkable skills early humans developed to survive in changing environments.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used a tool made of wood, such as a stick or wooden handle, for work or daily activities? If so, what did you use it for? If not, what kind of tools do you usually use instead?
- Have you ever visited a museum or place where ancient tools were displayed? If so, what type of tools did you see? If not, what kind of ancient objects would you like to see in the future?
- Do you agree that wet environments are important for protecting ancient objects?
- Why do you think early humans chose wood instead of other materials in some situations?
- What skills do you think people needed to make tools long ago?
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.
- tool
- discovery
- technology
- environment
- skill