©AP Photo/Guadalupe Pardo
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you know what an archaeologist does? If so, where did you learn about it? If not, what do you think their job includes?
- Do you think your country has many important historical sites? If so, can you name one? If not, do you think they should be preserved better?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- ancient /EYN-shuhnt/
- identify /ahy-DEN-tuh-fahy/
- authentic /aw-THEN-tik/
- enthusiasm /en-THOO-zee-az-uhm/
- appreciate /uh-PREE-shee-eyt/
[adjective] – from a long time ago
The city has many ancient buildings from the past.
[verb] – to recognize someone or something and say who or what they are
The girl can identify the bird by its color.
[adjective] – real, true, or what people say it is
That restaurant serves authentic Italian food.
[noun] – a feeling of energetic interest in a subject or activity
He showed great enthusiasm during the science fair.
[verb] – to recognize how good someone or something is and to value it
She really appreciates the help from her classmates.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In August 2025, utility workers in Lima, Peru, found two ancient tombs while doing excavation work for gas lines. One tomb was empty, and the other had human remains believed to be over 1,000 years old. The tomb also had four clay pots and three objects made from pumpkin shells. The discovery happened during a regular project by a gas company. Peru’s Ministry of Culture explained that Lima has more than 400 old sites from the Incan era and earlier. This is because the city is in a special place where ancient groups lived long ago. The discovery was called significant because it shows how people in the past buried their dead.
Experts are now studying the objects and the body. The body was found sitting with its legs near the chest and wrapped in cloth. The clay pots were black, white, and red. Archaeologist José Aliaga said the colors and shapes help identify a connection with the Chancay people. Cleaning the tomb is still ongoing. An expert from the College of Archaeologists explained that finds like this are occasional but authentic in this area. The public showed enthusiasm about the discovery. Officials hope it will help people appreciate Peru’s long history and protect more old sites in the future.
Experts are now studying the objects and the body. The body was found sitting with its legs near the chest and wrapped in cloth. The clay pots were black, white, and red. Archaeologist José Aliaga said the colors and shapes help identify a connection with the Chancay people. Cleaning the tomb is still ongoing. An expert from the College of Archaeologists explained that finds like this are occasional but authentic in this area. The public showed enthusiasm about the discovery. Officials hope it will help people appreciate Peru’s long history and protect more old sites in the future.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- When did the workers find the ancient tombs in Lima?
- What were the workers doing when they found the tombs?
- How many tombs did the workers find?
- What was found inside one of the tombs?
- Why does Lima have many ancient sites?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a museum with ancient items? If so, what was your favorite item? If not, would you like to go? Why or why not?
- Have you seen a news story about an archaeological discovery? If so, what did you learn? If not, do you want to learn more?
- Do you agree that ancient tombs should be protected? Why or why not?
- Why do some cities have more ancient sites than others?
- How can students help protect old places or artifacts in their community?