【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. ritual / ˈrɪtʃ u əl / (n.) – a ceremony
Example: This area is where the natives used to do their rituals.
2. puzzled / ˈpʌzəld / (adj.) – referring to the feeling of being confused
Example: Many were puzzled by the appearance of the statue.
3. align / əˈlaɪn / (v.) – to fix something in a line
Example: The rocks were aligned on the grass.
4. monument / ˈmɒn yə mənt / (n.) – a historical building or structure
Example: The students took a field trip to a monument nearby.
5. archaeologist / ˌɑr kiˈɒl ə dʒɪst / (n.) – a person who studies history by examining things from the past
Example: The archaeologist discovered stone tools in the cave.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A row of stones believed to have been used for rituals has been discovered under the Durrington Walls [DOO-ring-tn wawls] in the United Kingdom.
Nicknamed “super henge” because of its size, Durrington Walls has long puzzled archaeologists because of its appearance. It is straight on one side, while the rest of the structure is curved. In 1810, historian Richard Colt suggested that a reason why the shape has been severely damaged is because of years of agriculture.
However, recent findings show that the stone line’s formation is aligned over a row of up to 90 huge standing stones that was 15 feet high and formed a c-shaped arena.
Researchers have determined this by gathering evidence using non-invasive technology that did not require digging. Despite not being able to see the stones yet, experts have determined that they were around the same height as the blocks in the Stonehenge [STOHN-henj]. Thus, it is a possibility that both the Durrington Walls and the Stonehenge were made out of the same material. Also, the walls could have been created during or even before the Stonehenge was built.
Durrington Walls is part of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site in England and is known as one of the biggest henge monuments. Previously, experts have discovered evidence that it used to be the location of houses, making it the largest village in northwest Europe during that time. With this new discovery, the story surrounding Durrington Walls and the structures near it can be further expanded.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Given the chance, would you like to visit Durrington Walls? Why or why not?
· Do you think the discovery of ancient monuments like the Durrington Walls and Stonehenge is important? Why is that so?
Discussion B
· What would you do if you discovered a historical place or object?
· Do you think it is still important to study what happened in the past? Why or why not?