Lesson Overview

Archaeologists have made an amazing discovery in Egypt

Gold-covered mummy discovered

Script:

Archaeologists have made an amazing discovery in Egypt. They found a mummy that is 4,300 years old and covered in gold leaves. The mummy is the remains of a man named Hekashepes and is one of the oldest and most complete non-royal mummies ever found in Egypt.The mummy was found in a 15 meter (50 feet) deep hole at a burial site in Saqqara, which is south of Cairo. Along with the mummy, the archaeologists also found three other tombs. One of the tombs belonged to a "secret keeper", another belonged to a priest and supervisor of nobles, and another belonged to a judge and writer.

The archaeologists also found other things like pottery among the tombs. This discovery helps us understand more about the ancient Egyptian civilization and their beliefs about death and the afterlife.

"This discovery will be a big attraction for tourists".

This is an important discovery for researchers because it gives us a unique chance to learn more about the daily life and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The well-preserved state of the mummy and the artifacts found in the tombs are very valuable for researchers.This discovery will be a big attraction for tourists and Egyptologists, and it will be studied more to learn more about ancient Egyptian civilization and society.

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Questions:

Part 1: Comprehension:

Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.

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Part 2: True or False Questions

a) True or False - The mummy found in Egypt is the remains of a female. T/F

b) True or False - The mummy is considered one of the oldest and most complete non-royal corpses found in Egypt. T/F

c) True or False - Fifteen other tombs were found at the site.T/F

d) True or False - It will be a huge attraction for tourist.

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Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary.

a) "Discovery"

b) "Burial site"

c) "Unique"

d) "Well-preserved"

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Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.

a) Discovery:

b) Burial site:

c) Unique:

d) Well-preserved:

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Part 5: Talking Points

1. What is the significance of the discovery of the mummy of Hekashepes and the other tombs in Saqqara?
   
2. How does this discovery contribute to our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and society?
   
3. What can we learn from the artifacts found in the tombs, such as pottery?
   
4. What do you think ancient Egyptians believed about death and the afterlife, based on this discovery?
   
5. What famous historical discoveries have been made in your country?
   
6. When you travel, do you think history and culture is important or do you prefer shopping and eating out?
   
7. How important is it to preserve archaeological sites like Saqqara for future generations?
   
8. Have you ever been to Egypt? What do you know about the country?
   
9. What ethical concerns do you think arise when it comes to studying and displaying human remains and artifacts?
   
10. Imagine that a foreign visitor is coming to your country. Give them advice on the most interesting places to visit to see historical artifacts or buildings.

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Part 6: Role play Scenarios

1: Tour Guide

You are a tour guide leading a group of tourists to the Saqqara burial site where the mummy was discovered. Your task is to explain the significance of the discovery and the history of the site while answering any questions the tourists may have.

2: Archaeologist

You are an archaeologist who is part of the team that discovered the mummy. You are giving a presentation to a group of fellow archaeologists about the details of the discovery and your findings.

3: Journalist

You are a journalist writing an article about the discovery for a news website. You will be interviewing the lead archaeologist about the significance of the find and the process of uncovering the mummy.

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Part 7: Writing Activity

Write about an important discovery in your country, what is it?, when was it discovered and why is it important?

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Part 8: Reach a Consensus  

Tourism has both positive and negative effects, in groups discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in your country.  Then come up with a 5-point tourist advice pamphlet that could help tourists when traveling to your country.

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Answers:

Part 1: Comprehension

The article was written to inform readers about the recent discovery of a 4,300-year-old gold leaf-covered mummy and other tombs and artifacts in an archaeological site in Egypt. The discovery is significant because it provides researchers with new information about the ancient Egyptians, their beliefs and funerary practices, and their civilization. Additionally, it also provides insights into the history of the area and the time period in which the ancient Egyptians lived. The writer of the article has written it to educate people about the discovery and the historical importance of it. Also, it aims to attract people's attention to the discovery and its potential impact on tourism and further research.

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Part 2: True or False

A: False B: True C: False D: True

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Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.

A) "Discovery" Answer: In the context of this article, the word "discovery" refers to the act of finding something new or unknown because in this article they talk about finding a golden-covered mummy and they are keen to find out more information about it.

b) "Burial site" Answer:  A burial site is a location where deceased individuals are laid to rest when they die. In the article they talk about how tombs and mummies were discovered.  

c) "Unique" Answer: I think this means something is one-of-a-kind and different from anything else, because in the article it says that it will give researchers a chance to learn more about the daily life and beliefs of ancient Egyptians, meaning that it must be different than other mummies discovered.

d) "Well-preserved" Answer: I think this means in excellent condition or maintained well over time, because in the article they talk about how the find is a great opportunity to do research and about how they are very valuable. This means that they must be in good condition.

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Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)

a) Discovery: The scientist's groundbreaking discovery led to a significant advancement in medical research.

b) Burial site:Archaeologists excavated an ancient burial site in Korea.

c) Unique:His fingerprint is unique, no one else has the same one.

d) Well-preserved:The ancient artifacts in the museum were remarkably well-preserved.

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Part 7: Writing (example)

One of South Korea's most significant discoveries is the Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju, believed to be the oldest existing observatory in East Asia, dating back to the 7th century during the Silla Kingdom's reign. This discovery is crucial for its historical and scientific importance, shedding light on the advanced knowledge and technology of the Silla people. The observatory's precision in tracking celestial bodies and time underscores their contributions to early East Asian astronomy. Today, Cheomseongdae stands as a cherished historical site, offering a tangible connection to South Korea's rich cultural and scientific heritage, drawing visitors and researchers from across the globe.