Unit 3 Exploring the Unknown Reading A Stonehenge

Unit 3 Exploring the Unknown Reading A Stonehenge Lily Xu

In 1130… A priest accidentally ….

Text Analysis u. A Prehistoric Monument Para. 1 -2 u. The Construction Para. 3 -8 u. A Mystery Explained? Para. 9 -13

Para. 1 -2: A Prehistoric Monument p. Main Idea: Basic information of Stonehenge n. Para. 1 Stonehenge: Large & Impressive Ø enormous blocks of stone Ø the largest stones 50 tons in weight and 9 meters in length n. Para. 2 Stonehenge: Mysterious Øits origins and meaning still unknown

Para. 3 -8: The Construction p. Main Idea: The Construction of Stonehenge n. Para. 3 How old is Stonehenge ? Ø 5000 years old Øolder than the pyramids of Egypt n. Para. 4 -7 How was Stonehenge built? Øin three main phases: 3, 000 BCE-1, 100 BCE

n. Para. 4 -7: How was Stonehenge built? Time Construction Work Phase I Around 3, 000 BCE Phase II Around 2, 100 BCE rebuilt using 80 blocks of bluestones Phase III Around 2, 000 BCE the bluestones rearranged by the early Bronze Age people new, larger stones added to form trilithons a large hole dug in the form of a circle, in the middle of which a small hill was made with the earth from the hole

n Para. 8 What is the current situation of Stonehenge? Ø 50% survives , 50% no longer exists Ø Reason: stones falling or taken away

Para. 9 -13 A Mystery Explained? p. Main Idea: Theories and possible explanations concerning how and why Stonehenge was built n Theory 1: It was used as a cemetery. (para. 5) Explanation: Human bones have been found there. n Theory 2: It was built as an observatory or calendar. Explanation: A scientist discovered that the important stones point to different positions of the Sun or the Moon and believed that it predicted eclipses and the summer and winter solstices. n Theory 3: Aliens were involved in the construction of Stonehenge. Explanation: There are too many inexplicable things about the origins and the meaning of Stonehenge !!

Discussion: Ø Which theory do you think is most believable? Why? Ø What’s your own theory or hypothesis about the origins and the meaning of Stonehenge? Please give explanations to support your theory or hypothesis.

Homework • 1. Write a summary in 100 words about the various theories and explanations concerning the meaning of Stonehenge. 2. Finish Exercise II in Vocabulary Focus in the textbook (P 39)