Text for reading
comprehension
In the Depth of
Ages
The Stone Age was a period of history which
began in approximately 2 million B.C. and lasted until 3000 B. C. Its name
derived from the stone tools and weapons that modern scientist found. This period was divided into
the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic Ages. During the first period, (2
million to 8000 B.C.) the fist hatchet and use of fire for heating and cooking
were developed. As a result of the Ice Age, which evolved about one million
years into the Paleolithic Age, people were forced to seek shelter in caves,
wear clothing, and develop new tools.
During the Mesolithic Age (8000 to 6000
B.C.) people made crude pottery and the first fish hooks, took dogs hunting,
and developed a bow and arrow, which was used until the fourteenth century A.D.
The Neolithic Age (6000 to 3000 B.C.) saw
humankind domesticating sheep, goats, pigs and cattle, being less nomadic than
in previous eras, establishing permanent settlements, and creating governments.
Task 1. Answer the questions:
1. Into how many periods was the Stone Age divided?
a) 2 b) 3 c) 4
d) 5
2.
Which of the following was developed the earliest?
a) the fish hook b) the fist hatcher c) the bow and arrow d) pottery
3.
Which of the following developments is not related to the conditions of
the Ice Age?
a) farming b) clothing
c) living indoors d) using fire
4.
Which period lasted the longest?
a) Palaeolithic b) Ice Age
c) Mesolithic d) Neolithic
5.
Which of the following periods saw people develop a more communal form
of living?
a) Palaeolithic b) Ice Age
c) Mesolithic d) Neolithic
6.
The author states that the Stone Age was so named because
a) it was very durable b) the tools and weapons were made of stone
c) there was little vegetation d) the people lived in caves
Task 2. Find synonyms to the words (one synonym for each word):
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1. approximately
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4. hatchet
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2. tools
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5. shelter
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3. modern
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6. crude
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greedy unsophisticated challenge ax preceptor contemporary intently roughly
charity vanity
utensils accommodation alter precious
Task 3. Which of them is early
Stone Age, middle Stone Age and new Stone Age?
a) Mesolithic, b) Neolithic, c) Palaeolithic Ages
Task IV
Read the text below and give your own version as for the ending of the story:
Danny looked excitedly out of the window as the aeroplane was taking off into the bright sky. Then he smiled happily at his dad who was holding his soft hand tightly.
They had been flying for an hour when Danny’s father disappeared for a few minutes. He came back followed by a friendly looking stewardess in a blue and red uniform. "Would you like to see the cockpit, Danny?” she asked. Danny couldn’t believe it. "This is a dream come true,” he thought as he followed the stewardess to the front of the plane.
The captain was showing Danny the different controls and dials when suddenly the cockpit door burst open. A tall man with a scar on his left cheek, who was carrying a gun, grabbed Danny and yelled at the captain, ”This is a hijack! I’m in control now.” Without thinking of danger Danny bit the man’s hand as hard as he could. The hijacker screamed in pain and unexpectedness …
Read the text below and give your own version as for the ending of the story:
I was alone in the house reading a scary ghost story as snow fell silently outside. The only sound was the ticking of my old grandfather clock. The dying fire cast an orange glow onto the walls of my study.
I was absorbed in the story when suddenly I began to feel that someone was watching me. The clock stopped ticking. I looked around but I could see no one. Was my mind playing tricks on me?
Trying to ignore my intense tears I returned to my book. After a few seconds though the book was knocked to the floor by an unseen hand. "Who’s there?” I cried. I saw something standing in front of me that made my blood run cold…
