Stonehenge, a famous ancient monument in England, has long been believed to have stones from various parts of Great Britain. Recent analysis has revealed that the six-tonne Altar Stone at Stonehenge actually came from the far north of Scotland, rather than from south-west Wales as previously thought. This discovery indicates that the construction of Stonehenge was a collaborative effort involving stones from all over Great Britain, suggesting a more connected and advanced society in Neolithic Britain than previously believed.

The research, led by Welsh PhD student Anthony Clarke, now working at Curtin University in Western Australia, has been published in the prestigious scientific journal, Nature. Clarke’s discovery challenges the previous assumption about the origin of the Altar Stone and sheds light on the complex network of interactions among different regions of Britain during ancient times. While the revelation may be a disappointment for Wales, as the stone was believed to have originated there, it highlights the diverse origins of the stones at Stonehenge.

The Altar Stone’s origin from north-east Scotland, over 700km away from Stonehenge, has surprised researchers. The analysis of rock fragments and their unique chemical composition provided clues to the stone’s distant origin. The discovery raises questions about how the Altar Stone was transported such a long distance and the possible reasons behind this monumental effort. Understanding the transportation methods and the societal connections of Neolithic people will provide valuable insights into their capabilities and organization.

The construction of Stonehenge began 5,000 years ago, with ongoing changes and additions over the following millennia. The presence of stones from different regions of Britain at Stonehenge suggests a unified effort by diverse communities. The significance of this discovery extends beyond the geographical origins of the stones, offering a glimpse into the social, spiritual, and technological aspects of Neolithic society in Britain.

Archaeologists and experts at English Heritage, responsible for Stonehenge, are intrigued by the implications of this new research. The discovery of the Altar Stone’s Scottish origin challenges previous assumptions and underscores the complexity of ancient societies in Britain. The study opens up avenues for further exploration into the transportation methods, societal connections, and spiritual practices of Neolithic communities, enriching our understanding of the past.

Original news source: Famous Stonehenge stone came from Scotland not Wales (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to work in pairs or small groups to summarize the key points of the article about Stonehenge. Encourage them to focus on the main idea, the origin of the Altar Stone, the significance of the discovery, and the implications for understanding Neolithic society in Britain. Each group can then present their summary to the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one group in favor of the new discovery about the Altar Stone coming from Scotland and the other group against it. Have each group come up with arguments to support their stance and then conduct an opinion poll within the class. Students can vote for the viewpoint they find most convincing, and a discussion can follow to explore different perspectives.

– Word Association
Instructions: Write the word “Stonehenge” on the board and ask students to call out any words that come to mind when they think of it. Encourage them to make associations related to the article, such as “ancient,” “monument,” “Scotland,” “Neolithic,” or any other relevant terms. This activity can help expand vocabulary and activate prior knowledge related to the topic.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Have students work individually or in pairs to list the pros and cons of using stones from different regions of Britain to build Stonehenge. Encourage them to consider factors like cultural exchange, logistical challenges, symbolic meanings, and societal implications. Afterward, students can share their lists and engage in a debate discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the diverse origins of the stones.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to imagine themselves as archaeologists in the future, conducting research on a significant ancient monument. In groups, have them brainstorm and discuss what future discoveries they might make about Stonehenge that could change our current understanding of the monument. Encourage creative thinking and the exploration of different possible scenarios based on the existing knowledge presented in the article.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Who led the research that discovered the Altar Stone at Stonehenge came from north-east Scotland?
2. Why is the revelation of the Altar Stone’s origin significant for understanding Neolithic Britain?
3. How does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s distant origin challenge previous assumptions about Stonehenge?
4. What clues did the analysis of rock fragments provide about the Altar Stone’s origin?
5. How does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s origin shed light on the interconnectedness of different regions in ancient Britain?
6. What insights can be gained by studying the transportation methods of the Altar Stone from north-east Scotland to Stonehenge?
7. In what ways does the presence of stones from various regions at Stonehenge suggest a collaborative effort by diverse communities?
8. How does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s Scottish origin impact our understanding of the social, spiritual, and technological aspects of Neolithic society in Britain?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Stonehenge, a famous (1)______ monument in England, has long been (2)______ to have stones from various parts of Great Britain. Recent analysis has revealed that the six-tonne Altar Stone at Stonehenge actually came from the far north of Scotland, rather than from south-west Wales as previously thought. This discovery indicates that the construction of Stonehenge was a collaborative effort involving stones from all over Great Britain, suggesting a more connected and advanced society in Neolithic Britain than previously believed.

The (3)______, led by Welsh PhD (4)______ Anthony Clarke, now working at Curtin University in Western Australia, has been published in the prestigious scientific journal, Nature. Clarke’s discovery challenges the (5)______ assumption about the origin of the Altar Stone and (6)______ light on the complex network of interactions among different regions of Britain during ancient times. While the revelation may be a disappointment for Wales, as the stone was believed to have originated there, it highlights the diverse origins of the (7)______ at Stonehenge.

The Altar Stone’s origin from north-east Scotland, over 700km away from Stonehenge, has surprised researchers. The (8)______ of rock fragments and their unique chemical composition provided clues to the stone’s distant origin. The discovery raises questions about how the Altar Stone was transported such a long distance and the possible reasons behind this monumental effort. Understanding the transportation (9)______ and the societal connections of (10)______ people will provide valuable insights into their (11)______ and organization.

The construction of Stonehenge began 5,000 years ago, with ongoing (12)______ and additions over the following millennia. The presence of stones from different regions of Britain at Stonehenge suggests a unified effort by diverse communities. The significance of this discovery extends beyond the geographical origins of the stones, offering a glimpse into the (13)______, spiritual, and technological aspects of Neolithic society in Britain.

Archaeologists and (14)______ at English Heritage, responsible for Stonehenge, are intrigued by the implications of this new research. The discovery of the Altar Stone’s Scottish origin (15)______ previous (16)______ and underscores the complexity of ancient societies in Britain. The study opens up avenues for further exploration into the transportation methods, societal connections, and spiritual practices of Neolithic communities, enriching our understanding of the past.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What do you think the discovery of the Altar Stone’s origin from north-east Scotland reveals about the society in Neolithic Britain?
2. How do you believe the transportation of the six-tonne Altar Stone from Scotland to Stonehenge was accomplished?
3. Do you think the collaborative effort involved in sourcing stones from different regions for Stonehenge indicates a high level of organization and communication among ancient communities?
4. Why do you think the discovery of the Altar Stone’s true origin challenges previous assumptions about Stonehenge’s construction?
5. How important do you think it is to understand the social and spiritual aspects of Neolithic society in Britain through discoveries like this?
6. Do you believe that ancient societies had advanced methods of transportation that we may not fully understand today?
7. How would you feel if you were an archaeologist working on the Stonehenge site and made a groundbreaking discovery like this?
8. What impact do you think this discovery could have on the tourism and cultural significance of Stonehenge?
9. Why do you think it’s important for researchers to continue exploring the transportation methods and societal connections of Neolithic people?
10. Do you think the diverse origins of the stones at Stonehenge reflect a sense of unity among different communities in ancient Britain?
11. What do you imagine the spiritual significance of Stonehenge was for the Neolithic people who built it?
12. How do you think the discovery of the Altar Stone’s true origin might change our understanding of ancient trade and connections between regions?
13. Why do you think it’s significant that the Altar Stone came from such a distant location, rather than a nearby one?
14. Do you think discoveries like this can change the way we view ancient civilizations and their capabilities?
15. How would you approach further research into Stonehenge and its stones if you were an archaeologist involved in this project?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. monument
2. collaborative
3. prestigious
4. assumption
5. interactions
6. fragments
7. composition
8. transported
9. monumental
10. insights
11. capabilities
12. organization
13. significance
14. implications
15. exploration

Meanings:
(A) Small pieces or parts broken off from something larger
(B) Involving two or more people or groups working together
(C) Moved from one place to another
(D) The skills or abilities needed to do something
(E) The way in which something is arranged or structured
(F) A structure or building that is historically or culturally important
(G) Possible effects or results of an action or decision
(H) Extremely large or impressive in size or effort
(I) Exchanges or communications between people or groups
(J) Something that is accepted as true without proof
(K) The act of searching or traveling for the purpose of discovery
(L) The importance or meaning of something
(M) Highly respected and admired
(N) The arrangement or combination of parts or elements
(O) Deep understanding or knowledge gained from experience
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Where is Stonehenge located?
(a) Scotland
(b) Wales
(c) England
(d) Australia

2. What is the weight of the Altar Stone at Stonehenge?
(a) Ten tonnes
(b) Three tonnes
(c) Eight tonnes
(d) Six tonnes

3. Who led the research revealing the Altar Stone’s origin?
(a) John Smith
(b) Anthony Clarke
(c) Emily Johnson
(d) Sarah Brown

4. In which scientific journal was the research on Stonehenge’s Altar Stone published?
(a) Nature
(b) Science
(c) National Geographic
(d) The New England Journal of Medicine

5. How far away is the Altar Stone’s origin from Stonehenge?
(a) Over 500km
(b) Over 700km
(c) Over 300km
(d) Over 900km

6. What does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s origin challenge?
(a) Previous assumptions
(b) Future technologies
(c) The existence of Stonehenge
(d) Ancient myths

7. What does the diverse origins of the stones at Stonehenge suggest?
(a) Isolation of communities
(b) Lack of resources
(c) A more connected society
(d) Limited technological capabilities

8. What do archaeologists and experts at English Heritage hope to explore further?
(a) Modern art techniques
(b) Space exploration
(c) Marine biology
(d) Transportation methods, societal connections, and spiritual practices

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The construction of Stonehenge began 3,000 years ago, with ongoing changes and additions over the following centuries.
2. The discovery of the Altar Stone’s Scottish origin supports previous assumptions about Stonehenge’s construction.
3. Stonehenge is an ancient monument in England that was believed to have stones from various parts of Great Britain.
4. The research on the Altar Stone’s origin was led by Australian PhD student Anthony Clarke, now working at Curtin University in Western Australia.
5. Recent analysis revealed that the Altar Stone at Stonehenge actually came from north-east Scotland, rather than south-west Wales as previously believed.
6. The Altar Stone’s origin from north-east Scotland, over 700km away from Stonehenge, surprised researchers.
7. Archaeologists and experts at English Heritage are intrigued by the implications of the new research on Stonehenge’s Altar Stone.
8. The presence of stones from different regions of Britain at Stonehenge suggests a unified effort by diverse communities.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What recent analysis has revealed about the origin of the Altar Stone at Stonehenge?
2. How does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s origin challenge previous assumptions about the construction of Stonehenge?
3. What does the research led by Anthony Clarke suggest about the society in Neolithic Britain?
4. How does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s origin from north-east Scotland raise questions about the transportation methods used by Neolithic people?
5. What are some of the implications of the Altar Stone’s Scottish origin for our understanding of ancient societies in Britain?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Who led the research that discovered the Altar Stone at Stonehenge came from north-east Scotland?
Welsh PhD student Anthony Clarke led the research.

2. Why is the revelation of the Altar Stone’s origin significant for understanding Neolithic Britain?
The revelation is significant because it suggests a more connected and advanced society in Neolithic Britain than previously believed, indicating collaborative efforts from different regions.

3. How does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s distant origin challenge previous assumptions about Stonehenge?
The discovery challenges previous assumptions by revealing that the Altar Stone came from north-east Scotland, rather than south-west Wales as previously thought.

4. What clues did the analysis of rock fragments provide about the Altar Stone’s origin?
The analysis of rock fragments and their unique chemical composition provided clues to the Altar Stone’s distant origin in north-east Scotland.

5. How does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s origin shed light on the interconnectedness of different regions in ancient Britain?
The discovery indicates a complex network of interactions among different regions of Britain during ancient times, showcasing a more interconnected society than previously believed.

6. What insights can be gained by studying the transportation methods of the Altar Stone from north-east Scotland to Stonehenge?
Studying the transportation methods can provide valuable insights into the capabilities and organization of Neolithic people, as well as the reasons behind such monumental efforts.

7. In what ways does the presence of stones from various regions at Stonehenge suggest a collaborative effort by diverse communities?
The presence of stones from different regions suggests a unified effort by diverse communities to construct Stonehenge, showcasing a collaborative and interconnected society.

8. How does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s Scottish origin impact our understanding of the social, spiritual, and technological aspects of Neolithic society in Britain?
The discovery impacts our understanding by offering insights into the social, spiritual, and technological aspects of Neolithic society, highlighting the complexity and advanced nature of ancient communities in Britain.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) ancient
(2) believed
(3) research
(4) student
(5) previous
(6) sheds
(7) stones
(8) analysis
(9) methods
(10) Neolithic
(11) capabilities
(12) changes
(13) social
(14) experts
(15) challenges
(16) assumptions
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. monument
Answer: (F) A structure or building that is historically or culturally important

2. collaborative
Answer: (B) Involving two or more people or groups working together

3. prestigious
Answer: (M) Highly respected and admired

4. assumption
Answer: (J) Something that is accepted as true without proof

5. interactions
Answer: (I) Exchanges or communications between people or groups

6. fragments
Answer: (A) Small pieces or parts broken off from something larger

7. composition
Answer: (N) The arrangement or combination of parts or elements

8. transported
Answer: (C) Moved from one place to another

9. monumental
Answer: (H) Extremely large or impressive in size or effort

10. insights
Answer: (O) Deep understanding or knowledge gained from experience

11. capabilities
Answer: (D) The skills or abilities needed to do something

12. organization
Answer: (E) The way in which something is arranged or structured

13. significance
Answer: (L) The importance or meaning of something

14. implications
Answer: (G) Possible effects or results of an action or decision

15. exploration
Answer: (K) The act of searching or traveling for the purpose of discovery
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Where is Stonehenge located?
Answer: (c) England

2. What is the weight of the Altar Stone at Stonehenge?
Answer: (d) Six tonnes

3. Who led the research revealing the Altar Stone’s origin?
Answer: (b) Anthony Clarke

4. In which scientific journal was the research on Stonehenge’s Altar Stone published?
Answer: (a) Nature

5. How far away is the Altar Stone’s origin from Stonehenge?
Answer: (b) Over 700km

6. What does the discovery of the Altar Stone’s origin challenge?
Answer: (a) Previous assumptions

7. What does the diverse origins of the stones at Stonehenge suggest?
Answer: (c) A more connected society

8. What do archaeologists and experts at English Heritage hope to explore further?
Answer: (d) Transportation methods, societal connections, and spiritual practices
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The construction of Stonehenge began 3,000 years ago, with ongoing changes and additions over the following centuries. (Answer: False)
2. The discovery of the Altar Stone’s Scottish origin supports previous assumptions about Stonehenge’s construction. (Answer: False)
3. Stonehenge is an ancient monument in England that was believed to have stones from various parts of Great Britain. (Answer: True)
4. The research on the Altar Stone’s origin was led by Australian PhD student Anthony Clarke, now working at Curtin University in Western Australia. (Answer: False)
5. Recent analysis revealed that the Altar Stone at Stonehenge actually came from north-east Scotland, rather than south-west Wales as previously believed. (Answer: False)
6. The Altar Stone’s origin from north-east Scotland, over 700km away from Stonehenge, surprised researchers. (Answer: True)
7. Archaeologists and experts at English Heritage are intrigued by the implications of the new research on Stonehenge’s Altar Stone. (Answer: True)
8. The presence of stones from different regions of Britain at Stonehenge suggests a unified effort by diverse communities. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧