Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a fossil
    • ex. The museum has a collection of fish fossils.
  2. substantially
    • ex. The project is substantially finished, but a few details still need to be completed.
  3. preserved
    • ex. The museum keeps the old paintings well-preserved.
  4. analyze
    • ex. Scientists analyze water samples to check for pollution.
  5. remains
    • ex. The guide showed us the remains of the old castle during the tour.

Article

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The most expensive dinosaur fossil ever discovered is displayed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The giant stegosaurus fossil, called “Apex,” is 11 feet tall and 27 feet long. This fossil is very special because it is the most complete stegosaurus ever found. About 80% of its bones are substantially preserved.

Scientists are excited to analyze these remains to learn more about the dinosaur’s life. They plan to study the dinosaur’s head bone with CT scans and take a small sample from its leg bone. “As exciting as it is to have this dinosaur on display, it is even more exciting to have the opportunity to study it and make important scientific data available for research,” said Roger Benson from the American Museum of Natural History.

The fossil was discovered by scientist Jason Cooper on his land near Dinosaur, Colorado. Ken Griffin, a billionaire who often donates to the museum, bought Apex for $45 million (more than ¥7 billion), the highest price ever paid for dinosaur remains. He then decided to lend the fossil to the museum for a long time and allow scientists to study it.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Rare Fossils

  • Apex is the most expensive and most complete dinosaur fossil ever discovered. Would you like to see this rare fossil in a museum in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Why do you think people are so interested in finding fossils? Discuss.
  • Imagine you found a rare fossil. What would you do to it? Discuss.

Museum Displays and Going to Museums

  • What is the most interesting display you’ve ever seen in a museum? Discuss.
  • How much do you like museums (ex. they are boring, I enjoy going to museums)? Discuss.
  • Imagine that a museum invited you to display one of the items you own. What item would it be (ex. a collection of manga, a painting)? Discuss.