Introduction

Welcome to another fascinating post on our English Learning Journey! Today, we delve into the wonders of ancient China, focusing on the incredible Terracotta Warriors. Join us as we explore this archaeological marvel, learn some new vocabulary, and reflect on thought-provoking questions.

Warm-Up Questions

Let’s discuss some intriguing questions to warm up:

  1. Have you ever been to China? What do you know about the country?
    • Response: I haven’t been to China, but I know it’s a vast country with a rich history, diverse culture, and significant global influence. It has iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors. China is also known for its rapid economic growth and technological advancements.
  2. Have you heard of the Terracotta Warriors before? What do you know about them?
    • Response: Yes, I’ve heard of the Terracotta Warriors. They are a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, to protect him in the afterlife. They were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Xi’an and are considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
  3. Do you consider yourself a history buff?
    • Response: I have a keen interest in history and enjoy learning about different cultures and historical events. Understanding the past helps me appreciate the present and anticipate the future.
  4. What kind of things can society learn from ancient history?
    • Response: Society can learn a lot from ancient history, including lessons about human behavior, governance, cultural development, and technological innovation. It also offers insights into the successes and failures of past civilizations, which can guide us in making better decisions today.
  5. Do you think it’s acceptable to dig up ancient tombs or do you think they should be left untouched?
    • Response: This is a complex issue. On one hand, excavating ancient tombs can provide valuable historical and cultural information. On the other hand, it can be seen as a disturbance to the resting places of the deceased. Ethical considerations, respect for cultural heritage, and the potential benefits of new knowledge should all be weighed carefully.

Feel free to share your thoughts on these questions!

Vocabulary

Let’s expand our vocabulary with words related to today’s topic:

  1. eternal (adj.) → existing or going on forever
  2. torment (n) → extreme or serious pain usually related to mental issues
  3. hereafter (n) → a life that is thought to begin after death
  4. stumbled upon (phr. v) → to find or discover something by chance or accidentally
  5. chambers (n) → a large room that is often used for formal gatherings
  6. subterranean (adj.) → existing or being present under the surface of the earth
  7. legacy (n) → something good that someone has done that has a positive effect even after death
  8. deploying (v) → to move soldiers into a position where they are ready for action
  9. necropolis (n) → a large place where people were buried in ancient cities

Practice Sentences

Here are some sentences using our new vocabulary words:

  1. In the basement of the old mansion, they found a chamber that they used for secret meetings.
  2. The kindness the teachers showed had earned them the eternal gratitude of the students.
  3. The government had decided to deploy the army into the northern part of the country.
  4. The workers had suffered great mental torment from the decision to close the factory.
  5. The artistic legacy left behind by her father made her so proud.
  6. The slow and careful preparation for the hereafter was common in many ancient leaders.
  7. I stumbled upon a set of keys outside my house, but I have no idea who they belong to.
  8. The discovery of a Greek necropolis was an important and exciting event for the team of archaeologists.
  9. They discovered a number of subterranean passages hidden away under the city streets.

True or False Statements

Based on the transcript provided, here are the answers to the true or false statements:

  1. Farmers building a small well found the chambers.
    • True. Farmers discovered the Terracotta Warriors while digging a well near their village in 1974.
  2. Qin Shi Huangdi became the first emperor of China after bringing together the fighting kingdoms.
    • True. Qin Shi Huangdi unified the seven warring kingdoms and became the first emperor of China.
  3. Qin Shi Huangdi’s reign saw him build a wall beside the Great Wall of China.
    • False. Qin Shi Huangdi’s reign saw the beginning of the construction of the Great Wall of China, not a wall beside it.
  4. Qin Shi Huangdi couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that he was going to die.
    • True. Qin Shi Huangdi was obsessed with his mortality and spent his last years searching for immortality.
  5. The construction of his underground burial ground started a few years into his reign.
    • False. The construction of his underground necropolis began as early as the first year of his reign.

Numbers and Details

Here are the numbers and their corresponding details:

  1. Chinese emperor
    • Qin Shi Huangdi, who unified China and became its first emperor.
  2. Some farmers find the chambers
    • In 1974, farmers digging a well near their small village stumbled upon the chambers containing the Terracotta Warriors.
  3. The age Ying Zheng came to power
    • Ying Zheng (later known as Qin Shi Huangdi) came to power at the age of 13.
  4. The year Ying Zheng came to power
    • Ying Zheng came to power in 246 BCE.
  5. The length in years of the reign of Qin Shi Huangdi
    • Qin Shi Huangdi’s reign lasted for 36 years.

Natural Language Examples

  1. Emperor Qin was not alone in wanting company
    • Meaning: Emperor Qin was not the only person who desired to have companions in the afterlife. This implies that other people, in different cultures or times, also wanted to be accompanied after death.
  2. Chose to have servants and soldiers built for this purpose
    • Meaning: Emperor Qin decided to have clay models of servants and soldiers made to serve him in the afterlife instead of sacrificing real people, as had been done in some other cultures.

Reflection Questions

  1. What was the most interesting thing that you heard in today’s video?
    • The most interesting thing was learning about the scale of the Terracotta Army, with over 8,000 life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. The fact that each soldier was individually crafted with unique features and originally painted in bright colors was particularly fascinating.
  2. How do you think the farmers felt when they discovered the Terracotta Warriors?
    • The farmers likely felt a mix of surprise, curiosity, and awe when they stumbled upon the Terracotta Warriors. It must have been incredible to realize they had discovered such an important part of history. They might have also felt overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude and detail of the figures.
  3. Why do you think people travel from all over the world to see the Terracotta Army?
    • People travel from all over the world to see the Terracotta Army because it is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It offers a unique glimpse into ancient Chinese history, craftsmanship, and the beliefs surrounding the afterlife. The scale and detail of the army are awe-inspiring and represent a significant cultural heritage.
  4. Do you have a similar kind of historic site in your country?
    • In my country, there are several historic sites, but one that comes to mind is the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. Like the Terracotta Army, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts visitors from around the world due to its historical significance, architectural beauty, and the mystery surrounding its purpose and construction.
  5. Where do you stand on trying to take an army to the afterlife? What would you like to take with you?
    • The idea of taking an army to the afterlife reflects the beliefs and values of ancient societies about power and protection in the next world. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the idea of needing an army in the afterlife. If I could take anything with me, it would be the memories and love of family and friends, as those are the most valuable and comforting aspects of life.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining us on this journey through ancient China and the fascinating world of the Terracotta Warriors. We hope you found this post informative and engaging. Feel free to share your thoughts and responses in the comments section below. Stay tuned for more exciting topics on our English Learning Journey!

Vocabulary Section

commandeer

  • /kɒmənˈdɪə/: officially take possession or control of (something), especially for military purposes.

reign

  • /reɪn/: hold royal office; rule as monarch.

intimidating

  • /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ/: having a frightening, overawing, or threatening effect.

endure

  • /ɪnˈdjʊə/: suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently; remain in existence; last.

kindness

  • /ˈkʌɪn(d)nɪs/: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

passage

  • /ˈpasɪdʒ/: the action or process of moving through or past somewhere on the way from one place to another.

mansion

  • /ˈmanʃn/: a large, impressive house.

deceased

  • /dɪˈsiːst/: the recently dead person in question; recently dead.

buff

  • /bʌf/: a person who is enthusiastically interested in and very knowledgeable about a particular subject.

chariot

  • /ˈtʃarɪət/: a two-wheeled vehicle drawn by horses, used in ancient racing and warfare.

clay

  • /kleɪ/: a stiff, sticky fine-grained earth that can be moulded when wet, and is dried and baked to make bricks, pottery, and ceramics.

pit

  • /pɪt/: a large hole in the ground.

tomb

  • /tuːm/: a large vault, typically an underground one, for burying the dead.