Text 3

The mystery of Egyptian pyramids has always attracted scientists’ attention. But they have had quite different opinions about it. Read the text. This is a report made by a scientist.

Stones of pyramids

Egyptian pyramids are huge structures which are almost 4,600 years old. The Pyramid of Cheops, for example, consists of 2,300,000 stones. Each of the stone weighs about 2.5 tonnes.

According to the usual explanation large blocks of stone were cut in the mountains and then transported with the help of the most primitive equipment. So about 100 thousand people had to take part in the construction.

But the experiments of our institute show that the stones of pyramids were not transported to the construction site. Twelve years of research in the field of chemistry and archeology have given quite a definite answer. The stones of pyramids were made synthetically. Egyptians produced some special solution. Later they mixed it with one of the minerals. It took them several hours to transform this mixture into very hard rock. This rock was produced just on the construction site and so there was no need of transporting heavy stones.

Now scientists and engineers know how to produce hard materials synthetically. At present similar materials are used in industry. The synthetic rock looks like limestone granite or any other rock.

The Egyptians had a great knowledge of mathematics and chemistry and they could know this technique. The necessary minerals could be found everywhere.

Only the use of this technique can explain some strange facts. First of all the presence of huge monolithic stones inside the pyramids which are too large for the entrance door and the presence of a human hair which is 21 cm long inside one of the stones.

Exercise 1

This report was made by one of the scientists mentioned below. They have had quite different opinions about the building of pyramids. Guess the name of a scientist who has made the report “Stones of Pyramids”.

Robert F. believes that large blocks of stone were transported over long distances by slaves and placed into position with the help of the most primitive equipment.

Daniel S. is sure that Egyptian pyramids are nothing but real mountains covered with limestone slabs.

Joseph D. came to the conclusion that limestone slabs of the pyramids were produced synthetically just on the construction site and so there was no need of transporting them.

Louis V. thinks that Egyptian pyramids were constructed only thanks to the help of visitors from other planets.

Exercise 2

Speak on the explanation of the Egyptian pyramids construction which

1. is the most widespread;

2. is the most unrealistic, to your opinion;

3. you personally support.

Exercise 3

Find English equivalents to the following expressions.

Огромные сооружения, состоит из камней, согласно обычному объяснению, с помощью примитивного оборудования, принимать участие в строительстве, какой-то специальный раствор, преобразовать смесь в очень твёрдый камень, похожие материалы используются в промышленности, использование этой технологии.

TEXT 4

Read the text and answer the questions given to each part.