7.
阅读理解。
The Great Sphinx of Giza(吉萨狮身人面像)
Most scientists agree the Great Sphinx of Giza was built around 2,500 B.
C. But John Anthony West says that it's much older. If he's right,"Everything anybody has learned about ancient civilizations(文明)would
have to be completely revised , "he told a
magazine.
West,a writer and film-maker,first
got interested in ancient history after studying the work of a French
researcher. The researcher said Egyptian civilization could have developed as
early as 30,000 years ago,rather
than 4,500 years ago,as most
experts believed.
West joined a scientist to do research together. Their research suggested
that the Sphinx had been worn down over the years by water,rather
than by sand and wind.
Wait a minute?Water?How could that be?The Sphinx is in the Sahara Desert, which has been dry for 12, 000
years! However, before that time, it was very green. If it's true that water
wore down the Sphinx, West thinks that it must have been built centuries
earlier.
Whether West is right or wrong, it's important to challenge accepted
ideas. That's how science progresses.
West gave some advice to kids: If you are interested in a topic, read
everything you can on it. Do your own research. Don't always believe everything
your teachers tell you. Ask lots of questions, and find your own answers.