Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population centre, (Tahiti and Chile), making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. A triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific- it is best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, along the coastline. Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui.
There has been much controversy and confusion concerning the origins of the Easter Islanders. Archaeological evidence indicates discovery of the island by Polynesians at about 400 AD. Upon their arrival, an impressive and enigmatic culture began to develop. In addition to the statues, the islanders possessed the Rongorongo script; the only written language in Oceania. The population of Easter Island reached its peak at perhaps more than 10,000, far exceeding the capabilities of the small island's ecosystem. Resources became scarce, and the once palm tree forests were destroyed - cleared for agriculture and moving the massive stone Moai. In this regard, Easter Island has become, for many, a metaphor for ecological disaster. Thereafter, a thriving and advanced social order began to decline into bloody civil war and, evidently, cannibalism. Contacts with western "civilization" proved even more disastrous for the island population which, through slavery and disease, had decreased to approximately 110 by the end of the XIX century. Nowadays there are about 2.000 inhabitants.
Easter Island today, remains one of the most unique places you will ever encounter; an open air museum showcasing a fascinating, but unfortunately lost, culture. The Rapanui are among the friendliest people you will ever meet, and the landscape is truly amazing - with its volcanic craters, lava formations, beaches, brilliant blue water, and archaeological sites.
1. Comprehension exercises
1.a. According to the text
- Easter island was an ecological disaster when they destroyed all the palm forest.
- Cannibalism and diseases were the only factors to decrease the population.
- A Polynesian called Rongorongo discovered the Easter island.
1.b. According to the text
- Moais are made of palm trees.
- Today there are only a couple of thousands inhabitants in the island.
- Rapa Nui and Easter island refer to different places, one is the coast and the other the triangle of earth in the island.
1.c. The population decreased because they didn't have enough resources.
(Answer "True" or "False" AND write the sentence supporting this idea)
(Answer "True" or "False" AND write the sentence supporting this idea)
1.d. Easter island's neighbours are Chile and Tahiti, although they are very far away.
(Answer "True" or "False" AND write the sentence supporting this idea)
(Answer "True" or "False" AND write the sentence supporting this idea)
2. Do the following grammar exercises according to the instructions given
2.a. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one
His bad behaviour is upsetting people.
- People haven been upset by his bad behaviour
2.b. Write the sentences starting with the words given so that they mean the same
The problem should be solved urgently.
2.c. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one
There are instructions to help the less- experienced skiers.
- If you are a less-experienced skier there are instructions to help you.
2.d. Write the sentences starting with the words given so that they mean the same
It appears that modern girls are constantly searching for something new.
- Modern girls seem to be always/constantly looking for something new.
3. Identify ONLY FOUR words from their definitions
- Remote or separate physically or socially: isolated
- Your basis for belief or disbelief, knowledge on which to base belief: evidence
- Producing a strong effect a vivid impression: impressive
- Not clear to the understanding: enigmatic
- Deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand: scarce
- In accordance with truth or fact or reality: truly
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