Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

Mayan Pyramids of Chichen Itza | Lost Temples

National Geographic

1.1M views 18 years ago

Warm-up Questions

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Mayan pyramids”?
What do you think visitors might learn at Chichen Itza?
Why do you think the video series might be called “Lost Temples”?

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Mayan Pyramids of Chichen Itza | Lost Temples

Maya achievements and the sacred well (00:00 – 01:10)

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1. What does the speaker say about Maya temples at their peak?

They were mostly underground structures.
They were smaller than European castles.
They were built mainly from wood and rope.
They soared hundreds of feet into the heavens.

2. According to the speaker, what were the large wells important for?

They were built for sports competitions.
They were the city’s only permanent source of water.
They were used to grow crops during droughts.
They were used to store gold and trade goods.

3. Why is the circular building believed to be an observatory?

It contains maps drawn by Spanish explorers.
The Maya watched the stars from it.
It was used for hiding during wars.
It was built on top of a mountain for defense.

Mayan Pyramids of Chichen Itza | Lost Temples

Calendar knowledge, invasion, and El Castillo’s secrets (01:10 – 02:16)

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1. What could the Maya do because they carefully watched the stars?

Sail across the Atlantic Ocean
Control rainfall using rituals
Predict solar eclipses
Invent iron tools and weapons

2. How many steps does El Castillo have in total, according to the speaker?

1400
1000
365
79

3. What happens on the spring and autumn equinox at El Castillo?

The pyramid lights up with fire from torches.
The stairs disappear under rising water.
A shadow forms the shape of a serpent on the pyramid.
The walls produce a ringing sound when touched.

Mayan Pyramids of Chichen Itza | Lost Temples

Ball court, decline, and enduring ruins (02:16 – 03:30)

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1. What was the goal in the ball game described?

To roll a ball up the pyramid steps
To throw a stone ball into a pit in the ground
To kick a ball into a net between trees
To hit a 12lb rubber ball through high scoring rings

2. What does the speaker say happened to the losers of the game?

They were rewarded with land.
They were sent away from the city.
They became the next rulers.
They were sacrificed.

3. Which combination of problems is mentioned as contributing to the city’s fall?

A lack of trade routes and too much rainforest
Prolonged droughts, exhausted soils, and a topheavy class of royals
Earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods
Foreign diseases and rising sea levels

Mayan Pyramids of Chichen Itza | Lost Temples

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1. Which idea best summarizes why Chichen Itza was significant in the video?

It was a small village that avoided contact with other cultures.
It shows Maya achievements in architecture, math, and astronomy.
It is mainly important because it contains gold mines.
It was built by Europeans during the Dark Ages.

2. What is the main purpose of mentioning the equinox serpent shadow?

To explain why Spanish records are always accurate
To argue that ball games were more important than religion
To show that the Maya avoided building tall pyramids
To highlight Maya skill in planning and astronomy

3. How does the video describe the end of Chichen Itza?

It was moved to a different peninsula.
It was flooded permanently by the sacred well.
It was instantly destroyed in one battle.
It was abandoned over time after major social and environmental stress.

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

Mayan Pyramids of Chichen Itza | Lost Temples

Why do you think astronomy and calendars were so important for the Maya?
What do the sacrifices described in the video suggest about Maya religion and society?
Do you think environmental problems (like drought) or political problems are more likely to cause a civilization to decline? Why?
If you could visit one structure mentioned in the video (the well, the observatory, El Castillo, or the ball court), which would you choose and what would you look for?