Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

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How archaeologists find the truth (and you can, too) | Trevor Wallace | TEDxDaltVila

TEDx Talks

23K views 11 months ago

Warm-up Questions

When you hear the title “How archaeologists find the truth,” what do you think archaeologists do to learn about the past?
Do you think it is easy or hard to “find the truth” today? Why?
How could ordinary people “find the truth,” too?

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How archaeologists find the truth (and you can, too) | Trevor Wallace | TEDxDaltVila

Shipwrecks, stories, and why archaeology matters for truth (00:00 – 02:52)

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1. What surprised the speaker’s team about the shipwrecks they found?

They were from the 1900s.
They were relatively undisturbed.
They were made of metal instead of wood.

2. What are the three lessons about truth that archaeology can teach (as introduced here)?

Truth is always complete, always clear, and always digital.
Truth is firsthand, slow, and sometimes blocked by what we are looking for.
Truth is popular, fast, and simple.

3. How does the speaker describe the internet in relation to truth?

As a place where experts are always trusted.
As a perfect mirror of reality.
As a minefield of disinformation.

How archaeologists find the truth (and you can, too) | Trevor Wallace | TEDxDaltVila

A plate from the past and Lesson 1: Truth is firsthand (02:52 – 06:09)

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1. In the story, what item slips overboard during the chaos?

A plate
A sword
A map

2. Why is the plate important to the speaker?

It contains an inscription—a small message from the past.
It shows the exact name of the captain.
It proves the ship carried gold.

3. What does the speaker say about people looking for artifacts themselves?

They can do it, but with help and guidance from archaeologists because it can be dangerous and destructive.
They should never do it under any circumstances.
They should do it alone because experts slow things down.

How archaeologists find the truth (and you can, too) | Trevor Wallace | TEDxDaltVila

Lessons 2 and 3: Truth is slow, and bias can block it (06:09 – 11:51)

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1. What did the team eventually realize about the excavation site?

It was one wreck with no artifacts.
It was a modern ship dumped there recently.
It was two wrecks stacked on top of each other.

2. What clue showed the wrecks were not from the 1600s ship they originally thought?

A complete diary was found with a date.
The captain’s name was carved into the mast.
The ceramic vessels were from the 14th century.

3. According to the speaker, what can online algorithms do to our thinking?

They are trained to confirm our biases.
They always correct our mistakes.
They prevent people from finding conspiracy theories.

How archaeologists find the truth (and you can, too) | Trevor Wallace | TEDxDaltVila

Transcript will load here…

1. Which statement best matches the speaker’s main message about truth?

Truth is only decided by experts and should not involve the public.
Truth is easy to get if you search the internet long enough.
Truth comes from direct evidence, patience, and challenging your assumptions.

2. Why does the speaker say archaeology can help us today?

It proves that myths like Atlantis are real.
It replaces the need for science and journalism.
It teaches methods for dealing with uncertainty and distorted information.

3. What does the speaker suggest is more powerful than “podcast debates” for building understanding?

More advertising on social media
Real firsthand experience
Faster answers and simpler explanations

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How archaeologists find the truth (and you can, too) | Trevor Wallace | TEDxDaltVila

Which of the three lessons about truth (firsthand, slow, bias can block it) do you think is most important today? Why?
Have you ever believed something online and later changed your mind? What helped you change your view?
Do you think non-experts should be allowed to help with scientific research (like archaeology)? What rules or training should they have?
The speaker says archaeology is about “asking better questions.” What are two “better questions” we could ask when we see a surprising claim online?