Class 11 English Hornbill (Reading Skills) Chapter 3 Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues

Key Concept: CT Scan of King Tut

a) To determine the cause of his death

[Solution Description]

A CT scan was conducted on King Tut’s mummy to create detailed cross-sectional images of his body. This advanced imaging technique aimed to uncover medical mysteries about his death and age at the time of death, which were still unresolved despite previous X-ray examinations.

Key Concept: Concept: CT Scan Technology

b) Computed Tomography (CT)

[Solution Description] Today, computed tomography (CT) scans are used to create a three-dimensional virtual body by combining hundreds of X-rays in cross-section. This provides a more detailed view compared to traditional X-rays.

Key Concept: Forensic Reconstruction

d) Images of Tut’s anatomy

[Solution Description]

During Tut’s CT scan, the technician pulled up astonishing images on the computer screen, including a grey head formed from pixels, neck vertebrae, a hand, several views of the rib cage, and a transection of the skull.

Key Concept: King Tut’s Background

b) 9 years

[Solution Description]

King Tut reigned for about nine years before his unexpected death. He ascended the throne at a very young age and died as a teenager.

Key Concept: Concept: Use of CT Scans in Archaeology

c) Computed Tomography (CT)

[Solution Description]

The technology used to create a three-dimensional virtual body of King Tut’s mummy is computed tomography or CT scan. As mentioned in the syllabus, a CT machine scanned the mummy head to toe, creating 1,700 digital X-ray images in cross section.

Key Concept: forensic reconstruction

c) Computed Tomography (CT) scanning

[Solution Description]

The text mentions that King Tut underwent a CT scan, which provided precise data for an accurate forensic reconstruction. Therefore, the technique used is computed tomography (CT) scanning.

Key Concept: Understanding the text

b) To uncover the secrets of his untimely death

[Solution Description]

King Tut’s body has been subjected to repeated scrutiny because of the mysteries surrounding his life, death, and the circumstances of his burial. Modern technology like CT scans allows scientists to gain more insights into his health, age at death, and potential causes of death without damaging the mummy. This helps in understanding ancient Egyptian history better.

Key Concept: Bone Abnormalities

b) Suggests post-mortem damage or trauma

[Solution Description] The absence of Tut’s breastbone and front ribs suggests potential trauma or post-mortem damage, which could provide clues about his cause of death or the condition of his remains after burial.

Key Concept: Challenges Faced

b) Sand in a cooler fan

[Solution Description]

The CT scanner temporarily stopped working due to sand getting into a cooler fan. This issue was resolved by using substitute fans.

Key Concept: Explain Word Combinations

c) Clouds with dark undersides indicating bad weather

[Solution Description]

The phrase “dark-bellied clouds” combines “dark-bellied,” which suggests a dark underside, with “clouds,” which are masses of water vapor in the sky. Together, they signify clouds that appear ominous or threatening due to their dark undersides, often indicating an approaching storm or bad weather.

Key Concept: Imagery, Poetic Sensitivity

c) The tree becomes animated due to the bird’s movements.

[Solution Description]

Ted Hughes uses vivid imagery to depict the laburnum tree as initially silent and still, but the arrival of the goldfinch brings it to life. The tree is described as “machine” and “engine,” suggesting a transformation from lifelessness to vitality. The goldfinch’s movements are likened to a “starting tremor,” emphasizing the sudden burst of energy. This imagery highlights the symbiotic relationship between the tree and the bird, where the bird animates the tree.

Key Concept: Restored Polytheism

c) The death of Akhenaten

[Solution Description]

Akhenaten’s religious reforms came to an end with his death. Following his death, a brief reign by Smenkhkare occurred, and then Tutankhamun ascended the throne. Tutankhamun reversed Akhenaten’s reforms by restoring the worship of Amun and other traditional deities, marking the end of the Aten-centered religious system.

Key Concept: Funerary Practices

b) To preserve the body for the afterlife

[Solution Description]

The ritual resins found in King Tut’s tomb were used to preserve the body and prepare it for the afterlife. This practice was part of the ancient Egyptian funerary rituals aimed at ensuring the deceased’s safe passage into the afterlife.

Key Concept: Historical Context

b) Smenkhkare

[Solution Description]

According to the historical context provided, after Akhenaten’s death, a mysterious ruler named Smenkhkare appeared briefly and exited with hardly a trace. This makes Smenkhkare the immediate predecessor of King Tut.

Key Concept: Archaeological Techniques

c) Computed Tomography (CT)

[Solution Description] In the text, it is mentioned that diagnostic imaging can be done with computed tomography (CT), which creates a three-dimensional virtual body by putting together hundreds of X-rays in cross section like slices of bread.

Key Concept: Discovery of Tut’s Tomb, Ritual Resins, Carter’s Techniques

c) To protect the mummy from potential theft

[Solution Description]

The ritual resins used in King Tut’s burial had hardened over time, cementing the mummy to the bottom of the solid gold coffin. Carter tried using the sun to heat the resins to loosen them, but this method failed. He then had to resort to chiseling the resins away to separate the mummy from the coffin. If he hadn’t done so, thieves would likely have destroyed the mummy to steal the gold. Thus, the primary reason was to protect the mummy from potential theft.

Key Concept: Howard Carter’s Excavation

b) To loosen the hardened resins

[Solution Description]

Howard Carter used sunlight to heat King Tut’s mummy in an attempt to soften the hardened ritual resins that had cemented the mummy to the bottom of the coffin. This method was unsuccessful, and the resins had to be chiseled away.

Key Concept: Artefacts

c) Gold artefacts

[Solution Description]

The stunning artefacts made of gold, meant to guarantee resurrection, caused a sensation at the time of the discovery of Tut’s tomb.

Key Concept: Verb Forms

b) will eat

[Solution Description] The future tense of the verb “eat” is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” followed by the base form of the verb, which is “eat.”

Key Concept: Detail Level

b) 0.62 millimetres

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, Tut’s head was scanned in 0.62 millimetre slices to register its intricate structures.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

c) To present the research problem and objectives clearly

[Solution Description]

A clear introduction in a research paper is important because it helps the reader understand the research problem, the significance of the study, and the objectives. It sets the stage for the rest of the paper and provides a roadmap for the reader.

Key Concept: Concept: Osiris and the Afterlife

c) The soul of Osiris

[Solution Description]

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the constellation Orion is associated with Osiris, the god of the afterlife. This connection is highlighted in the syllabus through the description of the mural in King Tut’s tomb and the mention of Orion watching over Tut’s tomb as the soul of Osiris.

Key Concept: 20th Century Technology

c) 1969

[Solution Description] The first successful manned moon landing occurred on July 20, 1969, as part of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, with astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Key Concept: Technological Advancements

b) X-ray

[Solution Description]

In 1968, an anatomy professor used X-ray technology to examine King Tut’s mummy. This revealed that his breastbone and front ribs were missing. Later, more advanced technology like CT scans were used for detailed imaging.

Key Concept: Adornments and Process

c) To ensure his resurrection in the afterlife

[Solution Description]

The passage mentions that King Tut was lavished with glittering goods, including the inner coffin and mask, all made of pure gold. These adornments were meant to guarantee resurrection, indicating their purpose was spiritual and symbolic rather than merely decorative.

Key Concept: Technological Advances in Archaeology

c) X-ray

[Solution Description]

In 1968, an anatomy professor used X-rays to examine Tutankhamun’s mummy. The X-ray images revealed that his breastbone and front ribs were missing beneath the resin coating his chest.

Key Concept: Medical Terminology

c) CT scan

[Solution Description]

Computed Tomography (CT) is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s internal structures.

Key Concept: Author’s Work

c) Books

[Solution Description]

An author like A. R. Williams is most likely to produce books as their primary type of work.

Key Concept: Past Perfect Tense

a) By the time the Romans arrived, the Greeks had already established their colonies.

[Solution Description]

The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past. In the sentence “By the time the Romans arrived, the Greeks had already established their colonies,” the establishment of the colonies happened before the arrival of the Romans, making it correct.

Key Concept: Language Preservation

b) To maintain cultural diversity and heritage

[Solution Description]

Preserving endangered languages is important because they carry unique cultural identities, histories, and knowledge systems. Losing a language means losing a part of human heritage and diversity, which can have profound impacts on communities and their traditions.

Key Concept: Funerary Practices

c) Gold

[Solution Description]

King Tut’s inner coffin and mask were made of pure gold. This is evident from the description of the lavish goods he was buried with.

Key Concept: Word Combinations

a) Clouds with a dark underside

[Solution Description]

The term “dark-bellied clouds” signifies clouds that appear dark and heavy, usually indicating an impending storm or rain.

Key Concept: Ethics in Historical Exploration

b) To prevent thieves from stealing the gold attached to the mummy

[Solution Description]

Howard Carter believed that if he didn’t cut the mummy free, thieves would circumvent the guards and rip it apart to remove the gold. This was because the royals in Tutankhamun’s time were fabulously wealthy and hoped to take their riches with them into the afterlife.

Key Concept: Furniture

b) Oak

[Solution Description]

High-quality furniture is often made from hardwoods like oak, mahogany, or walnut because they are durable and have a fine grain. Among these, oak is particularly popular for its strength and aesthetic appeal.

Key Concept: Controversy Over Carter’s Methods

b) He exposed the mummy to extreme heat from the sun.

[Solution Description]

Carter tried to use the sun’s heat to loosen the resins on Tut’s mummy. He placed the mummy outside in blazing sunshine, which heated it to 149 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this method failed, and he eventually had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the king’s remains.

Key Concept: Historical Significance

c) He restored traditional religious practices after Akhenaten’s reforms.

[Solution Description]

Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, is historically significant because he was the last pharaoh of his family’s line, and his death marked the end of the eighteenth dynasty. His reign involved the restoration of traditional religious practices after the radical changes initiated by his predecessor, Akhenaten. Additionally, the discovery of his intact tomb brought immense attention to ancient Egyptian history.

Key Concept: Symbolism

d) It highlights the beauty and vibrancy of the scene

[Solution Description]

The dominant color yellow in the poem signifies both the natural beauty of the laburnum tree, with its yellow flowers, and the vibrant energy of the goldfinch, which has yellow feathers on its wings. This color creates a vivid imagery of life and vitality in an otherwise silent and still setting.

Key Concept: Archaeological Discovery

a) Howard Carter

[Solution Description]

Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, discovered King Tut’s tomb in 1922 after years of searching. This discovery is one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.

Key Concept: Metaphor

b) The engine of her family

[Solution Description]

When the goldfinch arrives, the laburnum tree is metaphorically referred to as “the engine of her family.” This metaphor suggests that the tree becomes a source of energy and activity, much like an engine, due to the bird’s presence and the resulting chitterings and vibrations.

Key Concept: Located in Valley of the Kings

b) To prevent theft of gold

[Solution Description]

The text states that if Howard Carter hadn’t cut the mummy free, thieves most certainly would have circumvented the guards and ripped it apart to remove the gold. Thus, the primary reason was to prevent theft of the gold adornments.

Key Concept: Lexical Collocations

c) Simile

[Solution Description]

The phrase “sleek as a lizard” is a simile, comparing the goldfinch to a lizard using the word “as” to highlight its smooth and alert movement.

Key Concept: Issue During the CT Scan

b) Sand got into the cooler fan

[Solution Description]

The text states that the million-dollar scanner quit because of sand in a cooler fan, causing a temporary halt in the procedure.

Key Concept: Historical Context

d) Akhenaten

[Solution Description]

The passage states that Amenhotep IV succeeded Amenhotep III, changed his name to Akhenaten, promoted the worship of the Aten, and moved the religious capital to Akhetaten.

Key Concept: CT Scan of King Tut

c) CT scanner

[Solution Description]

In 2005, King Tut’s mummy was scanned using a CT (Computed Tomography) machine. This technology created detailed cross-sectional images of the mummy, allowing researchers to study it without causing further damage.

Key Concept: Preservation vs. Research

c) Computed Tomography (CT)

[Solution Description]

The text mentions that computed tomography (CT) scans are used to create a three-dimensional virtual body by combining hundreds of X-ray cross-sections. This technology has allowed archaeologists to gain more detailed insights into the life and death of Tutankhamun.

Key Concept: Historical Context

c) Julius Caesar

[Solution Description]

Julius Caesar, a prominent Roman leader, was assassinated by a group of senators led by Brutus in 44 BCE. This event is one of the most famous examples of political assassination in history.

Key Concept: Language Preservation

b) To maintain cultural heritage and historical understanding

[Solution Description]

Preserving ancient languages like Coptic helps maintain cultural heritage, provides insights into historical contexts, and fosters respect for traditions. It also aids in understanding the evolution of language and culture over time.

Key Concept: Royal Burials and Beliefs

b) Shroud with garlands

[Solution Description]

The syllabus states that Carter found a shroud adorned with garlands of willow and olive leaves, wild celery, lotus petals, and cornflowers inside the first coffin, indicating a burial in March or April.

Key Concept: Funerary Treasures

c) Gold and other treasures

[Solution Description]

The text states that King Tut was laid to rest laden with gold, indicating that his tomb contained funerary treasures, including gold.

Key Concept: Critical Thinking

c) 60 km/h

[Solution Description]

To find the average speed, we use the formula:

$\text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}}$

Given: Total Distance = 300 km, Total Time = 5 hours. Substituting these values into the formula:

$\text{Average Speed} = \frac{300 \text{ km}}{5 \text{ hours}} = 60 \text{ km/h}$

Key Concept: Carter’s Solution

c) He exposed the mummy to the blazing sun

[Solution Description]

Howard Carter exposed the mummy to the blazing Egyptian sun for several hours, heating it to 149 degrees Fahrenheit, in an attempt to loosen the resins.

Key Concept: Scientific Intervention

c) To provide conclusive evidence of past events

[Solution Description]

Scientific intervention, such as CT scans, allows researchers to gather detailed information about ancient remains without causing significant damage. This technology helps in understanding the mysteries of the past and provides conclusive evidence of historical events.

Key Concept: CT Scan Imaging

c) Offers detailed cross-sectional images

[Solution Description] CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images, allowing for a three-dimensional reconstruction of internal structures. This is particularly useful in forensic investigations as it enables specialists to examine intricate details without physically disturbing the subject. Traditional X-rays, on the other hand, produce two-dimensional images that lack depth and may not capture fine details effectively.

Key Concept: Cause of King Tut’s Death

c) Murder

[Solution Description]

After the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, many theories emerged surrounding his death. One of the most extreme possibilities considered was that he was murdered.

Key Concept: Multilingualism

c) By encouraging translation and cultural exchange

[Solution Description]

The syllabus emphasizes finding equivalents in other languages and relating thematically similar poems in different languages. Multilingualism helps preserve languages by encouraging their use and understanding across cultures, thus preventing their extinction through cultural exchange and appreciation.

Key Concept: Ethical Debate in Archaeology

c) To unearth buried mysteries and gain historical insights

[Solution Description] Scientific intervention is often considered necessary in archaeology because it helps to unearth buried mysteries that can provide valuable insights into human history and culture. By using scientific methods, archaeologists can gather data that may not be accessible through traditional means, thereby completing our knowledge of the world we live in.

Key Concept: Contents of Tut’s Tomb

b) Board Games

[Solution Description]

Tutankhamun was buried with everyday items such as board games, a bronze razor, and linen undergarments to use in the afterlife.

Key Concept: Sandstorm Damaging the Scanner

c) By using substitute fans

[Solution Description]

The technicians resolved the issue by using substitute fans after the original fan stopped working due to sand.

Key Concept: Advanced technology

d) It provides conclusive evidence through various tools.

[Solution Description]

Advanced technology contributes to understanding past events by providing conclusive evidence through tools like DNA analysis, satellite imaging, and 3D modeling. These technologies enable researchers to reconstruct historical scenarios with high accuracy, offering insights that were previously unattainable.

Key Concept: Technological Advancements

b) CT scanner

[Solution Description]

In 2005, a CT scanner was used to probe the medical mysteries of King Tut’s mummy. This technology allowed for hundreds of X-rays in cross section to be put together like slices of bread to create a three-dimensional virtual body.

Key Concept: Language Preservation

b) To maintain cultural and religious identity

[Solution Description]

Preserving languages like Coptic is crucial as they hold historical, cultural, and religious significance. They provide insights into ancient civilizations and help maintain cultural identity.

Key Concept: Archaeological Techniques

c) Shifted focus to life details and death mysteries

[Solution Description]

Archaeology shifted from focusing on treasure to studying details of life and mysteries of death, utilizing more sophisticated tools like medical technology.

Key Concept: CT Scan and Modern Investigations

b) Offers a three-dimensional virtual body

[Solution Description]

A CT scan provides a three-dimensional virtual body by combining hundreds of X-rays in cross section, offering more detailed and precise data compared to a traditional X-ray, which only provides a two-dimensional image.

Key Concept: Contents of King Tut’s Tomb

d) Computers

[Solution Description]

King Tut’s tomb contained everyday items like board games, a bronze razor, linen undergarments, and cases of food and wine. However, modern technology like computers was not present during his time.

Key Concept: Severing of Limbs and Skull

c) Precious collars, inlaid necklaces, and bracelets

[Solution Description]

For his journey to the great beyond, King Tut was buried with glittering goods such as precious collars, inlaid necklaces and bracelets, rings, amulets, a ceremonial apron, sandals, sheaths for his fingers and toes, and the iconic inner coffin and mask, all made of pure gold.