Culture
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People, animals and art unearthed in Pompeii dig
Were the Ancient Romans just like us? Recent excavations have unearthed two more people frozen in time, taking shelter from the volcano that erupted above the city almost 2,000 years ago.
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‘Reading is cool’, says football star
Can anyone be a writer? Marcus Rashford has set up a book club to spread the joy of reading to young people. One of the first books on the list will be one that he has written himself.
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Boomerang and bubble tea in new emoji release
Are emojis better than words? After a new update this month, there are now more than 3,300 emojis. Some people argue that the little icons help us express ourselves better than words do.
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Santa visits go virtual as grottos close
Should Santa embrace modern technology? Pre-Christmas visits are cancelled due to lockdown. But video calls mean he can share the festive spirit all the way from the North Pole.
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Fossil footprints reveal Ice Age tale
Would you like to meet Zoe? Scientists have discovered the longest trail of fossilised human footprints. They tell a story of a young child’s dangerous journey in difficult weather.
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Halloween horror! Millions of pumpkins wasted
Should we give up carving pumpkins? Supermarkets are preparing to sell more than 24 million pumpkins this year for the popular Halloween tradition. But more than half will be thrown away.
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France says 'no' to performing animals
Should wild animals be banned from all circuses? Last week, France announced a ban on animals travelling with the circus. Some people think every country should make similar laws.
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Stormzy single released in schools
Should Stormzy be a role model for us all? His latest music video came out last week. The Superheroes animation is a salute to young people – and a celebration of the qualities that make you...
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Excitement as Mulan returns to screens
Is Mulan the greatest Disney princess? After over 20 years, the film has returned as a live-action remake. For many, Mulan’s bravery, independence and intelligence make her a key role model.
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Cave painting could be ‘oldest-recorded story’
Is this picture the world’s oldest recorded story? Dating of a painting on the wall of a cave in Indonesia has revealed it to be 44,000 years old. Does it tell the story of a buffalo hunt?
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The name’s Bond. Jackie Bond…
Is it high time the most famous spy in the world was played by a woman? There have been seven male Bonds since the famous film series was launched 55 years ago. But women can be spies too!
- Culture
- Reading Band 11
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Priceless oil painting ‘ruined’ by repairs
One of the world’s most famous paintings has been carefully restored by experts to look as it would have looked when it was new, 600 years ago. But many experts think it has been spoilt.
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Meet the woman who might be Shakespeare
Was Shakespeare a woman? For centuries, scholars have puzzled over Shakespeare’s true identity. Now, there is a new contender: Emilia Bassano, England’s first-published, female poet.
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Technology pushes animals out of films
In 1895, a dog wandered past a camera recording one of the first-ever films. Animals have been regular movie stars since then, but technology means they could soon be a thing of the past.
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How we can learn from ancient heroes
Are historical figures better role models than modern people? Ancient generals Alexander the Great and Hannibal reigned supreme in battle. Some say we could learn from their successes.