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Module 1 Practice Assignment 1, Page 22: Understanding the Text

The text in this exercise is a news report about a new discovery of a prehistoric animal fossil in India. To understand the text better, you can follow these steps:

1. Read the title and subtitles: The title "Scientists unearth ancient sea creature fossil in India" gives you a general idea of what the report is about. The subtitles "Crocodile-like features" and "New species" suggest that the fossil belongs to an unknown species of reptile that resembles a modern crocodile.

2. Skim the first paragraph: The first paragraph provides a brief summary of the discovery and its significance, such as the age of the fossil (about 150 million years old) and the location of the excavation (in Gujarat state).

3. Scan the body paragraphs: The body paragraphs contain more details about the features of the fossil, the method of analysis, and the opinions of the experts. You can pay attention to the following points:

- The size and shape of the fossil, which suggest that the animal was about the size of a small car and had a long and flat snout.
- The unique characteristics of the fossil, such as the presence of bony plates on the back and the lack of teeth in the upper jaw.
- The comparison of the fossil with other known species of reptiles, such as crocodiles, turtles, and dinosaurs, to determine its evolutionary relationship.
- The challenges and limitations of studying fossils, such as the scarcity of intact specimens and the need for advanced technology and expertise.
- The possible implications of the discovery for the understanding of the evolution of reptiles and the history of the Indian subcontinent.

4. Reflect on the text: After reading the text, you can ask yourself some questions to deepen your understanding and critical thinking:

- Why is the discovery of a new species of prehistoric animal important for science and society?
- How do scientists use fossils to reconstruct the past and test hypotheses about evolution?
- What are some of the ethical and cultural issues related to the excavation and preservation of fossils?
- How can you apply the skills of reading, analyzing, and synthesizing information to other texts and contexts?

By following these steps, you can enhance your comprehension of the text and develop your reading skills.