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Unlocking Mysteries: A Reading & Listening Challenge” (CEFR Level: B1-B2)
PART 1: READING COMPREHENSION
The Vanishing Village
For centuries, the small town of Eldermere stood peacefully in a secluded valley. Its people lived simple lives, farming the land and trading with nearby towns. However, one winter night, something strange happened. By dawn, Eldermere had vanished—its homes, roads, and even the large stone church at its center were gone without a trace.
At first, authorities dismissed the reports as exaggerations, but when an investigation team arrived, they were shocked. Where the village once stood, there was only an empty field covered in frost. There were no signs of damage, no footprints, and no explanation. The case of the Vanishing Village quickly became one of history’s greatest unsolved mysteries.
Historians believe that Eldermere may have been swallowed by an underground sinkhole, but geologists have found no evidence of land movement. Others suggest the villagers left voluntarily, though their belongings were never recovered. Some even believe supernatural forces were involved. To this day, no one knows what really happened to Eldermere.
Adding to the mystery, old folklore from the region speaks of an ancient curse placed upon the village centuries ago. Legends tell of a powerful artifact hidden beneath the church, said to bring misfortune to anyone who disturbed it. Some claim that in the weeks leading up to the disappearance, strange lights were seen in the sky, and the villagers reported hearing eerie whispers at night.
Another theory involves secret government experiments. Some researchers suggest that Eldermere was part of a classified project, testing advanced technologies that may have unintentionally erased the village from existence. Documents from nearby archives show that military activity was unusually high in the area during the time of the disappearance, though no official records confirm these claims.
Despite numerous investigations, modern technology has not been able to uncover any definitive clues. Scientists continue to explore the site, using ground-penetrating radar and satellite imaging, but so far, the mystery remains unsolved. Whether it was a natural phenomenon, an act of human intervention, or something beyond our understanding, the fate of Eldermere remains one of history’s most perplexing enigmas.
Activity A: True (T), False (F), or Doesn’t Say (DS)
1. Eldermere was located in a secluded area.
2. The village vanished gradually over several months.
3. Investigators found unusual lights in the sky during their research.
4. Some believe an ancient artifact played a role in the disappearance.
5. The government has publicly acknowledged involvement in the case.
6. Scientists have used modern technology to search for clues.
7. Villagers left behind notes explaining their departure.
8. Local folklore had no mention of the village before it disappeared.
Activity B: Answer the Questions
1. How did the authorities initially react to the reports about Eldermere?
________________________________________________________
2. What are the main scientific theories about the village’s disappearance?
________________________________________________________
3. Why do some people believe supernatural forces were involved?
________________________________________________________
4. What evidence suggests a possible government experiment?
________________________________________________________
5. How has modern technology been used to investigate the mystery?
________________________________________________________
6. What role does folklore play in the mystery of Eldermere?
________________________________________________________
7. What unusual events were reported before the disappearance?
________________________________________________________
8. Why is the sinkhole theory questioned by some geologists?________________________________________________________
9. What makes Eldermere’s case unique compared to other mysterious disappearances?________________________________________________________
Activity C: Match the Words with Their Meanings
Supernatural (adj) – ___________________________
Exaggeration (n) – ___________________________
Artifact (n) – ___________________________
Erased (v) – ___________________________
Secluded (adj) – ___________________________
Perplexing (adj) – ___________________________
Trace (n) – ___________________________
Investigation (n) – ___________________________
Folklore (n) – ___________________________
Meanings:
A) A statement that makes something seem more extreme than it is
B) Completely removed or wiped away
C) Traditional stories, myths, and legends of a culture
D) Beyond natural laws; possibly involving ghosts or magic
E) Difficult to understand or solve
F) A small sign or indication of something
G) Isolated or hidden away
H) A detailed search or inquiry
I) An ancient object made by humans
PART 2: LISTENING COMPREHENSION
Listen to an audio report about mysterious disappearances around the world. Then answer the following multiple-choice questions.
1. What is one similarity between Eldermere and other mysterious disappearances?
a) Both involved large cities vanishing.
b) Neither had any survivors.
c) Authorities couldn’t explain them.
d) The lost places were found years later.
2. What natural event might have caused Eldermere to disappear?
a) A volcanic eruption.
b) A sinkhole.
c) A hurricane.
d) A landslide.
3. What do some scientists believe?
a) The town was abandoned.
b) A secret government project caused it.
c) It was a mass hallucination.
d) Aliens were responsible.
4. What is a major problem with the sinkhole theory?
a) No cracks or depressions were found.
b) It only happens in desert regions.
c) The town reappeared later.
d) It was ruled out by police.
5. What was the villagers’ last reported experience before disappearing?
a) A large explosion.
b) Strange whispers and lights.
c) A military operation.
d) A note warning of danger.
6. Why do some believe the artifact theory?
a) There is physical evidence of the object.
b) Legends mentioned curses related to it.
c) The military confirmed its existence.
d) It was found at the site.
7. How has technology helped in the search for Eldermere?
a) It led to a new scientific breakthrough.
b) It revealed new landforms.
c) It found remains of buildings.
d) It has provided no solid answers.
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