V. Reading Comprehension (30%; 2 points for each question)
The oldest shipwreck from Europe’s Golden Age of Exploration has been found off
the coast of Oman, the country’s Ministry of Heritage and Culture announced on
Tuesday. The wreck is believed to be that of the Esmeralda, which was part of a fleet led
by legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama during his second voyage to India
(1502-1503).
The wreck was excavated between 2013 and 2015 by a partnership between the
Oman Ministry of Heritage and Culture and the shipwreck recovery company Bluewater
Recoveries Ltd., directed by David Mearns. Support for the project was provided by the
National Geographic Society Expeditions Council.
Analysis of the thousands of objects recovered from the wreck is ongoing, but
researchers have concluded in an interim report that the vessel belonged to da Gama’s
fleet—and is in all probability the Esmeralda. Their conclusion is based on
extraordinary artifacts that include a Portuguese coin minted for trade with India and
stone cannonballs engraved with what appear to be the initials of Vincente Sodré, da
Gama’s uncle and the commander of the Esmeralda.
【題組】40. Which of the following is the most appropriate title for this passage?
(A) A great paleontological discovery
(B) A great geographical discovery
(C) A great anthropological discovery
(D) A great archaeological discovery