Did You Know That ? Encyclopedia of Curious and Interesting Facts

How Snowflakes Form

Snowflakes are formed when water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals. These ice crystals then join together to form snowflakes. The shape of a snowflake is determined by the temperature and humidity of the air.

The Giant Snowflake

The giant snowflake that fell in Montana was formed under very specific conditions. The air was very cold and humid, which allowed the ice crystals to grow to an unusually large size. The snowflake was also very symmetrical, with six perfectly formed branches.

Other Large Snowflakes

While the 15-inch snowflake is the largest on record, there have been other reports of very large snowflakes. In 1891, a snowflake measuring 12 inches wide was reported in Nebraska. And in 2013, a snowflake measuring 10 inches wide was photographed in Wisconsin.

Conclusion

Snowflakes are beautiful and fascinating natural phenomena. The world's largest snowflake is a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. It is also a reminder that even the smallest things can be amazing.

WORDLIST:

snowflake – снежинка

vapor – пар

join together – соединяются вместе

is determined by – определяется

humidity – влажность

giant – гигантский

humid – влажный

branches – ветви

fascinating – захватывающий

reminder – напоминание

power – сила

QUESTIONS:

What is the largest snowflake ever recorded?

Where and when was the largest snowflake ever recorded?

How are snowflakes formed?

What factors determine the shape of a snowflake?

Describe the conditions under which the giant snowflake in Montana was formed.

Have there been any other reports of very large snowflakes?

Fact 14. Did you know that the Amazon rainforest produces half of the world's oxygen?

This common belief is actually a myth. The truth is, the oceans are the real heroes of oxygen production. They produce about 70% of the Earth's oxygen.

Why the Myth?

The Amazon rainforest is a vast and lush ecosystem, so it's easy to assume that it must produce a lot of oxygen. However, the rainforest's dense canopy and high humidity limit sunlight penetration. This means that the rate of photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce oxygen, is lower in the rainforest than in other ecosystems.

The Real Oxygen Producers

The oceans are teeming with microscopic organisms called phytoplankton. These tiny algae use sunlight to photosynthesize, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Phytoplankton are responsible for about 50% of the world's oxygen production.

Other Contributors

While the Amazon rainforest does not produce as much oxygen as the oceans, it still plays an important role in the Earth's oxygen balance. The rainforest absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to regulate oxygen levels.

Conclusion

The Amazon rainforest is a vital part of the Earth's ecosystem, but it is not the primary source of oxygen. The oceans are the real heroes of oxygen production. It is important to recognize the interconnectedness of all ecosystems and the complex interplay that maintains the delicate balance of the Earth's life-sustaining systems.

WORDLIST:

common belief – распространённое мнение

oxygen – кислород

vast – обширный

lush ecosystem – пышная экосистема

assume – предполагать

dense canopy – густой полог

humidity – влажность

sunlight penetration – проникновение солнечного света

rate – скорость

are teeming with – кишат

tiny algae – крошечные водоросли

byproduct – побочный продукт

carbon dioxide – углекислый газ

vital – жизненно важный

primary source – основной источник

interconnectedness – взаимосвязанность

life-sustaining systems – системы жизнеобеспечения

QUESTIONS:

What is the common belief about the Amazon rainforest's oxygen production?

Is this belief true?

What is the primary source of oxygen on Earth?

What percentage of the world's oxygen is produced by phytoplankton?

What percentage of the world's oxygen is produced by the oceans?

Why is the rate of photosynthesis lower in the Amazon rainforest compared to other ecosystems?

How does the Amazon rainforest contribute to the Earth's oxygen balance?

Fact 15. Did you know that the first novel was written in Japan in the 11th century?

That's right! The Tale of Genji, written by a woman named Murasaki Shikibu, is considered to be the world's first novel. It was written in the early 11th century and tells the story of a handsome prince named Genji and his many loves and adventures.

What is a novel?

A novel is a long story that is written in prose. It is typically divided into chapters and can be about any subject.

The Tale of Genji

The Tale of Genji is a complex and sophisticated work of literature. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Japanese court during the Heian period. The novel is full of beautiful language and vivid descriptions.

The influence of The Tale of Genji

The Tale of Genji has had a profound influence on Japanese literature and culture. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of Japanese literature and has been translated into many languages. The novel has also been adapted into films, television shows, and operas.

Other early novels

The Tale of Genji is not the only early novel. Other early novels include:

●  The Golden Ass by Apuleius (2nd century AD)

●  Satyricon by Petronius (1st century AD)

●  The Romance of Alexander by Pseudo-Callisthenes (3rd century AD)

●  The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon (10th century AD)

These early novels all share some common characteristics. They are long, complex works of fiction that tell stories about love, adventure, and the human condition. They are also all written in prose, which was a relatively new form of writing at the time.

The development of the novel is a significant milestone in the history of literature. Novels allow authors to explore complex and nuanced stories in a way that is not possible in other genres. Novels have also played a major role in shaping our understanding of the human experience.

WORDLIST:

is considered – считается

handsome – красивый

adventures – приключения

novel – роман

chapters – главы

subject – тема

complex – сложный

sophisticated – утончённый

glimpse into the world – взгляд в мир

Japanese court – японский двор

vivid descriptions – яркие описания

profound influence – глубокое влияние

the only – единственный

works of fiction – произведения художественной литературы

human condition – человеческое состояние

relatively new – относительно новый

significant milestone – важная веха

nuanced stories – тонкие истории

QUESTIONS:

What is the main idea of the article?What is the title of the world's first novel?

Who wrote the world's first novel?

When was the world's first novel written?

What are the criteria for a work of fiction to be considered a novel?

Why is The Tale of Genji considered to be the world's first novel?

What are some other early novels that are mentioned in the article?

Fact 16. Did you know that the most popular sport in the world is football?

With over 3.5 billion fans worldwide, football is the most popular sport on the planet. It is played in over 200 countries and territories, and there are an estimated 250 million registered players.

What is football?

Football is a team sport played with a ball between two teams of 11 players. The object of the game is to score by getting the ball into the other team's goal. Football is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The game is played for 90 minutes, and the team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.

Why is football so popular?

There are many reasons why football is so popular around the world. Here are a few:

● It is a simple game to learn. The basic rules of football are easy to understand, and anyone can play it, regardless of their age or skill level.

●  It is a fun and exciting game to play. Football is a fast-paced and action-packed game that is always exciting to watch.

● It is a social game. Football is a great way to meet new people and make friends. It is also a great way to stay active and healthy.

The history of football

The origins of football can be traced back to ancient China, where a game called cuju was played as early as the 2nd century BC. Cuju was a game played with a ball made of leather and stuffed with feathers or hair. The game was played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end.

Football was introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages, and it quickly became popular in England. The first official football match was played in England in 1863. The game quickly spread to other countries, and by the early 20th century, it was being played all over the world.

The World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world. It is held every four years, and it brings together the best football teams from around the globe. The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, and it has been held every four years since then, except for 1942 and 1946, when it was not held due to World War II.

The World Cup is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was watched by over 3.5 billion people.

Football today

Football is more popular than ever today. The game is played in over 200 countries and territories, and there are an estimated 250 million registered players. Football is a truly global sport, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

WORDLIST:

worldwide – во всём мире

estimated – предполагаемый

object of the game – цель игры

to score – забивать гол

the other team's goal – ворота другой команды

rectangular – прямоугольный

basic rules – основные правила

regardless of – независимо от

fast-paced – быстрый

action-packed game – захватывающая игра

origins – происхождение

can be traced back to – можно проследить до

leather – кожа

stuffed with feathers or hair – набитый перьями или волосами

tournament – турнир

due to – из-за

QUESTIONS:

How many fans does the most popular sport in the world have?

In how many countries and territories is the most popular sport in the world played?

What is the object of the game in the most popular sport in the world?

What are some reasons why the most popular sport in the world is so popular?

What are the origins of the most popular sport in the world?

When was the first official match of the most popular sport in the world played?

What is the name of the most prestigious tournament in the most popular sport in the world?

How often is the most prestigious tournament in the most popular sport in the world held?

Fact 17. Did you know that the world's largest museum is the Louvre in Paris?

With over 380,000 square meters of exhibition space and a collection of over 35,000 works of art, the Louvre is the largest and one of the most famous museums in the world. It is home to some of the most iconic works of art in history, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The history of the Louvre

The Louvre's history dates back to the 12th century, when it was a fortress built by King Philip II of France. Over the centuries, the Louvre was expanded and remodeled, and it eventually became a royal palace. In 1793, during the French Revolution, the Louvre was opened to the public as a museum.

The Louvre's collection

The Louvre's collection is divided into eight departments:

●  Ancient Near Eastern Art

●  Egyptian Antiquities

●  Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities

●  Islamic Art

●  Sculptures

●  Paintings

●  Drawings and Prints

●  Decorative Arts

The Louvre's collection is vast and varied, and it includes works of art from all over the world and from all periods of history. Some of the most famous works in the Louvre's collection include:

●  The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

●  The Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch

●  The Winged Victory of Samothrace by Nike of Samothrace

●  David by Michelangelo

●  The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault

Visiting the Louvre

The Louvre is a popular tourist destination, and it attracts millions of visitors each year. The museum is open every day except for Tuesdays. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum's ticket office.

If you are planning to visit the Louvre, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the museum's vast collection. You can easily spend a whole day or more wandering through the Louvre's galleries and admiring the museum's many treasures.

Here are some tips for visiting the Louvre:

●  Purchase your tickets online in advance. This will save you time waiting in line

at the museum's ticket office.

● Arrive early. The Louvre is a popular tourist destination, so it is best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.

●  Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

●  Take your time. The Louvre is a vast museum, so don't try to see everything in one day. Take your time and enjoy the museum's many treasures.

●  Don't be afraid to ask for help. The Louvre's staff is very helpful, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

WORDLIST:

exhibition space – выставочное пространство

works of art – произведения искусства

dates back to – восходит к

fortress – крепость

was expanded and remodeled – был расширен и перестроен

royal palace – королевский дворец

Ancient Near Eastern Art – искусство Древнего Ближнего Востока

antiquities – древности

vast and varied – обширный и разнообразный

can be purchased – можно приобрести

ticket office – касса

plenty of – много

wandering – прогулка

treasures – сокровища

tips – советы

in advance – заранее

waiting in line – ожидание в очереди

to avoid the crowds – чтобы избежать толпы

take your time – не спешите

staff – персонал

QUESTIONS:

What is the name of the world's largest museum?

Where is the world's largest museum located?

How much exhibition space does the world's largest museum have?

How many works of art are in the collection of the world's largest museum?

When was the world's largest museum founded?

What was the original purpose of the building that now houses the world's largest museum?

How many departments is the collection of the world's largest museum divided into?

Name three of the most famous works of art in the collection of the world's largest museum.

What are some tips for visiting the world's largest museum?

Fact 18. Did you know that the first known form of writing was developed in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago?

Writing is one of the most important inventions in human history. It allows us to communicate complex ideas, record events, and pass on knowledge from one generation to the next.

The first writing system

The earliest known writing system is called cuneiform. Cuneiform was developed by the Sumerians, a people who lived in Mesopotamia from around 3500 BC. Cuneiform was a system of writing in which wedge-shaped marks were pressed into clay tablets.

The Sumerians used cuneiform to write a variety of texts, including religious texts, historical texts, and economic texts. The earliest cuneiform texts date back to around 3200 BC.

The spread of writing

Cuneiform was adopted by other cultures in the Middle East, including the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians. Cuneiform was also used in ancient Egypt, where it was known as hieroglyphics.

Writing eventually spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. Today, there are hundreds of different writing systems in use around the world.

The importance of writing

Writing has had a profound impact on human history. It has allowed us to record our history, develop new technologies, and communicate with people from all over the world. Writing is essential for education, science, and culture.

Without writing, we would be a much different species. We would not have been able to develop the complex societies that we have today. We would not have been able to achieve the great things that we have achieved in science, technology, and culture.

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