Archaeologists believe they are on the turning point of throwing light on the life of William Shakespeare — by excavating (发掘) what may have been the playwright’s dust hole.
Experts have begun excavating the ruins of New Place, Shakespeare’s former home in Stratford-upon-Avon, which was destroyed 250 years ago. Although little remains of the property, the team, led by Birmingham Archaeology, believes it has identified a dust hole used by the 16th century poet.
Small pieces of pottery (陶瓷) and broken clay pipe have already been found from a muddy hole on the site, which they claim could yield some of the most significant discoveries about Shakespeare in decades. The dig focuses on three areas of the property, which Shakespeare bought in 1597 when he returned to his home town from London having achieved fame — including the so-called knot garden at the back of the building.
Dr Diana Owen, Director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which owns the site, said, “We do not know if the knot garden was an area used by Shakespeare — it may have been a yard simply used by his servants. But this could actually yield some fantastic results, especially if it was an area where rubbish was thrown or the dust hole was located.”
Kevin Colls, from Birmingham Archaeology,added, “Through documentary evidence we know Shakespeare lived at New Place but we have very little information regarding the layout (布局) of the house and gardens at this time. Through archaeological fieldwork, in particular the dig of structural remains and the recovery of artifacts, we hope to fill in the blanks.”
Until October, visitors will be able to watch archaeologists and volunteers at work as they excavate the remains of the house, which was knocked down in 1759. Experts hope to unearth evidence to support theories that Shakespeare wrote many of his most famous works at the property.
This excavation intends to ______.

A．know something about the playwright’s dust hole

B．search for some treasure in the dust hole

C．explore the life of William Shakespeare

D．find something that Shakespeare lost

New Place was destroyed in the ______ century.

A．15th

B．16th

C．17th

D．18th

Small pieces of pottery and broken clay pipe on the site ______.

A．could show Shakespeare’s luxurious life

B．could lead to important discoveries about Shakespeare

C．could show us that Shakespeare lived at New Place

D．could prove when New Place was knocked down

What can we learn from the text?

A．Shakespeare used to live at New Place.

B．Shakespeare became famous after 1597.

C．Only his servants used the knot garden.

D．Dr Diana Owen owns Shakespeare’s property.

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