TPO 33 Integrated Writing Task

Both the reading and listening discuss carved stone balls, which are a specific kind of artifact. The author mentions three theories  to explain the goal and meaning of the carved stone balls.  lecturer challenges the claims made by the author. She is of the opinion that none of these theories are convincing.
       To begin with, the author suggests that the carved stone balls were used as weapons in hunting and fighting. In the article, it is stated that  there were holes and grooves on its surface to allow  the fighter to swing it and then throw it. The lecturer challenges this theory by asserting that all the old weapons like the arrow heads had signs of wear. In addition, she mentions that all the available stone balls are well- preserved without any signs of damage or cracks. Thus, the carved stone balls were not used as weapons.
       Secondly, the writer argues that one of the goals of the curved stone balls, was to be used as a measurement tool for weighing the goods. This is because of their uniform size. The lecturer, however, refutes this point by pointing out that the carved stone balls were different in density which means that one  may be lighter or heavier than the other, based on the material they made of .In addition, she mentions that some of them are made of sand and others are made of quartz . As a result, carved stone balls could be used as part of primitive system of weights.
       Finally, the author posits that carved stone balls were used as social markers to reflect the social status of their owners. In contrast, the lecturer cast doubt on this by explaining that they were carved with a very too simple pattern to show status . Moreover, she mentions that none of these carved stone balls were found in the tombs or the graves of the persons with marked position status. Thus, the carved stone balls were unlikely used to mark the  high ranked persons.