TPO 05 Integrated Writing Task As early as the twelfth century A D the settlements of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico in the American Southwest were notable for their great houses massive stone buildings that contain hundreds of rooms and often stand three or

The article states that there are several hypothesis, which claim that big buildings made by stone and named "great houses" in New Mexico are made for specific use. The author provides three main theories and the reasons for those allegations. However, the professor explains that none of those statements cannot show us the right usage of these buildings. He refutes each of the author's reasons.

First of all, the reading claims that those buildings were made for native people to live there. The professor refutes this point by saying that the documents are not enough to prove this matter. He states that if hundreds of people were lived in these structures, they need lots of life facilities such as numerous fireplaces. However the few number of fireplaces can only support ten families.

Secondly, the reading presents the theory which claims that these buildings were made as food supply reservoir, specifically a place for containing a crop which was grown in this region. However, the professor says that this hypothesis cannot be true and there are not strong evidence to prove this issue. According to the professor, after the archaeologists revealed the stores, they couldn't find any remained grain particle on the floor. So, this allegation cannot be true.

Third, the reading prepare us another thesis. In this statement, it is guessed that the structures were built for ritual ceremonies. The professor opposes this point by explaining that the instruments found in the houses cannot prove that ceremonies were held there. We also learnt that there are several different instruments and materials were explored there, which cannot support this theory. There are considerable amounts of stone and constructing instruments. Also, the dishes might be for the workers who used to build these houses.