Archaeologists have long disputed the purpose of the megalithic standing stones found in the Orkney Islands. One prevailing theory posited they were lunar observatories, while another suggested they were territorial boundary markers. A recent study sought to test a new hypothesis: that the stones served as acoustic amplifiers for neolithic rituals. By using 3D scanning and acoustic modeling, researchers discovered that the stones were arranged to create distinct echo chambers at specific frequencies. This evidence led the team to conclude that the site was likely designed to enhance the auditory experience of ceremonial drumming or chanting.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To advocate for the preservation of neolithic sites in the Orkney Islands.
To critique the methodology used in previous studies of the standing stones.
To summarize a debate and present a study supporting a specific hypothesis about the stones' function.
To describe the religious chants performed by the neolithic inhabitants of Orkney.
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The text introduces an existing debate (observatories vs. boundaries), introduces a new hypothesis (acoustic amplifiers), describes the study used to test it, and presents the conclusion that supports this new hypothesis.
Choice A is incorrect because the text is descriptive of a scientific finding, not persuasive regarding preservation efforts. Choice B is incorrect because the text presents a new study but does not actively criticize the methods of the older theories; it simply offers a new conclusion. Choice D is incorrect because the text mentions "chanting" only as a potential activity enhanced by the stones, not as the subject of the description.