Mysterious Artwork
Interviewer: the Nazca Desert in Peru is home to one of the most unusual sites in the world. In this issue, we talk with Dr. Gabriel Reyes about the Nazca Lines and why they are one of the history’s greatest mysteries.
So, Dr. Reyes, tell us: (1)

Dr. Reyes: On the ground for almost 60 kilometers (37 miles) in the Peruvian desert are hundreds of line drawings of different animals, humans, insects, and other symbols. These drawings, known as the Nazca Lines, are very large. Some are over 200 meters (600 feet) long and can only be seen correctly from the sky.
Interviewer: (2)

Dr. Reyes: For years, people had different theories. Some thought visitors from another planet drew them—maybe because the lines are best seen from a plane. Today, though, scientists believe the Nazca people created the images. They lived in the area from 200 B.C. to the 7th century A.D. and probably made the drawings over 1,500 years ago.
Interviewer: 1,500 years ago? (3)

Dr. Reyes: Most likely they used simple tools. A team probably planned what they wanted a certain image to look like. Then they worked together and made the drawings in the desert ground. They didn’t need planes or other modern equipment.
Interviewer: (4)

Dr. Reyes: Good question. We still can’t figure out why the Nazca people drew these large pictures on the ground—images you can really only see from the sky. Many scientists think the image might be religious symbols. Others believe the lines may be a large map; perhaps the Nazca people used the lines to find water in the desert. Still others think the lines were a special type of calendar. As I say, scientists are still investigating.
Task 1（任务1）

A. Read the passage and then write the questions below in the correct places in the interview. Two questions are extra.
a. What was the purpose of the lines?
b. How do the local people feel about the lines?
c. What exactly are the Nazca Lines?
d. Who created these unusual ground drawings?
e. How did they do it—especially without modern technology?
f. Can anyone visit the Nacza Lines?
B. Determine whether the following statements are “T” (true) of “F” (false).
1. North Americans probably created the lines about 1500 years ago.

2. The lines are small and must be looked at closely on the ground.

3. It was probably difficult for people to make the lines without modern tools.

4. Scientists now know what the Nazca Lines were used for—a calendar.