Question

over 2000 years ago, the andean peoples of south america invented a record - keeping device so complex that its purpose would still be debated two millennia later.
at first glance, the khipu appears simple: colored strings tied to a base string or wooden plank. yet those simple components can convey detailed information through their colors, knots, and order. while its widely agreed that khipu recorded numerical information, such as tax records, some scholars also argue that the khipu was becoming a full writing system, able to record legends, history, and current events.
unfortunately, determining the khipus full purpose is challenging for several reasons. when spanish conquerors invaded andean regions in the 16th century, they burned most khipu. furthermore, techniques for deciphering the khipu were transmitted orally and have largely been lost. without the ability to decipher khipu, scholars remain uncertain about how exactly they were used.
which sentence would most likely be included in a summary of this text?
choose 1 answer:
a the spanish conquest and loss of the knowledge about the khipu have created challenges for scholars hoping to determine the khipus purpose.
b most scholars agree the khipu wasnt complex enough to serve as a full writing system and was useful only for recording numbers.
c at first glance, the khipu appears simple, but it was actually created over 2000 years ago by the andean peoples of south america.
d scholars believe that the meanings of the khipus symbols have changed over time, particularly following the spanish conquest.

Explanation:

The text mainly discusses the khipu, an ancient Andean record - keeping device. It mentions that determining its full purpose is challenging due to the Spanish conquest (burning of khipu) and loss of deciphering knowledge. Option A captures this main idea. Option B is incorrect as some scholars think it could be a full - writing system. Option C only gives basic facts about its appearance and origin. Option D is not mentioned in the text.

Answer:

A. The Spanish conquest and loss of the knowledge about the khipu have created challenges for scholars hoping to determine the khipu's purpose.