II. READING

TASK 1. Read the passage and decide if the statements are true (T) or false (F).

The Plain of Jars in Laos is one of the most mysterious archaeological sites in the world.

There are thousands of stone jars scattered around the central plain of the Xiangkhoang Plateau. Many jars were dated as far back as 1350 B.C. The jars are in clusters and range in numbers. They are cylindrical in shape and from one to over three metres in height. Archaeologists have not found any stone lids. This suggests that the jars did not have lids or the lids were made of materials which did not last long.

Archaeologists are still not sure about the function of the jars. One theory suggests that the jars were used to bury people. Another theory proposes that the jars were used to collect rainwater during the monsoon season. However, Lao legend claims that there were giants who once settled in this plateau. They created jars to brew and store rice wine which they used to celebrate the victories of their King Khun Cheung against the enemy.

In 2019, the Plain of Jars became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, it is a well-known tourist destination, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

The Xiangkhoang Plateau is in Laos.