Question

which of the following does not describe the ancient mayan writing system?
symbols showed how to sound out words.
a symbol could represent what something meant.
each symbol had its own sound.
which of the following does not describe why the ancient maya created calendars and almanacs?
to tell stories about their kings.
to decide when to go to war.

Explanation:

First Question:

The ancient Mayan writing system (a logographic - syllabic system) had symbols that could represent meanings (logograms) and also show how to sound out words (syllabograms). However, each symbol did not have its own unique sound in the way the option suggests. So "Each symbol had its own sound" does not describe the Mayan writing system.

Ancient Maya created calendars and almanacs for purposes like tracking seasons, religious ceremonies, and agricultural cycles. Telling stories about their kings was more related to their hieroglyphic inscriptions and historical records, not the primary purpose of calendars and almanacs. The idea of using them to decide when to go to war is also not a typical or accurate reason for their calendar/almanac creation. But among the options, "To decide when to go to war" is an incorrect description of their purpose for creating calendars and almanacs.

Answer:

The option that does NOT describe the ancient Mayan writing system is: Each symbol had its own sound.

Second Question: