Exercise 1:
Source: [Link]
Recently, there has been a ton of debate as to colonizing asteroids is realistic due new
technology advances, feasible and even economically suitable. More specifically, in regards to
the passages, the writer puts forth the idea that there is a great scientific potential to face
the challenges that colonizing asteroids could bring but also that it is a great opportunity to
develop academic fields on this topic. In the listening passage, the lecturer is quick to point
out there are some serious flaws in the writer’s claims. In fact, the speaker believes that
could not be significant scientific benefits of asteroid exploration, mining or colonization, and
addressed, in detail, the trouble with each point made in the reading text.
First and foremost, the author of the reading states that asteroids provide a unique
environment with a great potential for economic growth and development, as asteroids have the
potential of natural resources mining, create new industries and job opportunities. Some
professionals in the same field, however, stand in firm opposition to this claim. In the
listening, for example, the speaker states that there is limited research about asteroids
properties, environmental conditions and materials they are made of . He goes on to say that
economic benefits are not predictable due the large amount of scientific research, exploration and
technology development investments needed to mine an asteroid.
The writer, thinks that these missions could also have an important base for the long-term
survival of humanity, since these asteroids have the potential to be used as refuge for humans in
case a large-scale disaster on Earth. Again, the speaker specifically addresses this point
when he states that asteroids are not suitable to live because do not have good atmospheric and
environmental conditions, that is the case of gravity, that there is not enough research regarding
the consequences that could have for human bones.
Finally, the author wraps his argument by posting that asteroids exploration and research
could provide valuable information regarding the origins and evolution of the solar system. Not
surprisingly, the speaker takes issue with this claim by contending that still mining can not
be cost effective or efficient, same as available technology and research is not enough to face the
challenges of asteroids colonization.
To sum up, both the write and professor hold conflicting views about asteroid colonization,
exploration, research and mining. It is clear that they will have trouble finding common
ground on this issue.
Eg 2:
[Link]
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the solutions presented in the
reading passage. You have 20 minutes to write your essay. You may refer to the reading as you write.
The article introduces the topic of peregrine falcon, an iconic
specie of bird that nowadays is in a situation of a dramatic
decrease of their population. More specifically, the writer
discusses that the peregrine falcon has incredible hunting skills
and aerial acrobatics, lives in every continent, except Antartica, the
writer also proposes three solutions in order to preserve the
peregrine falcon population. The speaker in the passage
disagrees. He believes that the proposed solutions are not well
planned, even if they have a good intention, might not be effective
solutions.
In the reading, the author begins by proposing to protect
nesting sites in order to allow peregrine falcon to reproduce. The
speaker, however, disagrees. He states that identify the
security needs of the nesting sites it is a challenge, since most of
the times they are located in private properties and the access it is
not allowed.
The author also claims that controlling the population of
predators of the falcons will increase their chances of survival.
Again, the speaker believes there are flaws in writer’s
argument. The speaker holds that control a specie could break
the ecosystem equilibrium and consequences are very
unpredictable, like increase the population of other species.
Another reason why the author feels that Peregrine falcons
population can be restored is by rehabilitating injured and sick
specimens. The speaker in the listening passage is doubtful
that this is accurate. He suggests that this measure not only
is expensive, but also there are low specimens that can receive
this treatment, as a result this solution do not have a great impact.
To sum up, both the writer and speaker hold conflicting
views about the Peregrine falcons’ populations and their
challenges to adapt to huma lifestyle. It’s clear that they will
have trouble finding common ground on this issue.
