综合写作：
Reading
Throughout the Greek islands, archaeologists have found over 200 plate-sized ceramic disks dating to about 2000 to 3000 B.C.E. The disks are typically decorated on one side, while the other side is undecorated and has a raised edge that creates a shallow basin. They usually also have short handles. Archaeologists are still unclear about what the objects were used for. Three theories about their function have been proposed.
Pans for Cooking Food
Some archaeologists believe that the objects were used for cooking food. These archaeologists believe that food was placed on the undecorated side and that the raised edge on that side prevented the food from falling out of the pan. The handle would have made it easier and safer to remove the pan from a cooking fire or oven.
Drums
Other archaeologists believe that the objects were drums for making sounds. These archaeologists point out that animal skins could have been stretched over the side with the raised edge, creating an air chamber that would have amplified sound when the animal skin was struck. According to this theory, the person doing the drumming would hold the drum by the handle with one hand and strike the skin with the other hand.
Mirrors
Yet other archaeologists believe that the objects were a kind of ancient mirror. Although the objects are not made of a reflective material, they could have been used to create a reflection by pouring a liquid, such as olive oil, into the shallow basin with the raised edge. Supporters of this theory point out that the decorations found on the ceramic disks are similar to decorations found on hand-held metal mirrors made in ancient Greece.
听力音频：
学术写作：
Your professor is teaching a class on Education. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- Express and support your opinion.
- Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Dr. Diaz
As you approach graduation, you may be considering your next steps for further education. Some opt to enroll full – time to complete an advanced degree as quickly as possible. Others choose to work while slowly progressing towards a degree. Given these options, I’m curious to know your thoughts. After finishing your undergraduate studies, do you prefer pursuing an advanced degree full – time or continuing work while studying part – time?
Andrew
I think it’s better to go to college full – time instead of trying to balance part – time classes and a full – time job. For me, I know I wouldn’t be able to focus on my studies if I was exhausted from work all the time. Full – time college allows me to put all my energy into my classes and get the most out of my education. Trying to do both college and work full – time seems way too stressful for me to handle. I’d rather get my degree done faster by being a full – time student.
Claire
I think going to college part – time while working is better because I can use what I learn in class at my job right away. The classes feel more relevant when I’m able to apply the material to real work situations. Instead of just memorizing concepts, I get to see how they work in practice. And getting work experience while I study looks good on my resume. I think balancing the two helps me get more out of my classes and prepares me for my career at the same time. I’d rather take classes part – time and work than just study full – time.
