综合写作：
An image of mysterious prints depicted in an English newspaper in 1855
In 1855 an English newspaper reported that one winter morning, residents of Devon, England, found a mysterious trail over 100 kilometers long of what seemed to be footprints in the snow (see illustration). Whoever or whatever left them had done seemingly impossible things: for example, the prints approached very high walls and then reappeared on the other side. Since 1855, several theories have been proposed to explain the mystery.
First, one possible explanation was proposed in 1855: when people at that time questioned why such prints would appear on either side of a high wall, it was suggested that the prints could have been made by a kangaroo, an animal that is known for its jumping ability. It may seem unlikely that a kangaroo, an Australian animal, would have been found in England. However, according to one report, kangaroos had escaped from a local zoo that winter.
A second theory concerns a hot air balloon. A local scientist had been conducting research with a hot air balloon that winter. The balloon was connected to the ground by a rope that broke, allowing the wind to carry the balloon across Devon, dragging the rope behind. The rope may have had metal bolts—metal fasteners—attached to it that previously held it down. These bolts could have left impressions in the snow, which were then mistaken for footprints.
A third possibility has been proposed by modern historians. According to this theory, the story was simply invented. Although the reporter who wrote the original article claimed he had learned about the mysterious prints from trustworthy and reliable witnesses, that may not have been the case. Newspapers at the time were not always held to the highest standards of accuracy; they sometimes printed misinformation or made-up stories in order to attract readers and increase sales.
学术写作：
Instructions
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.
In your response you should:
- Express and support your opinion.
- Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Diaz
We’ve been discussing government budgets and the difficult decisions governments must make regarding the use of public funds. Some services are clearly essential and must be paid for by the government. But what about public funding of any arts? Do you believe that governments should provide financial support to artists—for example, painters, sculptors, musicians, or filmmakers? Why or why not?
Claire
I enjoy art as much as anyone does, but public funds come from taxes, and I don’t think tax – payers’ hard – earned money should be spent on impractical or inessential items and services. Artists should support themselves by selling their work to private individuals and companies. If they can’t find enough buyers, then maybe they should change careers.
Paul
Personally I think art actually is essential. Lots of public spaces in my hometown just wouldn’t be the same without artwork. From statues in public parks to murals painted on the walls of government buildings, my hometown really benefits from funding the artists who created these works. The public spaces are simply more enjoyable for visitors because of the artwork.
