Task 1

When we meet new people we tend to notice certain things about them. Do you think that these first observations tell you a lot about the person or that it takes a long time to know what a person is like? Please include specific details in your explanation.

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Task 2

Reading

University to Close East Campus Cafeteria

In addition to the main cafeteria on West Campus, the university currently operates a smaller cafeteria on East Campus. Next year, however, the East Campus cafeteria will be permanently closed. University president Robert Yeoman explains: “Relatively few students use the East Campus cafeteria—not enough to justify the expense of keeping it open.” When asked about future plans for the East Campus cafeteria building, the President replied, “There are no immediate plans for the building as of this time, but we’ll be looking at a number of options.”

The man expresses his opinion about the plan described in the article. Briefly summarize the plan. Then state his opinion about the plan and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.

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Task 3

Reading

Bet Hedging in Plants

Over time, plant species have adapted to ensure that they will successfully reproduce. However, some plant species live in unpredictable environments, where climate conditions vary and may prevent the growth of seeds into new plants. As a result, some plant species have developed an adaptation of risk management known as bet hedging that protects them against possible loss. Bet Hedging is a reproductive strategy in which plant produces seeds that do not all begin growing at the same time. It is effective because if some seeds begin growing when conditions are poor and the young plants subsequently die, other seeds will begin growing when conditions improve, allowing new plants to survive.

Explain how the example of pepper grass from the lecture illustrates the concept of bet hedging in plants.

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