ST_001
听力音频：
综合写作
Not long ago, a species of seabird called Cassin’s auklets died in unprecedented numbers on the western shores of the United States.Scientists do not know exactly what caused their death, but there are several factors that may have contributed to the die-off.
Increased Competition
First of all, it is known that the number of auklets born the summer before the die-off was significantly higher than average. With such a large population it is possible that the young auklets were simply competing with each other for a limited amount of food. With increased competition for resources, it could be that food was spread thin across the population. Many birds were unable to find enough food and died off before the proper balance between the number of auklets and food resources was restored
Virus
Another possibility is that the birds were affected by a virus. A few years ago in the same area, populations of sea animals known as sea stars were devastated by a virus that caused large numbers of them to become infected and die. The particular virus found to have caused those deaths is known to be excellent at adapting to different hosts. It is possible, therefore, that the auklets contracted the virus after coming into contact with or eating one or more infected species.
Zooplankton
Finally, scientists have recently discovered a large patch of unusually warm water, hundreds of miles across. This patch formed close to the time the die-off started. The change in water temperature likely had an effect on the populations of tiny sea creatures called zooplankton that auklets feed on. One study found that the zooplankton in that area of warmer water had become smaller and less nutritious than usual. This lack of nutrition may have contributed to the die-off.
学术写作
Doctor Archebe
This week, we’ll examine issues in education reform. For example, some educators think that by focusing mainly on foundational knowledge in subjects like reading, math, and science, schools are not fully preparing students for success in the workplace. These educators argue that soft skills-non-academic skills such as being empathetic or having a strong work ethic – should be part of the curriculum, with classroom time dedicated to developing these skills. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Paul
Soft skills are important, but I don’t agree with using classroom time to work on them. I’m not sure how teachers would measure students’ progress in developing these skills. If students’ progress can’t be measured on something being taught, l’m not sure if there’s any point to teaching it.
Claire
I agree. While students need a strong foundation in academic subjects, soft skills are important because they affect how well students do their work. If classroom time is set aside for these skills, students will take them seriously and their academic work will benefit. Teachers could design lessons so that students learn about a skill and then do role-playing activities with classmates.
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