ST_009
听力音频：
综合写作
During the day, most plants position their leaves so the leaves can collect sunlight. However, at night, some plants fold their leaves. There is no general agreement about why this occurs, but there are several competing theories as to why it might be beneficial for plants to fold up their leaves at night.
Protection Against Cold
First, some scientists believe that plants fold their leaves at night to protect themselves against the cold. An open leaf has a large surface area exposed to the air, which means it will readily lose heat on a cold night. A folded leaf has less of its surface exposed to the air, and will lose less heat. By folding their leaves at night, plants may protect their leaves from freezing.
Protection Against Infection
Folding leaves may be a mechanism to keep the leaves from getting wet if it rains. Leaves are vulnerable to diseases caused by fungal infection. When leaves are wet, the chance of infection is greater, since fungal spores (small particles through which fungi reproduce) require water to spread to new locations. If the leaves stay dry, the risk of fungal infection is reduced.
Elimination of Nighttime Light
Finally, many plants need to keep track of the time of year in order to produce flowers at the right time. These plants often keep track of the season based on how much sunlight there is in a day. Plants’ sense of time can be distorted when their leaves are exposed to sources of light at night, such as moonlight. The purpose of folding leaves may be to limit leaf exposure to nighttime light, which may help plants track the seasons more accurately.
学术写作：
教授：我们是否应该对待AI像对待人类那样礼貌？会带来的潜在后果是什么？
Andrew：应该，尊重他们也让自己保有人性。
Claire：不需要。人和机器是不同的，需要区分。
Dr. Achebe: In recent years, there has been a significant integration of advanced machines and artificial intelligence (AI) into our daily lives and work environments. I would like you to reflect on the following question: Should we extend the same level of politeness and respect to AI and machines as we do to humans? Please provide your reasoning and discuss the potential consequences of adopting such an approach.
Andrew: AI and robots play an integral role in our lives, assisting us in various tasks and making our lives easier. By treating them with respect, we not only acknowledge their contributions but also reflect positively on our own character. It’s a small gesture that upholds our humanity and sets a standard for ethical interaction with technology.
Claire: I think we don’t need to treat AI and robots with the same politeness as we do humans. They are tools designed to assist us, and it’s important to maintain that distinction. We should set clear guidelines and boundaries for their use to ensure they serve us effectively without overstepping their roles.
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