ST_019
听力音频：
综合写作
The narwhal is a medium-sized whale that lives year-round in the Arctic. The species has attracted a lot of scientific attention over the years because it has a perfectly straight 2- to 3-meter-long tusk projecting from its head. Scientists have long wondered what the purpose of the tusk might be. Three possible functions of the tusk have been proposed.
First, the narwhal dwells and hunts within the Arctic Circle, where the sea is often covered with thick pack ice. Like other whales, the narwhal needs air to breathe and cannot stay underwater indefinitely. Eyewitnesses have reported seeing narwhals use their tusks to pierce through the ice sheet from below. The ability to break the ice in this way would give a narwhal access to air whenever it needed to take a breath. That would make it possible for narwhals to freely hunt in waters that are covered with ice.
Second, the tusk could serve as a weapon for fighting with other male narwhals as they compete for territory. Just as rams and male deer charge at one another with their horns or antlers, male narwhals, it seems, may charge or joust with one another. Some observers have claimed to have seen aggressive clashing of tusks between male narwhals.
Third, the surface of the tusk contains many millions of microscopic holes connected to nerves. This configuration suggests that the tusk serves as a sensor that allows the narwhal to detect ocean properties, for example water pressure, temperature, salinity of the water, and even barometric pressure above the water’s surface. The ability to sense such properties would be an important adaptation aiding in the narwhal’s survival.
Question:
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they respond to the specific concerns expressed in the reading passage.
学术写作：
教授：学校应该鼓励甚至要求学生必须参加至少一个社团组织吗？
Claire：不应该，太耗时间。
Paul：应该，有利于交朋友。
Doctor Achebe: Many educators believe that participating in clubs or organizations can enhance students’ overall experience and personal development. Some universities even consider making it a requirement for students to join at least one club or organization during their studies. Now, think about the benefits and potential drawbacks of such a requirement. Do you think universities should encourage or even require students to participate in at least one club or organization? Why or why not?
Claire: While these activities can be beneficial, they can also take up a lot of time. Many students are already struggling to balance their academic workload, part-time jobs, and personal commitments. Adding mandatory extracurricular activities might just increase stress and reduce the time they have for studying and resting.
Paul: I think universities should encourage students to join clubs or organizations. It’s a great way to make new friends and build strong relationships. For example, when I joined the debate club, I not only improved my speaking skills but also met some of my closest friends. These connections have been invaluable for both my personal and academic growth.
答案请付费后查阅：
