Writing

QUESTION
Summarize the point made in the lecture and explain how the speaker cast doubt on specific points made in the reading passage.

READING PASSAGE
North America is a continent that is completely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely in the Western Hemisphere. It is the third largest continent and has the fourth largest population in the world. It was previously thought that the first people to reach North America were Asians, but new evidence has shown that they were actually Europeans.

First, scientists found spear points of similar shape and style in both Europe and North America. These spear points were large and fashioned like a sharp blade. In contrast, the spear points found in Asia are very small and don’t share many similarities.

Also, European bones have been found that can prove the earliest people were European. Bones analyzed from a 24,700 year old skeleton of a child have provided DNA that was able to be extracted showing genes found primarily in European humans.

Finally Europeans could have crossed the Atlantic Ocean while it was covered in ice during the ice age. An ice pack stretched from France to North America during the glacial maximum. This provided the opportunity for them to travel similarly to the Inuit tribes of Alaska. They could haul their boats onto the ice at nights to rest and hunt seals and other ocean dwelling creatures for food and warmth.

LECTURE AUDIO

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QUESTION
Greetings, students! Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era—the 21st century, which holds vast potential for transformative changes and advancements. As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to contemplate the future and envision the possibilities that lie ahead. The dawning of a new century often causes shifts in various aspects of our lives, from technology and culture to social structures and global dynamics. In our discussion today, I encourage you to share your insights. What changes do you think this new century will bring?

Student 1
I believe that the 21st century will be marked by significant advancements in technology, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and renewable energy. These developments will not only change the way we live and work but also help address some of the pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity. I’m excited to see how these innovations will shape our future.

Student 2
Hey, while I agree that there will be technological advancements, I also think that there will be significant social changes. However, I’m a bit skeptical that these changes will be entirely positive. We might witness a growing divide between the rich and the poor, increasing global conflicts, and the rise of authoritarian regimes. We need to be mindful of the potential negative consequences of progress and take necessary steps to mitigate them.

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