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
The Ordovician period is a geologic period that occurred around 440-485 million years ago and lasted for approximately 45 million years. During this time period, the oceans teemed with life. Life on land was still in the early stages of diversification. This period came to an end after a series of extinction events that created the second-largest major extinction in Earth’s history. There are several possible explanations for the cause of the mass extinction of marine life at the end of the Ordovician period. The following three reasons are the most likely.

First, when the climate cooled significantly ice sheets formed causing the sea level to drop by as much as 100m. This destroyed the habitat of species living in the shallow oceans. It also spelled disaster for species that were adapted to warmer waters and could not survive the cooler conditions that created the ice sheets.

A second theory is that the impact of a meteorite caused the mass extinction. The dust created from such an impact would be enough to completely block out the sun. Since many organisms, especially those near the ocean surface, relied on sunlight as part of their survival then the complete blocking of the sun would be devastating to these creatures.

The third theory is super UV rays. This theory states the sun’s ultraviolet rays were very strong and killed marine organisms living on the ocean surface. Fossils found showing the disappearance of one kind of marine life on the ocean surface provides evidence for this theory.

LECTURE AUDIO

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QUESTION
Good day, students! We have already discussed that throughout history, women and men have often been perceived as possessing distinct strengths and weaknesses. However, it is essential to think about whether it is justifiable to exclude individuals of a specific gender from certain professions based solely on their gender. What is your opinion? Is it right to exclude males or females from certain professions because of their gender? Why?

Student 1
I believe excluding someone from a profession solely based on their gender is unjust and discriminatory. People should be evaluated based on their individual skills, qualifications, and aptitude for a job, rather than their gender. Excluding someone due to their gender perpetuates stereotypes and limits opportunities for growth and diversity in the workplace. Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge that both men and women can excel in any field, regardless of societal expectations.

Student 2
Hey, I completely agree. Gender-based exclusion is unfair and goes against the principles of equality and inclusivity. Employers should evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and skills, rather than assuming that gender will determine their suitability for a particular job. It’s time for society to recognize that both men and women can excel in any field.

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