The concept of 'de-extinction'—bringing extinct species back to life through genetic engineering—has gained traction among scientists. Proponents argue that it could restore damaged ecosystems, advance scientific knowledge, and serve as a conservation tool. First, reintroducing species like the woolly mammoth to Arctic tundra could help combat climate change by promoting grassland growth, which sequesters carbon dioxide. Second, de-extinction projects could drive innovations in genetic engineering, benefiting fields such as medicine and agriculture. Third, the process could provide a 'second chance' for endangered species by refining techniques for genetic rescue, such as introducing genetic diversity into small populations. However, these claims rest on optimistic assumptions about technology and ecology.
🎧 听力讲座
🎯 模拟考试环境：先点「播放讲座」听完内容，再作答。听力原文默认隐藏。
While the reading presents hopeful arguments for de-extinction, the lecture challenges each point. First, the claim about woolly mammoths restoring tundra is speculative. The ecological role of mammoths is not fully understood, and modern ecosystems have changed; introducing them could disrupt existing species and fail to produce the predicted grassland. Second, scientific advancements from de-extinction are uncertain. The technology is still in its infancy, and the high cost and time required for such projects divert funding from more practical research, such as vaccine development or crop improvement. Third, using de-extinction for genetic rescue is flawed because the techniques are not directly transferable. Cloned animals often suffer health issues, and the process does not address the root causes of endangerment, like habitat loss or poaching. Thus, the lecture argues that de-extinction is a risky distraction from proven conservation efforts.
📝 Writing Prompt Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the specific points made in the reading passage.
📊 TOEFL Integrated Writing Rubric
Content Accuracy: Accurately capture the relationship between lecture and reading
Information Completeness: Cover all key counter-arguments from the lecture
Structure & Coherence: Logical organization and progression
Language Use: Grammar, vocabulary, expression accuracy
Scored 0-30 based on holistic scoring (original 0-5, scaled to 30).
