First, give yourself three minutes to read this article:
The peregrine falcon is an iconic species of bird known for its impressive hunting abilities and aerial acrobatics. These birds are found on every continent except Antarctica, but their populations have declined in some areas due to a variety of factors. Here are three ways to increase peregrine falcon populations.
First, we can protect nesting sites. Peregrine falcons require specific types of nesting sites in order to reproduce successfully. These sites are often found on cliffs or tall buildings, and can be disrupted or destroyed by human activities such as construction or development. It is possible to work with landowners or developers to protect these sites from destruction or disturbances. By protecting these sites, we can help ensure that peregrine falcons have the space they need to nest and raise their young.
Another method is to control the populations of predators of the falcons. Peregrine falcons are extremely vulnerable to predation, especially when they are young and unable to defend themselves. By controlling the populations of predators that prey on them, such as other birds of prey or mammals, we can help protect the falcons and increase their chances of survival. This could include using non-lethal methods such as deterrents or repellents to keep predators away. In some cases, it may also be necessary to relocate predators to areas where they are less likely to come into contact with peregrine falcons.
Finally, we can rehabilitate injured or sick falcons. Peregrine falcons can become injured or sick due to a variety of reasons, including pollution, disease, or human interference. By rehabilitating these birds and releasing them back into the wild, we can help boost peregrine falcon populations and give them a second chance at life.
Next, listen to the following lecture:
You have twenty minutes to answer the following question. You can refer to the article as you write your essay. You may not listen to the lecture again.
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the solutions presented in the reading passage. You have 20 minutes to write your essay. You may refer to the reading as you write.
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Sample Answer
Here is a sample essay. Useful phrases you could use in your own essay are in bold text.
The reading and the lecture are about methods to protect peregrine falcon populations. The author feels that we can do this by protecting their habitats, controlling their predators and helping injured falcons. The lecturer does not believe that these methods will protect falcon populations.
First of all, the author argues that we can protect their nesting areas, which are usually located on the sides of cliffs or tall buildings, from human activities. According to the article, it is possible to collaborate with developers to ensure that the birds have plenty of room to raise their young. On the other hand, the lecturer says that it is very hard to identify and locate nesting sites, since they are often located on private property. Moreover, it is hard to balance the needs of the falcons and birds, since they often nest in urban areas.
Second, according to the article, we could assist the falcons by controlling the populations of their predators. The author suggests using non-lethal methods to achieve this, or even relocating them in some cases. The lecturer challenges this idea as well. He notes that there could be unintended consequences of using this approach. He thinks that if we reduce the population of one species of predator, we could inadvertently increase the population of some other predator, which would put the falcons at risk.
Finally, the author suggests treating and rehabilitating injured or sick falcons that have been affected by pollution or interference by humans. After treating these birds we can release them back into the wild. In contrast, the lecturer notes that this is an expensive and time-consuming process, and is only good for individual birds. He argues that other factors have a much bigger impact on the overall population, so treating individual birds may not be effective.
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