▶ Your Answer :
The reading passage and the lecture are
both about the ‘will-o’-the-wisp. The author of the reading suggests scientists’
three advanced hypotheses to explain its existence. On the other hand, the
lecturer opposes the specific points made in the reading passage.
First of all, the author of the reading explains
that the lights are a form of chemical illumination. He added that when organic
matter decays in swampy areas, it emits a gas called phosphine which will react
chemically and then result in a faint glow being produced. However, the
lecturer disagrees on this point by saying that there are cool and green lights
by the chemical reaction, on the contrary, ‘will-o’-the wisp glows a warm and
yellow lights.
Secondly, the author of the reading claims
that flying insects might be the source of the light. He asserts that fireflies
have glimmering abdomens and they are frequently found in marshy wetlands. The
lecturer rebuts this idea by saying that fireflies usually found in small areas
while ‘will-o’-the wisp found in relatively large area. Furthermore, the
lecturer argues that fireflies blink their lights on and off that are not
matched with the phenomenon.
Lastly, the author mentions barn owls could
be the source of the lights. According to the author, this is due to the fact
that they are active at night and their white plumage is reflective also in dim
conditions. The lecturer casts doubt on this point saying that barn owls are
not entirely white and their feathers are not even resemble with ‘will-o’-the
wisp.
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