1. Integrated writing. 

Step1. Read the text below.

The Gene-Centric View of Evolution

Since the mid-20th century, the Modern Synthesis has been the dominant framework in evolutionary biology. Central to this theory is the idea that genes are the primary units of natural selection. According to this gene-centric model, genetic mutations occur randomly, and those that enhance an organism’s reproductive success are passed down through generations. Over time, such genetic changes accumulate, leading to the evolution of new species.

There are three main reasons why the gene-centric view remains the cornerstone of evolutionary biology.

First, genes are the only elements that are reliably passed from parents to offspring. This heritability makes genes the most logical agents of evolutionary change, as non-genetic traits are generally not inherited in a consistent way.

Second, gene-centered explanations have demonstrated predictive power. For example, by analyzing gene frequencies in a population, scientists can accurately predict evolutionary trends, such as the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria or changes in beak size in birds.

Finally, gene-centric models are supported by extensive empirical evidence, particularly from population genetics and molecular biology. These fields have consistently shown that evolutionary change occurs when allele frequencies in a population shift over time, reinforcing the role of genes as the fundamental drivers of evolution.

Step 2. Listen to part of a lecture below and take notes.

Important!: Write out the three main ideas and their elaborations/illustrations/ details that the lecturer provides. You should connect the points made in the lecture to the points made in the reading! When you hear the question, click to show the passage and question and begin your response.

Click here to show/hide the question

Step 3. Write your answer.

Writing time - 16 min.

✍️ Planning/Outlining - 2–3 minutes: Organize notes: match each reading point with the lecture's illustration.

Writing the Essay  -  12–13 minutes: Write your 4-paragraph response clearly and concisely.

Tip: Write at least 300 words

Click here to show/hide the template

 

2. Independent writing

Reading time -2 minutes, writing time-8 minutes

Step1. Read the text

Professor:
In our recent lecture on evolutionary theory, we explored the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES), which emphasizes how environmental and developmental factors—not just genes—play a role in shaping long-term outcomes. This framework might also apply to human learning and education.
Some researchers now argue that if children from underprivileged backgrounds receive intensive, high-quality instruction from a young age, this could help them develop traits and cognitive capacities that enable academic success later in life—despite lacking educational support at home.

Let’s connect this idea to what we’ve learned about EES.
Do you think early educational intervention can genuinely change developmental outcomes for children from less educated families?

Following the lecture, two students posted their views in an online discussion forum:

Max:
I do. The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis shows us that organisms aren’t just shaped by their genes—they’re also shaped by developmental plasticity and niche construction. If we give children from poor families high-quality education early on, we’re essentially altering their developmental environment—creating a new "niche" that promotes learning. Just as EES suggests, this new environment could lead to long-term, positive changes in brain development, motivation, and behavior, regardless of their genetic or familial background.

Sofia:
I'm still skeptical. The EES might be valid in biology, but with human children, I think the home environment still dominates. Even with good early instruction, if the family can’t support the child emotionally, financially, or educationally, then any progress made in the classroom may fade over time. Children need consistent reinforcement of learning, and schools can’t provide that alone.

Writing Question:

Write a response (about 120 words) stating your opinion on the issue. Be sure to:

• State your own view clearly
• Refer to the opinions of both Max and Emma
• Use specific reasons or examples

Step 2. Write a response 

Tip: Write at least 120 words

Important: Address both students' views!

3. Independent speaking_1

Using words from the text and lecture in exercise 1, prepare answers to the following questions:

Use one of the following speaking-1 templates:

Basic Template:

Main Point (choose one): 

- "I support the view that…" 

- "I believe it is preferable to…" 

- "I find it a great/poor idea to…" 

Transition (optional): 

- "I hold this opinion for several reasons." 

First Reason: 

- "To begin with…" + "For instance…" (followed by a personal example). 

Second Reason: 

- "Additionally…" + "To elaborate…" (and include more details). 

Advanced Template:

Personally, I firmly believe [MAIN POINT]. 

This is mainly due to [REASON 1]. 

By this, I mean [expand on the reason]. 

Furthermore, [REASON 2]. 

For example, [expand on the reason or provide an illustrative example]. 

3. Integrated Speaking_2

Active vocab

Step1. Read the following announcement:

Campus Announcement

The biology department is launching a new interdisciplinary program called ‘Beyond Genes: Environment and Development in Evolution.’ It focuses on recent developments in the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis, including epigenetics and environmental feedback systems. The 20-credit-hour certificate program will include seminars and research opportunities and is open to upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. Interested students should apply through the biology department.

Step 2. Listen to the audio file below. During the real exam you will hear the audio only once. But now you can listen to it as many times s you want.

If you have difficulty understanding the the audio, Click here to read the script

Step 3. Prepare and record (in a messenger) an answer to the following question.

Preparation time - 30 seconds, speaking time - 60 seconds.

The woman expresses her opinion of the university’s announcement. State her opinion and the reasons she gives for holding that opinion

Click here to show/hide the template.

Integrated speaking_3

Step 1. Read the text. You have 45 seconds only:

The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis

The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) is a recent framework in evolutionary biology that expands upon the Modern Synthesis. While traditional models emphasize genetic mutations and natural selection as the primary forces of evolution, the EES incorporates additional factors such as developmental plasticity, niche construction, and epigenetic inheritance. These elements highlight the dynamic interaction between an organism’s genes, its environment, and its development, suggesting that evolution can be influenced by more than just changes in DNA.

Step 2. Listen to part of a lecture on the same topic

Note: Take notes of illustrations of the ideas given in the reading!

Step 3. Prepare and record your oral answer to the question in the audio file

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Answer time: 60 seconds

Click here to show/hide the template.

Speaking Time: 60 seconds

Why is the above task speaking 3 not 4?

 

Task	Structure	Content	Preparation time
Speaking 3     (new format)	Short reading + Professor lecture	Concept explained through examples	30 sec
Speaking 4	Short reading + More complex Professor lecture	Concept explained through usually deeper examples	20 sec