Writing task #1 I had to write a brief essay about how a lecture and an article opposed each other. Here is the text: In this set of materials, the article states that the spreading of zebra mussels in North America poses a problem to the freshwater fish population due to their invasive behavior, ability to reproduce and food habits. However, in the lecture, the professor casted doubt on what is presented in the text and refutes each of the author's reasons. First, it is clearly stated in the reading that, according to the history of the zebra mussel, its invasion to new regions cannot be controlled. Nonetheless, the professor disagrees with this idea. He explains from another angle that, presently, people have enough knowledge to control zebra mussel’s spreading in many ways, especially in the case where the spreading is carried out through ships. As illustrated by him, one option consists of requiring ships to empty their fresh water while still in the ocean, where the seawater will kill the zebra mussels. In addition, the professor disagrees with the point of view that this type of shellfish can dominate new habits with ease, as a result of a lack of natural predators in their new habitats. He points out that there will be no predators only at the beginning of the invasion. Soon after, it is very likely that some animals, such as birds, will change their food habits, thus representing a possible threat to zebra mussels. Finally, although it is stated in the reading that zebra mussels can cause a decline in the overall fish population, the professor provides some evidence to oppose this idea. He explains that this species can yield negative effects only on some types of fishes due to competition for food like plankton. However, they can also be a source of nutrients for fishes living in the bottom of the rivers, yielding an increase in the population of other organisms. (Please, let me know if you can spot any mistake or odd sentence. As always, thank you very much italkians!)