In this set of materials, the reading passage states the reasons for the decline of the yellow cedar tree and provides three reasons of support. While in listening, the professor opposes the reading passage and says that the reasons are inadequate. He also refutes each of the author’s reasons. First of all, the reading passage claims that the decline of the cedar trees is due to the infestation with the cedar bark beetle, since the larva can eat the tree wood. However, the professor counters this and explains that the beetle can’t infest the healthy tree. The healthy trees have powerful chemicals, which can harm the insects. Moreover, the professor points out that the beetles attack the sick and unhealthy trees which will die by any
