The Evolution of the Marathon and Extinct Species

The Evolution of the Marathon and Extinct Species

Argument Analysis GRE C1 monologue
Aug 25, 2025
1:30

Argument Analysis

📚 Generated from extinct, grill, marathon

🎧 Listen to Episode

0:00 / 0:00

📖 Story Text

Today, I will be discussing the marathon, its significance in contemporary society, and its surprising connections to species that have gone extinct. The marathon, a race of 26.2 miles, symbolizes endurance and human achievement. However, its growing popularity raises interesting questions about environmental conservation. Consider the increase in participants in marathons worldwide. While this trend promotes health and fitness, it can also lead to ecological strain. For instance, the preparation for marathon events often involves substantial resource consumption. Consequently, we may face a situation similar to species extinction. Just as certain organisms are pushed to extinction due to habitat loss caused by human activities, the resources required for large-scale events can lead to negative environmental impacts. Moreover, the paradox of encouraging physical activity while neglecting ecological sustainability presents a critical point for discussion. If we reflect on extinct species like the passenger pigeon, we see that neglecting the natural environment can have irreversible consequences. In the future, we may need to rethink how we organize marathons to minimize our footprint, possibly by using eco-friendly practices. Ultimately, while the marathon epitomizes human perseverance, we cannot overlook its ecological ramifications. The challenge lies in balancing our love for such traditions with the urgent need to preserve our environment to prevent further extinctions that could lead to a future where the marathon itself may no longer be viable.

📝 Practice Questions

1

What is the main topic discussed in the passage?

2

Which extinct species is mentioned in the passage?

3

What ecological concern does the passage highlight regarding marathons?

4

What can be inferred about the author's perspective on marathons?

5

In the context of the passage, what does the word 'viable' most likely mean?

🎯 Ready to Master English?

These podcasts aren't just ordinary learning audio — they're tailor-made based on your saved words. Want to have your own exclusive podcasts? 👉 Download the App to get started!

📱 Open App Now
Back to Podcast List