综合写作：
The world’s first empire arose around 2340 B.C.E. when Sargon, a warrior from the city of Akkad, conquered all of the independent city – states of Mesopotamia (today’s Iraq). However, Sargon’s Akkadian Empire lasted only a short time. Scholars have proposed three explanations for why the Akkadian Empire did not last very long.
First, rebellions of the conquered city – states were a serious threat to the unity of the empire. The conquered city – states were forced to provide Sargon’s central imperial government with expensive services and tributes (for example, a quantity of gold every year). Many of the city – states wanted to be free of these obligations and rebelled against the imperial government. Frequent rebellions could have weakened the imperial government and could have eventually led to a breakup of the empire.
Second, the empire may have experienced serious problems with food supply. For a long time, the northern region of the empire, where agricultural conditions were excellent, was used as a source of food for the rest of the empire. However, at a certain point, the north suffered from an extended period of too little rainfall. The worsened farming conditions may have seriously affected the food supply chain and brought down the whole empire.
Third, the Akkadian Empire traded with countries and kingdoms outside Mesopotamia for many important materials, such as metals, wood, or precious stones. However, the Akkadian Empire often tried to use its strength to dominate the trade relationships and impose its own conditions on trade. This naturally met with resistance; it is reported, for example, that thirty – two foreign kings united to fight a sea battle against the Akkadians. Such resistance may have caused enough damage to the Akkadians’ trade economy to cause the empire’s downfall.
学术写作：
Instructions
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.
In your response you should do the following:
- Express and support your opinion.
- Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Dr. Diaz
Recently, a number of large companies with many employees have needed to decide whether they should let their staff work away from the office. Some companies demand that employees work in the office. However, others allow some or all employees to work from home. Do you think that large companies should require all their employees to work in the office, or should employees be allowed to work from home, at least occasionally?
Claire
Big companies should require all their workers to work in the office because it benefits the local economy. Employees who go into the office every day support a range of small businesses. For example, they may have lunch at a restaurant or do some shopping during their break time.
Paul
Large employers should allow employees to work from home at least one or two days a week. Of course, employers must ensure that work is done, but keeping employees happy is important too. Working at home allows people to spend a little more time with their families or friends. I think flexibility is needed regarding where the work is done.
