In the lecture, there are mainly three counter arguments made to cast doubt to the reading passage. The lecture first states that human misunderstand elephant. The first counter argument effectively refuted the argument "elephants are aware of approaching death end of their lives" in the reading passage.  According to the lecture, old elephant leave their herds is normal since once they get old, they have difficulties to chew, therefore they leave the herds to find softer leaves and water. This is also why many "elephant graveyards" are found near water. The second counter argument overturned the argument "elephants seem to have artistic ability" made in the reading passage. Elephants are trained for painting, the method is to touch their ears, which are sensitive, to motivate the elephant draw a certain pattern. Once they get familiar with the patterns and lines, the trainer will touch the elephant's ears to encourage them to draw out the shape. The third counter argument clarified the statement "elephants have a fear of mice" made in the reading passage. Elephants do not have a fear of mice, they are just unfamiliar with mice, once they make sure mice are not enough to pose a threat, they do not have fear towards mice. Zoo elephants are a powerful example.