托福真經月報-2024年11月報

01.托福寫作題型速覽 INTRODUCTION TO TOEFL WRITING QUESTIONS

📝托福寫作2種題型

• 第1題 (Writing Task 1) :整合寫作題型
• 第2題 (Writing Task 2) :學術討論寫作題型

第1題 整合寫作題 Writing Task 1

本題考生將用約3分鐘閱讀一篇文章，再用約2分鐘聽一段教授講課音檔，閱讀題目後在20分鐘內完成寫作，統整聽力中教授講課內容如何回應閱讀中的論點。

建議練習方向為練習閱讀資訊改寫(換句話說)，練習聽力資訊詳實轉述，與練習使用高分模板寫作(推薦克雷英文滿分寫作模板)。

閱讀 (3分鐘) ➤聽⼒ (約2分鐘) ➤閱讀寫作題⽬ ➤寫作 (20分鐘) 建議字數250-300字

第2題 學術討論寫作題 Writing Task 2

本題考生將在10分鐘內，閱讀教授在討論板上提出的問題與兩位同學的回覆後，完成寫作，寫作中須對於討論串有貢獻，並且附理由與舉例提出自己獨特的論點。

建議練習方向為練習快速構思立場，練習如何寫作支持細節來支持立場（推薦克雷英文托福衝刺課），與練習舉出具體事例扣題。

閱讀題⽬與寫作(10分鐘) 建議字數120-150字

02.托福整合寫作真題 TOEFL WRITING TASK 1 QUESTION

整合寫作真題題目(2024年11月真題)

閱讀題目 Reading Passage：

Cypress knees are knobby structures that grow upward from the roots of cypress trees, particularly in wetlands and swampy areas. While their exact function remains a subject of debate, many believe they help stabilize trees in waterlogged soils and assist in oxygen intake. These knees also contribute to the environment by reducing soil erosion and providing small habitats for wildlife. There are several benefits of cypress knees for both the trees themselves and the ecosystems they inhabit.

One key benefit of cypress knees is that they help the tree absorb more oxygen. Cypress trees are often found in swampy or waterlogged areas, where oxygen levels in the soil are low. The knees rise above the waterline, acting like snorkels that allow the roots to access oxygen from the air, which is essential for the tree’s survival in such environments.

Another significant function of cypress knees is to stabilize the tree. Cypress trees can grow to be quite tall, and in areas where the soil is soft and saturated with water, their roots alone might not provide enough support. The knees extend upward from the roots, adding to the tree’s stability and anchoring it more securely in the ground. This helps the tree resist strong winds, floods, and other environmental challenges, making it better equipped to thrive in swampy conditions.

In addition to these benefits, cypress knees may also help the tree reduce methane in its immediate surroundings. Swampy areas often produce methane due to the breakdown of organic matter under anaerobic conditions. Some studies suggest that cypress knees can help release this trapped gas, effectively aiding the tree in managing methane emissions. This ability not only benefits the tree but could also have a positive impact on the overall ecosystem by reducing the amount of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, released into the atmosphere.

聽力題目逐字稿 Lecture：

Well, what you have just read about the benefits of cypress knees might seem convincing at first glance, but several studies challenge these claims. First, while it’s commonly believed that cypress knees help the tree absorb more oxygen, research has shown otherwise. Multiple scientific studies indicate that these structures do not significantly contribute to oxygen intake. Cypress trees, like other plants, primarily absorb oxygen through their root systems in ways that don’t require knees to act as snorkels. This calls into question the notion that these formations are essential for oxygen absorption.

Second, the idea that cypress knees help stabilize the tree is only partly accurate. While it’s true that knees can provide some structural support when they grow vertically, this is not the case for most cypress trees. In fact, the majority of cypress knees grow horizontally and intertwine with the roots. Because of this, they don’t add much, if any, additional stability to the tree. Trees in swampy areas tend to rely more on their widespread root systems rather than these formations for support, making the stabilizing effect of cypress knees quite limited.

Finally, the idea that cypress knees help manage methane emissions for the tree’s benefit is a misconception. In reality, cypress trees are not significantly affected by methane. Additionally, the root system and the surrounding soil contain microorganisms that naturally handle methane breakdown. This means that the knees play a negligible role in managing the gas, and the process can occur without their involvement.

02.托福整合寫作範文 1 TOEFL WRITING TASK 1 SAMPLE ANSWER 1

問題：

Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they respond to the specific points made in the reading passage.（2024年11月真題）

👩‍🦱整合寫作美國老師滿分示範範文- 全文(字數:270字)

The reading passage explores the potential benefits of cypress knees, and several reasons are provided in support of their importance to the tree’s health and the surrounding environment. Although the argument seems convincing and substantiated, the lecturer casts doubts on it for the following reasons.

First, even though the reading passage suggests that cypress knees help the tree absorb more oxygen, the lecturer argues that this is not supported by scientific research. He believes that cypress knees do not significantly contribute to oxygen intake, as trees primarily absorb oxygen through their root systems in ways that do not require knees to act as snorkels.

Second, the reading passage claims that cypress knees help stabilize the tree. Conversely, the speaker refutes this idea by providing a solid reason that most cypress knees grow horizontally, which does not contribute to additional stability. In short, the speaker disagrees with what the reading passage proposes and notes that the tree’s widespread root system provides more support than the knees.

Last but not least, the lecturer acutely identifies the weakness in the reading passage that suggests cypress knees help reduce methane emissions. The lecturer convincingly points out that methane breakdown is primarily handled by microorganisms in the soil, making the role of the knees negligible. Moreover, he/she mentions that cypress trees are not significantly affected by methane, and the process occurs without the involvement of the knees. As a result, the claim about methane management is largely unfounded.

In conclusion, the lecturer casts doubts on the arguments made in the reading passage with concrete statements, providing counterpoints to each proposed benefit of cypress knees.

03.托福學術討論寫作真題 TOEFL WRITING TASK 2 QUESTION

學術討論寫作真題 題目(2024年11月真題)

問題：

Your professor is teaching a class on public health. 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.

Doctor Gupta:
There has been ongoing debate about whether bicycle riders should be required to wear helmets. Some argue that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of injury, while others claim that mandatory helmet laws may discourage people from cycling, which could have broader public health implications. What is your stance on this issue, and should wearing helmets be enforced by law?

Paul (student 1):
I strongly believe that bicycle riders should be required to wear helmets, and it should be enforced by law. Helmets are proven to reduce the risk of head injuries in accidents, and even a minor collision can lead to severe consequences without proper protection.

Kelly (student 2):
While I agree that helmets provide safety benefits, I don’t think they should be mandatory. Instead of focusing on enforcement, governments should invest in better cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, to reduce the likelihood of accidents in the first place. Promoting safer road conditions could encourage more people to cycle and improve public health without making helmets a legal requirement.

👩‍🦱學術討論寫作滿分示範範文1（字數：125字）

Kelly mentioned that improved cycling infrastructure outperforms regulating citizens to wear helmets in traffic safety.
However, I personally believe that laws should mandate that bicycle riders wear helmets. Wearing helmets is a cost-effective and efficient way to enhance traffic safety, and it is easy to implement and monitor by the police. Additionally, helmets provide sufficient protection to handle most traffic accidents. For example, after the Taiwanese government enforced helmet use for bicycle riders decades ago, traffic accident rates significantly decreased, and the public quickly developed the habit of wearing helmets. My friend John was in a car accident last year and collided with a utility pole. Fortunately, his helmet protected his head, preventing him from sustaining serious injuries.
Hence, the government should legislate helmet requirements.

學術討論寫作滿分示範範文2（字數：138字）

I agree with Kelly that while helmets provide safety benefits, they should not necessarily be mandatory, and that governments should focus on investing in better cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, to reduce accidents. To add to her point, I personally believe that encouraging safer road conditions should go hand-in-hand with promoting helmet use, without legal enforcement. Improving cycling infrastructure would make cycling safer and more appealing, but wearing a helmet provides immediate protection in the event of an accident, regardless of external conditions. For example, cities like Amsterdam have excellent cycling infrastructure, yet many riders still choose to wear helmets for added protection. This shows that infrastructure improvements and personal safety measures can coexist without enforcement.
Hence, while improving infrastructure is essential, promoting voluntary helmet use alongside it ensures that cyclists are protected in all situations.

04.托福口說題型速覽 INTRODUCTION TO TOEFL SPEAKING QUESTIONS

👄托福口說部分總共有4題：

• 第1題➤獨立題型 ➤個人意見題
• 第2題➤整合題型 ➤校園情境題
• 第3題➤整合題型 ➤觀念例子題
• 第4題➤整合題型 ➤學術講課題

第1題 Speaking Task 1

題目中會提供兩個立場論述，請你擇一立場附理由解釋你的觀點，或是提供單一論點，請你附理由解釋自己同意或不同意。

看到題目➤準備 (15秒)➤口說回答 (45秒)

第2題 Speaking Task 2

題目中將提供一篇閱讀篇章(學生陳情信、校園公告等)，後播放一段聽力音檔，內容主要為2位學生的對話。閱讀以及聽完之後，考生須統整閱讀與聽力資訊作口說摘要。

閱讀 (45-50秒)➤聽力 (約1-1.5分)➤準備 (30秒)➤口說回答 (60秒)

第3題 Speaking Task 3

題目中將提供一篇閱讀篇章，內容主要為學術文章，後播放一段聽力音檔，內容主要為教授講課片對。閱讀以及聽完之後，考生須統整閱讀與聽力資訊作口說摘要。

閱讀 (45-50秒)➤聽力 (約1-1.5分)➤準備 (30秒)➤口說回答 (60秒)

第4題 Speaking Task 4

題目將播放一篇聽力音檔，內容主要為學術講課，聽完後考生須作口說摘要。

聽力 (約1-2分)➤準備 (20秒)➤口說回答 (60秒)

05.托福口說第1題真題與示範答案 TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 1 QUESTION, SAMPLE ANSWER

問題：

Do you agree or disagree with the statement: school should close the computer lab because many students already carry their laptops to school? (2024年11月真題）

🎙口說第1題 示範答案音檔

口說第1題 示範答案 逐字稿

I disagree that schools should close the computer lab because many students already carry their laptops to school, based on a couple of reasons. First, I believe that not all students can afford personal laptops. For example, I know some of my friends in school used to rely on the school’s computer lab to complete their assignments because they didn’t have their own devices. Second, I think that computer labs provide a quiet, structured environment for studying. For instance, students can focus better without distractions and get technical support when they need help. This is why I feel this way.

06.托福口說第2題真題 TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 2 QUESTION

口說第2題 真題(2024年11月真題)

閱讀題目 Reading

Installing Solar Panels on the Student Center Roof
The school is considering installing solar panels on the roof of the student center for two main reasons. First, the roof receives ample sunlight, making it an ideal location for generating clean, renewable energy. This could help reduce the school’s electricity costs and promote environmental sustainability. Second, the installation would reduce the likelihood of students accessing the roof and causing disturbances. By using the space for solar panels, the roof would become less accessible, enhancing safety and preventing potential misuse of the area.

聽力題目逐字稿 Conversation

Listen to a conversation between two students

A: Hey, did you hear the school plans to install solar panels on the student center roof? Seems like a smart way to save on energy.

B: Sure, it’ll help reduce energy costs, but there’s a downside. That roof is one of the best spots for students to hang out at night. It’s quiet, cool, and perfect for unwinding after a long day. Installing solar panels would take away that space.

A: Yeah, the atmosphere up there is nice. I never thought about how it would affect students’ use of the roof.

B: Exactly. Plus, people would still go up there at night, even if panels are installed. They might reduce the number of students during the day, but I don’t think it’ll stop them from enjoying the roof at night.

A: Good point. Solar panels don’t really solve the issue of students using the roof, then.

B: Right, so while the panels would help with energy, they’d also take away one of the most relaxed places on campus. I think they should find a better spot for them.

A: That makes sense. Balancing energy savings with student space is important.

06.托福口說第2題示範答案 TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 2 SAMPLE ANSWER

問題：

The student expresses his opinion of the announcement. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.（2024年11月真題）

🎙口說第2題 示範答案音檔

口說第2題 示範答案逐字稿

The campus announcement mentions that the school plans to install solar panels on the student center roof to reduce energy costs and prevent students from accessing the roof and causing disturbances. The man in the listening disagrees with this plan for a couple of reasons. First, he believes that the roof is one of the best places for students to relax at night. He mentions that it’s quiet, cool, and a popular hangout spot where students unwind after a long day. Installing solar panels would take away this valuable social space. Second, he thinks that even with the panels installed, students would still use the roof at night. The installation may reduce daytime access, but it won’t stop students from going up there in the evenings. This is why he thinks so.

07.托福口說第3題真題 TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 3 QUESTION

口說第3題 真題(2024年11月真題)

閱讀題目 Reading

The Paradox of Alternative Energy Sources
The quest for alternative energy sources presents a paradox: while the availability of these options should diminish reliance on oil, the opposite often occurs. As oil prices drop, consumers find it easier and more appealing to continue using this traditional energy source. The promise of renewables is overshadowed by the immediate affordability of fossil fuels. This trend raises questions about the commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing economic factors with environmental responsibilities, highlighting the complexities of transitioning to a greener energy future.

聽力題目逐字稿 Lecture

Today, we’re going to discuss an interesting paradox that arises when oil prices drop in the face of alternative energy sources. One would expect that with more options like electric vehicles and solar power, people would gradually move away from traditional fossil fuels. But in reality, the opposite often happens. When oil prices fall, many consumers find it more appealing to stick with their gasoline-powered cars instead of investing in electric vehicles or other green technologies. The lower cost of fuel makes it harder for alternative sources to compete.

Even though we have more sustainable options, the immediate affordability of fossil fuels often wins out, slowing down the transition to cleaner energy. This is why economic incentives and policy changes are critical to making greener choices more attractive to consumers. Without these, the long-term environmental benefits of alternative energy are often overshadowed by short-term financial savings.

07.托福口說第3題示範答案 TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 3 SAMPLE ANSWER

問題：

Using the example provided in the lecture, explain the concept of the paradox of alternative energy sources.（2024年11月真題）

🎙口說第3題 示範答案音檔

口說第3題 示範答案逐字稿

The reading passage discusses the concept of the paradox of alternative energy sources.
It talks about how the availability of alternative energy options, like electric vehicles, should ideally reduce reliance on oil, but instead, many consumers continue to favor traditional fossil fuels as oil prices decrease. The professor in the lecture gives a perfect example. The example is the behavior of drivers with electric vehicles, who, feeling encouraged by their cars’ efficiency, tend to drive more frequently and over longer distances. Despite using less fuel per trip, the increased driving frequency leads to greater overall oil consumption. This example clearly illustrates the concept.

08.托福口說第4題真題 TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 4 QUESTION

聽力題目逐字稿 Listening

Today, I’d like to discuss an intriguing shift in our understanding of animal behavior, particularly the roles of instinct and learning. For many years, scientists believed that most animal behaviors were primarily instinctual, hardwired into their DNA. However, a growing body of research suggests that learning plays a crucial role in shaping how animals behave, especially when it comes to their skills and abilities. To illustrate this point, let’s focus on a fascinating example: the nesting behaviors of certain bird species. Researchers have studied these birds over time and discovered that their nesting skills improve significantly as they age. When these birds are young, their nests tend to be poorly constructed, often flimsy and porous, which makes them less secure against the elements or predators. However, as these birds mature, they begin to demonstrate noticeable improvements in their nesting techniques.

One key finding is that older birds start using thicker twigs and stronger materials to reinforce their nests, leading to structures that are more robust and secure. This evolution in nesting behavior underscores a critical point: if nesting were purely instinctual, we wouldn’t observe these enhancements over time. Instead, it appears that these birds learn from their experiences, adapting their building techniques based on what they’ve observed and perhaps even from trial and error. Apparently, animals can refine their skills through experience, leading to better survival outcomes.

08.托福口說第4題示範答案 TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 4 SAMPLE ANSWER

問題：

Using points and examples from the lecture, explain the influence of learning on animal behavior.（2024年11月真題）

🎙口說第4題 示範答案音檔

口說第4題 示範答案逐字稿

The lecturer discusses the influence of learning on animal behavior, challenging the notion that behavior is solely driven by instinct. It mentions how certain bird species improve their nesting skills over time to illustrate the point. The professor states that younger birds tend to build nests that are structurally insecure and porous. These poorly constructed nests make them vulnerable to environmental factors and predators. As birds age, they begin to use thicker twigs and stronger materials in their nests. This change results in more robust and secure structures, demonstrating their ability to learn and adapt their skills over time.