托福真經月報-2024年5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5月真題)

閱讀題目 Reading Passage：

Prairie dogs are small, herbivorous burrowing ground squirrels native to the grasslands of North America. While some conservationists argue for their protection, there are three compelling reasons why prairie dogs should not be listed among protected animals.

Firstly, prairie dogs pose a significant threat to agricultural activities. Farmers and ranchers often find their land riddled with holes, which not only leads to the destruction of valuable crops but also poses hazards to livestock. Cattle and horses can injure themselves by stepping into these burrows, leading to costly veterinary bills and loss of productivity. Thus, the agricultural damage caused by prairie dogs is a substantial economic burden on farmers and rural communities.

Secondly, prairie dogs are known carriers of several diseases that can affect both humans and animals. One of the most concerning is the plague, which is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. This disease can be transmitted to humans through flea bites and contact with infected animals. Outbreaks of plague in prairie dog colonies can pose serious public health risks, particularly in rural areas where people may come into close contact with these animals.

Lastly, the ecological role of prairie dogs is often debated. While some argue that they are a keystone species. A keystone species is known as an organism that helps hold the ecosystem together. While others point out that their contribution to the ecosystem is not as critical as believed. The burrowing activities of prairie dogs can disrupt native plant communities, leading to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. In some areas, their presence can hinder the growth of certain plant species, negatively impacting the habitat for other wildlife.

聽力題目逐字稿 Lecture：

Well, what you have just read about prairie dogs being a threat to agriculture might seem reasonable, but modern research suggests that they play a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agricultural productivity. First, the belief that prairie dogs pose a significant threat to agriculture is outdated. Modern research has shown that prairie dogs play a beneficial role in soil management. Their burrowing activities provide air to the soil, which helps to improve its structure and promotes the growth of a variety of plant species. This enhanced soil condition can lead to healthier, more productive land, contrary to the notion that prairie dogs are purely destructive.

Secondly, the fear that prairie dogs are major carriers of diseases like the plague is largely unfounded. While it’s true that they can harbor fleas that carry the plague bacterium, the rate of plague transmission to humans is extremely rare. In the past 50 years, only about ten people in the United States have contracted the plague from prairie dogs. Flea bites primarily affect the animals they reside on, not humans, and with proper management, the risk of disease can be minimized.

Lastly, prairie dogs contribute significantly to the ecosystem, challenging the claim that they are not helpful. They are considered a keystone species, meaning their presence is critical for the survival of many other wildlife species. Their extensive burrow systems provide shelter for a variety of animals, including burrowing owls, snakes, and insects. These burrows offer protection and nesting sites, which are vital for these species’ survival.

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5月真題）

👩‍🦱整合寫作美國老師滿分示範範文- 全文(字數:297字)

The reading passage explores the reasons why prairie dogs should not be listed among protected animals. Although the statement of the argument seems convincing and substantiated, the lecturer casts doubts on it for the following reasons.

First, even though the reading passage suggests that prairie dogs pose a significant threat to agriculture by destroying crops and posing hazards to livestock, the lecturer argues that this belief is outdated. He believes that prairie dogs play a beneficial role in soil management by giving air to the soil through their burrowing activities, which can help improve soil structure and promote the growth of various plant species. Therefore, the lecturer’s argument disapproves of its counterpart in the reading.

Second, the statement held by the writer claims that prairie dogs are major carriers of diseases like the plague. Conversely, the speaker refutes this idea by providing a solid reason that the incidence of plague transmission to humans is extremely rare. The lecturer points out that flea bites only affect the animals they reside on, not humans. Therefore, the risk of disease can be minimized by proper management.

Last but not least, the lecturer identifies a weakness in the reading by emphasizing the beneficial role of prairie dogs in the ecosystem. He convincingly points out that prairie dogs are critical for the survival of many other wildlife species. To support this, he provides an example showing that their burrows offer shelter for animals like burrowing owls, snakes, and insects. As a result, these burrows provide protection and nesting sites, supporting the survival of various wildlife species.

In conclusion, based on the evidence provided above, it can be clearly seen that stances on both sides are paradoxical. Although the contents in the reading passage seem plausible, the speaker disproves them with solid reasons.

👱‍♀️整合寫作滿分示範範文- 全文(字數:267字)

The reading passage discusses the debate over whether prairie dogs should be protected, citing several reasons against their protection.
Although the reasons provided seem convincing and substantiated, the lecturer casts doubts on them for the following reasons.

First, even though the reading passage suggests that prairie dogs threaten agricultural development by leaving holes that destroy crops and injure farm animals, the lecturer argues that such burrowing activities are in fact beneficial to the environment. He believes that not only does burrowing enhance soil health, but it also facilitates plant growth . Therefore, the lecturer’s argument disproves its counterpart in the reading.

Second, the writer claims that prairie dogs carry the plague bacterium to both humans and animals. Conversely, the speaker refutes the idea by explaining that human infection of the plague from prairie dogs is an extremely rare case. Although other animals do get affected by the fleas coming from prairie dogs, the damage can be minimized with proper control.

Last but not least, the lecturer acutely identifies the weakness in the reading that prairie dogs actually play a crucial ecological role. He convincingly points out that many other animals rely on their burrowing systems for survival. Moreover, he provides an example that owls, snakes and insects take shelter in the burrows and use them as nesting sites. As a result, prairies dogs’ contribution to the ecosystem is important to the ecosystem.

In conclusion, based on the evidence provided above, it can be clearly seen that stances on both sides are contradictory. Although the contents of the reading passage seem plausible, the speaker disproves them with solid reasoning.

03.托福獨立寫作真題 TOEFL WRITING TASK 2 QUESTION

學術討論寫作真題 題目(2024年5月真題)

問題：

Your professor is teaching a class on economics. 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 Diaz:
There are many large industries that, while providing economic benefits, also engage in practices that result in environmental harm. Some would argue that economic success should never come at the cost of damage to the environment. Do you agree with this view? Why or why not?

Paul (student 1):
I can’t say I agree. Everyone talks about protecting natural resources, but what about protecting humans? Humans need the ability to work and provide for their families, and sometimes this means creating jobs through industries that might contribute to pollution.

Kelly (student 2):
I see your point, Paul, but I don’t think there are many industries that are so essential for the economy that their impact on the environment can be ignored. Continual environmental damage will one day lead to the extinction of species that are essentials to agriculture and that will endanger our food chain.

👩‍🦱學術討論寫作滿分示範範文1（字數：153字）

I agree with Kelly that the impact of industries on the environment cannot be ignored because continual environmental damage will indirectly affect and threaten our food chain. To add to her point, I personally believe that the destruction of natural ecosystems for short-term economic gains can lead to long-term consequences, jeopardizing both human well-being and global economic stability.

For instance, the Amazon, often referred to as “the lungs of the Earth,” plays a crucial role in regulating the climate by producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. However, large-scale deforestation for agriculture has caused severe environmental damage, including biodiversity loss and disrupted water cycles, which have led to droughts in agricultural regions. In Brazil, a major exporter of soy and beef, this reduced productivity not only affects local farmers but also impacts global food prices, contributing to economic instability.

In conclusion, economic success should never come at the cost of damage to the environment.

學術討論寫作滿分示範範文2（字數：174字）

Paul mentions that humans need to create jobs and sustain the economy. To add to his point, I personally believe that, while humans cause damage to the environment, they also have the capability to strike a balance and minimize the harm to the lowest possible level . It is impossible for humans to ever go back to the primitive lifestyle. Economic and technological advancements will only proceed, and therefore environmental damage is inevitable. However, humans are now highly aware of the problem and have been developing solutions. Take Taiwan as an example: the use of disposable utensils and single-use plastic bags are being discouraged, and reusable food containers made from biodegradable materials are rolled out every year. More and more people are using electric cars and scooters such as Tesla and Gogoro. Green energy devices, including solar panels and wind turbines, can be seen in numerous places.
Hence, even though the unstoppable economic and technological developments will come at the cost of damaging the environment, they will also bring about solutions to address these issues.

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：

Previous generations spent time playing board games or card games with family and friends. Nowadays, many young people prefer to play games on their computers and phones. Which do you think is better and why? (2024年5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 think playing board games or card games with family and friends is better based on the following two reasons. First, I believe that board games foster stronger personal connections and communication. For example, last week I played Monopoly with my family members and it led to hours of face-to-face interaction, laughter, and conversation. This process helps build and strengthen our family bonds in a way that digital games often cannot. Second, I think that board games and card games provide a break from screen time, which is beneficial for our health and well-being. For instance, spending an evening playing Settlers of Catan with friends not only engages the mind but also provides a break from the constant use of electronic devices. 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5月真題)

閱讀題目 Reading

Library Couch Policy Update
We would like to inform you of a new policy regarding the use of couches in the library. Effective immediately, sleeping on the library couches is prohibited. This change is being implemented for the following reasons. Our primary goal is to ensure that the library serves as an optimal study environment. Students who are sleeping on the couches occupy valuable space that could otherwise be used by those who need a place to read, study, or collaborate on projects. We are committed to upholding a professional and focused atmosphere in our library. When parents or visitors tour the library and see students sleeping, it can create a misleading impression about our academic culture.

聽力題目逐字稿 Conversation

Listen to a conversation between two students

A: Hey, did you see the new library announcement? They’re banning sleeping on the couches.

B: Yeah, I saw that. I don’t get it though. I mean, students sleep on the couches, not the desks. There’s usually plenty of space for those who want to study seriously.

A: Exactly! I always find a place to study, even during peak hours. Those couches are more for taking a quick nap between classes. It’s not like we’re taking up study space.

B: Right, and think about if students are dozing off on the couches, it shows they’re using their time efficiently. They’re so dedicated to their studies that they prefer to take short naps in the library instead of wasting time going back to their dorms.

A: That’s a good point. When parents see students napping on the couches, it could actually leave a positive impression. It shows that students are committed to staying close to their books and study materials. They might think, “Wow, these students are so hardworking, they don’t even go back to their rooms to rest!”

B: I get that the library wants to keep a certain image, but I think they’re missing the bigger picture. Students napping in the library is just a part of campus life. It’s not like we’re causing any harm.

A: Totally. Maybe they should reconsider the policy. After all, the library should be a place that supports all aspects of student life, including the need for rest.

B: Let’s hope they listen to our feedback. It’s important that the library remains a welcoming space for everyone.

A: Absolutely.

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5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 sleeping on the library couches is prohibited to ensure the library serves as an optimal study environment and to maintain a professional atmosphere. The man in the listening disagrees with it for the following reasons. First, he believes that students sleeping on the couches do not take up study space. He points out that there is usually plenty of space for those who want to study seriously and that the couches are used for quick naps between classes. Second, he mentions that napping in the library indicates that students are using their time efficiently, preferring to take short naps instead of going back to their dorms. This could create a positive impression on parents, which shows that students are hardworking and committed to their studies. This is why he thinks the library should reconsider the policy, as it overlooks the benefits of allowing students to rest in the library.

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

口說第3題 真題(2024年5月真題)

閱讀題目 Reading

Open-source development
Many companies keep their technology confidential when developing new products. However, some companies adopt an opposite strategy known as “open-source development.” This approach allows competitors to collaborate with them in the pursuit of new technologies and products. The goal of open-source development is to reduce engineering costs and create more potential solutions during the development process. By sharing knowledge and resources, companies can innovate more efficiently and effectively. This collaborative method not only accelerates technological advancements but also fosters a culture of cooperation and shared success in the industry.

聽力題目逐字稿 Lecture

OK, so to see how this works, let’s look at the outcomes of two companies in the electric car industry. One company attempted to independently design a small, high-output battery. The cost of research and development for this battery was very high. Despite the innovative design, the high costs associated with developing this battery independently made the final product expensive. Consequently, the car did not sell well, leading to poor sales and eventually causing the venture to fail. Now, let’s look at another company that took a different approach. This company adopted an open-source development strategy, sharing its engineering technology with competitors. By collaborating with other manufacturers, the company significantly reduced engineering costs and accelerated the development process. This cooperative effort led to the production of a new generation of batteries that were efficient and affordable. The results were strikingly different from the first company’s experience. The shared technology led to lower production costs for the batteries, making the electric cars more competitively priced. As a result, sales were strong because many other car manufacturers also adopted the new battery technology. This open-source approach not only benefited the company that developed the technology but also the entire electric car industry, fostering innovation and making electric vehicles more accessible to consumers. By sharing resources and collaborating, companies can achieve better outcomes and drive industry-wide advancements.

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 open-source development.（2024年5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 open-source development. It talks about how companies allow competitors to collaborate with them on new technologies and products with the aim of reducing engineering costs and creating more potential solutions during the development process. The professor in the lecture gives a perfect example. The example is about two companies in the electric car industry. One company independently designed a high-output battery, which led to high development costs and poor sales. In contrast, another company adopted open-source development, sharing its battery technology with competitors. This collaboration reduced costs, resulted in efficient and affordable batteries, and led to strong sales and industry-wide advancements. 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

So, in many animal species, hunting is a critical activity that requires a lot of energy and skill. Animals have developed various strategies to make hunting more efficient and conserve energy. Clever hunting strategy is used by some species to lure prey closer, which conserves their energy.

First, some animals are naturally equipped with innate trapping mechanisms that allow them to capture prey without expending much energy. Take antlions, for example. In the environments where these insects live, digging a pit trap in sandy soil is an efficient way to catch prey. An antlion constructs a conical pit and waits at the bottom. When an unsuspecting ant falls into the pit, it slides down the steep sides, unable to escape. The antlion then easily captures the ant. This trapping method ensures the antlion can secure food with minimal effort, conserving energy for other vital activities.

Now, another clever hunting strategy involves using objects to attract prey. We see this in herons. These birds have been observed dropping plant seeds or small sticks into the water. Fish, drawn by curiosity or the promise of food, approach the surface, making them easy targets for the herons. This use of bait allows herons to catch fish with minimal effort. This strategy also allows herons to secure food efficiently, giving them more time and energy for other essential activities such as caring for their young or avoiding predators. The use of bait demonstrates a level of intelligence and adaptability in their hunting behavior.

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 how animals use clever hunting strategies to make hunting more efficient.（2024年5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 how animals use clever hunting strategies to make hunting more efficient and conserve energy. First, the professor states that some animals have innate trapping mechanisms. For example, antlions dig conical pits in sandy environments. When ants fall into these pits, they slide down the steep sides and are captured by the antlion waiting at the bottom. This method allows antlions to capture prey with minimal effort. Second, the professor notes that some animals use objects to attract prey. For instance, herons drop plant seeds or small sticks into the water to lure fish. Curious fish approach the surface, making them easy targets for the herons. These are the 2 clever hunting strategies provided in the lecture.

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