8月20日托福考试已经落下帷幕考情分析新鲜出炉！
整体难度不低
下午场又有写作重复上午场
老题居多
同学们觉得这次考得如何？
期待备考同学们都能顺利上岸！
阅读
R1
Invention of Air Conditioning
空调的发明最初是为了解决制造业中存在的问题。像棉花、纸张这类常用的制造材料，会从空气中吸收水分，这使得它们在空气湿度（也就是空气中水蒸气的含量）出现变化时，会产生收缩或伸长的现象，进而给质量控制带来很大困扰。
随着织布机械化程度的提高，织布速度不断加快，纺织厂车间内的温度变得更高，空气也更为干燥，这直接导致纱线变得又脆又容易断裂。早期为了控制湿度，人们尝试过在地板上洒水以及向纱线喷洒水雾的方法。这些做法虽然在一定程度上对制造过程起到了促进作用，但却让车间变成了一个既不舒适又存在安全隐患的工作环境。
R2
New Farm Technology and the Horse
在中世纪的欧洲（公元 5 至 15 世纪），马渐渐成为农业生产中的重要动力。古代的农民起初用一对牛来拉犁或拖车，简单的木轭套在牛脖子后面凸起的骨骼上，非常合适。不过，马的耐力要比牛强，每天能多工作两个小时。但马的脖子更长，背部也比较平滑，传统的牛轭会勒住马的脖子，当时常用的绕颈胸带也容易移位，甚至导致马窒息。直到大约 8 世纪，人们发明了硬颈圈（rigid collar），这种颈圈套在马的肩上方，能让马呼吸顺畅，发力也更充分。这一发明在 11 世纪的贝叶挂毯中还有所描绘。到了 15 世纪，马在拉犁和搬运重物中的使用比例已经达到了三成。
用马匹耕作，还需要让马有可靠的抓地力。钉马掌的技术在古罗马时期就已普遍使用，有一种观点认为，这项技术在中世纪早期曾一度失传，直到晚期才重新恢复；但也有学者认为，马蹄铁其实一直被沿用。不管实际情况如何，10 至 11 世纪时，马蹄铁的使用明显增多，这与中世纪道路硬化、货物运输对马匹的依赖加剧有关。给马钉掌不仅能保护马蹄，减少其在坚硬路面上长途负重时的磨损，还能让马更有力地蹬地前进，从而提高运输能力。在土质松软的农田里，马蹄铁的作用可能不大，但在气候湿冷的北欧地区，冬天的马蹄容易变软受损，这时钉掌就成了开垦土地必不可少的措施。
R3
Development of Mass Transportation in the United States
在美国，廉价公共交通出现之前，城市规模都不大，原因是人们只能靠步行去上班。直到 19 世纪末期，新型交通方式的出现才彻底改变了城市的面貌。城市开始依据收入水平和功能进行分区：中心区域是商业区，往外一圈分布着工厂和工人的住宅，再向外则是中产阶级的社区，最外围则成了富人居住的安静家园。
这种城市格局的变化，要归功于交通领域的革新。最早出现的马拉公交车，速度慢且费用高。后来，带有铁轨的马拉街车问世，它更加平稳，价格也更低廉，这吸引了中产阶级搬到郊区居住，每天通勤往返。但马车的性能仍有不足，之后缆车在多山的城市中发挥了重要作用。
而最为关键的突破，是 1888 年电动有轨电车的出现。这种电车速度快、票价低，还能实现换乘，一经推出便迅速风靡全美国，轨道的总里程也大幅增加。电车公司为了吸引更多乘客，甚至自行出资开发郊区，修建道路、种植树木来吸引居民入住，这直接推动了美国城市人口向周边扩散。
R4
Balinese Rice Farming
巴厘岛人种植水稻具备相对机构的条件，尤其是其灌溉系统，远比早已荒废的美索不达米亚平原先进得多。巴厘人的灌溉系统成效显著，其中一种被称为 “脉冲”（pulse）的现象值得留意。所谓 “脉冲”，是指在季风（monsoon）时期储存水分，然后在其他季节合理利用。而且，季风时期储存的水量是旱季（dry month）的 10 倍。这种 “脉冲” 不仅能补充水分，还能补充养分，同时调节水的酸碱度，并促进灌溉水的循环，科学家 SL 如此表示。
在灌溉过程中，当地人还会在水田里养殖一些小动物，比如鸭子、鱼等。选择这些小动物时需要谨慎，因为它们可能会啃食水稻幼苗，但养殖它们也有不少好处，例如可以捕杀害虫、增加肥料等。实际上，“脉冲” 的分配与使用，在很大程度上取决于一块田地内害虫数量的多少。当地人对水稻种植这项农业活动极为重视，相关行为早已超出了一人一村的范围。所有种植水稻的人都会参与其中，大家聚集在一起，商讨灌溉、杀虫、“脉冲” 分配、耕种与休耕土地的选择（休耕是为了保持土壤肥力）等事宜。这时，一座 EJ 寺庙就充当起了指挥所的角色，上述各项工作都由人们在此统一规划安排。
R5
European Green Crab Tough Survivor（重复2016.09.10）
欧洲绿蟹（European Green Crab）作为一种随人类活动扩散至北美和澳洲的入侵物种，凭借着多种强悍的适应能力，成为了当地生态系统中令人瞩目的 “Tough Survivor”。其之所以能在新环境中迅速立足并大量繁衍，与它在生理、食性、繁殖等多个维度的出色适应能力密不可分，包括：极强的环境耐受能力，灵活的食性、高效的繁殖能力以及出色的扩散能力。
R6
冰岛的语言特点
冰岛语是冰岛的官方语言，保留了古诺尔斯语的核心特征，与千年古语差异甚小。冰岛语有各种特点：传承性强，语法复杂、发言独特等。
听力
Conversation
C1:
一个实验分成两组，一组是真的去练钢琴，一组是用意念去练钢琴。男学生就很奇怪，因为这两组最终弹的都很好。教授说他们的脑子有个部分都扩大了，这个部分有助于他们弹奏。但是这个不能应用到运动中，运动项目是要练习的。后来谈到，冥想，说这也会有利于左脑部分扩大
C2：
学生要当志愿者活动把，女的给学生排版好像是早上六点吧，给参加活动人端茶倒水之类的。然后说，学生可以把她们艺术作品展示出来
C3：
在音乐戏剧课上，教授询问学生彼得的大纲进展，提到他研究乔治·格什温的音乐需缩小主题、聚焦重点。彼得转而说起自己在家乡社区剧院看了妹妹参演的《为你疯狂》，疑惑节目单称音乐由格什温创作，自己研究中却没见过这个标题的格什温音乐剧。教授解释这是“点唱机音乐剧”，即围绕已有歌曲创作原创剧情的音乐剧，《为你疯狂》的歌曲是格什温1930年代所作，而剧情直到1992年才创作。彼得还询问了点唱机音乐剧的流行时间，教授说明其风格的音乐电影1940 - 50年代就有，带完整剧情和丰满角色的舞台音乐剧则是21世纪初才兴起。彼得考虑研究该类型的流行原因、定义、基本元素并举例，教授表示认可，同时提醒他保持主题聚焦，彼得称周五会完成大纲。
C4：
讲的是一个学生和他的图书管理员，说是这个学生想在他那个图书馆里借一个关于一个叫jd的一个人，要看他的letter，然后那个图书管理员说他们学校的图书馆确实有这个，然后但是要这个学生monday来，因为其他时间他不开放，还说不允许他带什么电子设备之类的，说是要保护那个手稿。
C5：
商业作业，关于送早餐的商业计划
Lecture
L1:
研究地球水从哪里来。
地球水来自小行星，因为小行星含有水的成分。科学家想测试，发现海洋中的水同位素比例与小行星的同位素比例一样。后来发现古代海洋水的同位素比例与现代海洋同位素比例不一样，因此小行星带来水的观点不正确。
L2:
音乐史。
现代音乐产业的起源可追溯至18世纪末古典作曲家贝多芬及其创作方式。18世纪末的欧洲，音乐家多处于“赞助体系”中，受雇于皇室或贵族，为其专属创作，古典音乐也因此仅限上层社会聆听。贝多芬早期虽有赞助人，但受启蒙运动影响，信奉个人独立思考与艺术创作自由，不愿只为皇室创作，希望按自己的意愿行事。当时欧洲新兴中产阶级兴起，他们有能力购置钢琴，倾向于在家自行演奏娱乐，而贝多芬的音乐广受欢迎，人们开始购买其印刷乐谱在家演奏。
贝多芬的音乐吸引大众的原因包括：巧妙调侃皇室却不被察觉，比如改编与皇室相关的马蹄声节奏；创作当时钢琴无法演奏的音符，不受乐器限制，展现出反叛精神，这比其前辈莫扎特更为突出，契合了启蒙运动时期人们的观念。这种从皇室控制的赞助体系向大众娱乐的转变，让艺术家有了更多选择，而贝多芬的实践推动了这一进程，催生了公开演出、音乐厅相关工作、门票及乐谱销售等，使音乐家得以摆脱赞助人自立，为现代音乐产业奠定了基础，如今人们能轻易获取音乐、观看含音乐的电影等，都可追溯到启蒙运动及贝多芬的影响。
L3：
考古学。
围绕史前艺术展开，教授指出由于史前人类没有文字记录历史，其艺术对考古研究十分重要，这也是要求学生在研究论文中关注史前艺术的原因。
随后教授与学生讨论了作业：汤姆提到法国某洞穴中有一万三千年前用矿物颜料绘制的动物壁画，推测其用途可能是装饰或仪式，但洞穴绘画在同期其实相对罕见，绘制和雕刻更为普遍；伊丽莎白则研究了同一时期、同一地区不同洞穴中的“手指刮痕”，这是人们用手指在洞穴墙壁和天花板上留下的痕迹，许多被认为是孩子所为，研究者莱斯利·范·盖尔德和杰斯·库尼通过测量刮痕宽度和指尖形状，并与现代人的手部数据对比来估算制造者年龄，采用定量分析方法避免主观臆断，他们发现某个高天花板区域有大量儿童刮痕，推测成人会举起孩子让他们创作，尽管有人质疑这些杂乱线条是否算艺术，但教授强调史前艺术作为历史记录的价值，它们能反映制造者的生活，这正是考古学的意义所在。
L4：
研究蜘蛛网;
研究蜘蛛在吃饱与饿的状况下的区别，发现如果蜘蛛吃饱的话，其蜘蛛网是狩猎型蜘蛛网。但是，如果发蜘蛛没吃饱，它的蜘蛛网属于保护型蜘蛛网。然后讲了蜘蛛的丝也是有区别的
L5：
地球的板块构造运动速度会随时间变化，其关键驱动机制之一是俯冲(subduction)，即一个板块滑入另一个下方并重新熔融。俯冲速率受多种因素影响，其中冰川作用尤为重要:冰川移动时会刮削并搬运大量沉积物至大陆边缘，这些沉积物像润滑剂一样减少板块间的摩擦，促进俯冲过程。地质记录显示，两次全球性冰川期结束后(分别结束于22亿年前和6亿年前)，都出现了持续数亿年的板块运动活跃期。现代观测(如南美洲安第斯山脉)也证实，沉积物较多的区域俯冲阻力更小，板块运动更显著。
L6：
艺术史。
一个女画家的肖像画创新。文艺复兴期间的肖像画比较流行，因为人们开始专注于个体。然后讲这个画肖像的女画家讲到了她经历了比较好的教育，后面又遇到了米开朗奇罗，再到后面他的创新就是那个时候比较流行画一些写实的东西，与生活相关的东西。然后，他就是把肖像画跟生活相关的东西结合起来。然后出了一个他画他自己家里人的下棋的一幅画。
L7：
一个讲座考的埃及金字塔，工人地位很高以及金字塔墓穴中的船的作用。关于墓穴船的作用有几个理论：这个我现在有点点忘记了，我记着后面讨论了关于船是否有被使用的三个理论。第一个是没用过；第二个是给国王生前穿行尼罗河；第三个是用于给国王死后用的。然后学生问老师倾向于什么观点？老师反问学生如果是她，她会愿意给死掉的国王安排船吗？学生说不会。老师说所以她觉得也不太可能。
L8：
开花植物虽然出现较晚，却迅速成为主流。早期化石表明它们起源于河流洪泛区等环境恶劣、竞争少的动荡地带。科学家据此推测它们拥有快速生长的策略以抢占资源，但缺乏直接证据。近期研究通过测量化石叶片的叶柄宽度来估算其单位面积叶质量(LMA)，发现早期被子植物具有低LMA值(叶大而轻薄)，这与现代速生植物的特征一致，终于为早期开花植物通过快速生长占据生态位”这一假说提供了关键的间接证据。
口语
TASK 1 独立口语题
第一套：
Some people think that children should be rewarded for their effort even if they are not successful. Others think that children are being rewarded too often for anything that they try to do. Which view do you agree with?
第二套：
Some people think that children should be rewarded for their effort even if they are not successful. Others think that children are being rewarded too often for anything that they try to do. Which view do you agree with?
第三套：
Some people believe that if employees have some free time during their workday, they will be more productive. Others think it is better for employees to work all day without breaks. Which do you think is better?
TASK 2 校园题
第一套：
阅读：
学校提出了一个新的政策，鼓励学生参与政府实习项目，以增强学生的实践经验和职业规划能力。
听力：
1.建立行业联系：参与政府实习可以帮助学生认识行业内的专业人士，建立宝贵的人脉资源（connections）。这些联系不仅有助于学生在实习期间获得指导和建议，还可能为未来的职业发展提供机会，如推荐信、就业机会等。
2.积累背景知识：政府实习为学生提供了深入了解公共政策和政府运作的机会，使他们能够积累相关的背景知识（background info）。这种知识对于那些希望在公共部门或相关领域工作的学生来说尤为重要，因为它可以帮助他们更好地理解行业需求和职业要求，从而在求职时更具竞争力。
第二套：
阅读：
学校提出了一个新的政策，建议访客应住在酒店而不是宿舍，以减少对学生生活的影响。
听力：
1.访客礼貌且会提前沟通：支持该政策的学生认为，许多访客是非常有礼貌的，他们会提前询问宿主，确认访问细节，就像男生提到的自己的哥哥一样。这表明访客通常会尊重宿主的意愿和安排。
2.周边酒店费用过高：反对访客住在宿舍的另一个理由是周边酒店价格昂贵，超出了许多访客的支付能力。如果访客因经济原因无法负担酒店住宿，可能会影响他们的访问计划。
第三套：
阅读：
学校提出了改变宿舍房间定价的政策，建议根据宿舍的新旧和房间大小调整价格，以更好地反映住宿条件和成本。
听力：
1.房间大小与设施差异： newer dorms（新建宿舍）的房间通常更大，设施也更现代化。这些房间的维护成本相对较高，因此定价 higher（更高）是合理的。通过调整定价，学校可以确保收费标准与实际成本和服务质量相匹配，同时为住在 newer dorms 的学生提供优质住宿体验。
2.节省学生开支：合理调整宿舍定价可以帮助学生 save money（节省开支）。对于住在 older dorms（老旧宿舍）的学生，较低的定价可以减轻他们的经济负担，使住宿费用更加合理和可负担。这样学生可以将节省下来的资金用于其他教育相关 expenses（开支），如教材、活动费用等。
TASK 3 学术讲座题
第一套
主题：个性（Personality）
定义：这篇文章讨论了个性（Personality）在特定情境下的重要性，并通过一个具体例子来说明个性特征如何影响行为和互动。
例子：在一次会议中，一位教授迟到了十分钟。当他到达时，讲解员正在讲解一个已经讨论过的问题。教授打断了讲解员，提出了一个已经讲过的问题。这使得讲解员感到非常生气，认为教授是故意这样做的。这一事件反映了个性特征在互动中的重要性。讲解员的反应可能源于其对时间的严格要求和对会议流程的重视，这表明他在个性上可能具有较强的责任心和对效率的追求。教授的行为可能反映了他在面对信息时的主动性和直接性，这可能是他个性中较为直接和坦率的体现。
第二套
主题：蝴蝶放养模式（butterfly release pattern）
定义：指的是研究蝴蝶在不同放养方式下的行为模式，以了解其生活习性和交配习惯。
例子：研究人员观察到，当一批蝴蝶被同时释放时，它们会生活在一起，形成一个群体。然而，当蝴蝶被逐个释放时，研究人员发现它们倾向于成对出现，即一公一母。这个例子展示了蝴蝶在群体放养和个体放养下的不同行为模式，有助于我们更好地理解蝴蝶的社交和繁殖行为。
第三套
主题：光合作用（photosynthesis）
定义：它指的是植物利用阳光将水分和二氧化碳转化为氧气和葡萄糖的过程，是植物生长和能量获取的关键机制。
例子：
1.日照时间与光合作用的关系：当日照时间减少时，与光合作用相关的植物生理活动会受到影响。动物（可能是依赖植物生存的动物）也会因此改变行为，比如调整觅食或活动模式。
2.植物排水机制与季节变化的关联：在夏季，由于光照时间长，植物可以通过光合作用高效地排出多余水分。然而，进入冬季前，植物需要提前开始排水，否则随着天气变冷，植物内部的水分会冻结，对植物造成伤害。
TASK 4 学术讲座题
第一套
主题：湿地（wetlands）
定义：它指的是地球上那些长期被水覆盖或浸泡的地区，包括沼泽、泥炭地、湿草甸等，具有独特的生态系统和重要的生态功能。
例子：
1.Nursery（育苗场）：湿地作为许多水生生物和鸟类的繁殖和育苗场所，为幼小生物提供了安全的生长环境。例如，许多鱼类会在湿地的浅水区域产卵，幼鱼可以在这些区域躲避天敌并找到丰富的食物。
2.Feeding（觅食地）：湿地为大量野生动物提供了丰富的食物资源。在夏季，湿地中的植物生长旺盛，吸引了大量昆虫、鸟类和其他动物前来觅食。例如，候鸟在迁徙过程中会依赖湿地作为重要的觅食和休息场所，以补充能量。
第二套
主题： 建立联系
定义：它指的是通过某种方式与他人建立关系或互动，以便在将来能够保持联系或获取某种利益。
例子：
1.理发师与顾客的关系：理发师在剪头发时与顾客聊天，询问他们的兴趣，从而建立个人关系。这种个人关系会让顾客更愿意下次继续找这位理发师剪头发。
2.折扣策略：如果提供10%的折扣，人们会更愿意继续订阅杂志。这种经济激励可以鼓励人们维持订阅，从而建立长期的客户关系。
第三套
主题： 土地管理（land management）
定义：它指的是对土地资源进行规划、保护和可持续利用的过程，以实现生态、经济和社会效益的平衡。
例子：
1.吸引更多人来这个地方：一个地方原本因为某些原因人口减少，但通过土地管理，将其改造为一个艺术展览中心。这种转变不仅提升了该地区的文化氛围，还吸引了更多游客和居民前来欣赏艺术作品，从而带动了当地的人气和经济发展。
2.保护环境：土地管理的另一个重要好处是保护环境。通过合理的规划和管理，可以保护自然生态系统，防止土地退化和生物多样性的丧失。例如，设立保护区、限制过度开发和实施可持续农业等措施，都有助于维护生态平衡和环境健康。
写作
上午场：
第一套
综合写作
The reading passage and the lecture have contradictory opinions on whether marsupials are inferior to placentals. While the reading lists three reasons to prove the superiority of placentals, the lecture opposes all of them.
The first reason that makes the author believe that placentals are better than marsupials is that the slow development of marsupials’ immune systems makes them vulnerable to the environment. However, the professor claims that marsupials actually develop their immune systems the same way as placentals do, because marsupial mothers’ milk is filled with not only necessary nutrition but also all the required antigens for their offspring to develop a healthy immune system. Thus, marsupials are not inferior to placentals.
Another point the passage makes to prove that marsupials are not as good as placentals is that young marsupials are unable to regulate their body temperature. The professor, on the other hand, points out that reducing body temperature is a very effective way for many marsupials like the joey to lower the amount of energy and food required for survival when the outside temperature is decreasing. Having a different way of adapting to the environment does not mean marsupials are inferior.
According to the passage, marsupials fail to compete with placentals for resources to increase population in almost all ecosystems. Nevertheless, the professor says that Australia alone is enough to prove the theory wrong, for Australia is a place where marsupials proved themselves not only capable of competing with placentals but also superior to them for many hundreds of years.
学术讨论
Doctor Achebe
This week, we will be discussing space exploration. Some people think that it is a waste of money for governments to fund space exploration. Others disagree with this view arguing that space exploration is a valuable and necessary investment for our future. They think that it is worthy for governments to fund space exploration. I want to know what you think about this topic. Do you think that governments should fund space exploration? Why or why not?
Kelly
I don't think that governments should fund space exploration because it will be too costly to build spaceships and develop related technologies. Though space exploration tech costs billions, it doesn't offer direct benefits to most people, which makes its funding a controversial issue.
Andrew
Personally, I do think that all the costs will be worth it. The potential scientific discoveries and technological advancements could have far-reaching impacts that justify the initial investment. Imagine the new inventions that might come from this exploration. Such technology could greatly improve our everyday lives.
第二套
综合写作
The reading passage firmly contends that Necho II did not hire Phoenician sailors to explore Africa, while the listening material presents a contrasting perspective, arguing that they indeed made the journey. A detailed analysis of the key points reveals that the lecture effectively challenges the assertions in the reading.
To start with, the reading claims that the simple navigation techniques of that era were insufficient to enable sailors to cross the equator and reach southern Africa. However, the lecturer provides strong evidence to the contrary. Scientists, relying on ancient shipbuilding techniques and materials, recreated an ancient ship and successfully sailed it around Africa. This practical experiment demonstrates that, despite the simplicity of the techniques, circumnavigating Africa was feasible at that time. Just because the technology seemed basic doesn't mean it was ineffective; the successful recreation and voyage prove that the Phoenician sailors could have accomplished the same feat.
Moreover, the reading argues that Egyptian rulers had little interest in exploring beyond their territories. Nevertheless, the lecturer points out that Necho II was an exception. Although previous Egyptian rulers were conservative about maritime exploration, Necho II showed great enthusiasm for water transportation. He vigorously constructed canals to connect scattered waterways, aiming to promote maritime trade. Driven by his strong desire to find new trade partners, it is highly likely that he ordered sailors to attempt the risky voyage around Africa. His actions and ambitions clearly indicate that he was willing to support overseas navigation, which directly contradicts the reading's claim.
Finally, the reading suggests that ancient people were prone to making up stories, and the Phoenicians' sailing around Africa might be a fictional account rather than historical fact. In contrast, the professor in the lecture raises doubts about this view.The authenticity of the sailing story can be inferred from the specific details recorded in the account. For instance, the story mentions that at a certain point during the voyage, the sailors observed the sun rising to the north of them—a phenomenon that only occurs in the southern hemisphere, south of the equator. This precise astronomical observation aligns with the geographical reality of sailing around Africa. Ancient storytellers lacking actual sailing experience would not have included such an accurate, technical detail. Thus, the inclusion of this unique observation strongly supports the credibility of the Phoenicians' journey, undermining the reading's suggestion that the account was merely a fictional tale.
学术讨论
Doctor Achebe:
Many companies provide important products and services but at the same time cause environmental damage. Some people believe the way to prevent these companies from damaging the environment is for the government to require more penalties from them, such as higher taxes and larger fines. Do you think it is a good idea?
Andrew
A lot of companies make helpful products but hurt the environment too. I think the government should punish them more, like raising their taxes and fines, to stop the damage. Doing that would hold corporations accountable and force them to change in an impactful way. We can have both innovation and sustainability if governments incentivize it properly through penalties.
Claire
I disagree that we should penalize corporations more for environmental damage.
Many companies are already taking steps to adopt greener practices, and higher taxes or fines could discourage innovation and hurt the economy. Instead of punishing businesses, I believe the government should reward and incentivize sustainable choices through subsidies and tax breaks.
第三套
综合写作
The reading passage and the listening lecture present conflicting perspectives on methods to control the rapid spread of false bamboo in the United Kingdom. While the reading proposes three solutions, the lecture systematically argues that none are viable due to practical, financial, or ecological flaws.
The reading suggests that physically removing false bamboo from the soil can halt its growth.Proponents argue that direct extraction of weeds is a straightforward solution. However, the lecture counters that this approach is ineffective because false bamboo's root system extends several meters deep into the ground. Even if most of the plant is removed, tiny root fragments left behind will quickly regenerate, allowing the bamboo to recover. The lecturer emphasizes that the process would require excessive time and labor with minimal long-term results, as complete eradication is nearly impossible. This makes manual removal an impractical strategy for managing the invasive species.
The reading advocates using the powerful herbicide glyphosate to eliminate false bamboo, claiming it can efficiently target the plants. The lecture, however, highlights the prohibitive cost of this method. Controlling false bamboo would require applying glyphosate three to four times per quarter for multiple consecutive years. Even in a small area, the cumulative expense of frequent applications would be substantial. Given that false bamboo has already spread widely across the
UK, local governments would face overwhelming financial burdens to implement this strategy at scale. The lecturer concludes that the economic impracticality of herbicide use makes it an unfeasible solution, especially for long-term management.
The reading proposes introducing a natural predator, such as the plant louse from Asia, to control false bamboo. The lecture, however, challenges this idea by pointing out critical ecological and climatic barriers. The plant louse, native to warmer Asian regions, struggles to survive in the UK's colder climate, particularly during harsh winters. Freezing temperatures would decimate the louse population, reducing their ability to sustainably regulate false bamboo growth. Additionally,
introducing non-native species poses unforeseen risks, such as the louse adapting to feed on other local plants and disrupting the ecosystem. The lecturer argues that these challenges make biological control both unreliable and potentially dangerous.
学术讨论
Dr. Diaz
One traditional method of classroom instruction is lecturing. Lecturing involves the teacher talking about a topic for an extended period of time and expecting students to learn by listening attentively. Today, some educators believe that teachers should limit how much time they spend lecturing and instead teach by encouraging in-class discussions and having students work in groups. However, some teachers still teach primarily by lecturing. Do you believe lecturing is an effective teaching method? Why or why not?
Claire
I believe lecturing can be an extremely effective way for professors to teach if they have strong communication skills. Some of my most memorable classes have been taught by brilliant lecturers who captivated me with their engaging speaking style, ability to explain complex topics clearly, and passion for their subject matter.
Paul
I don't think pure lecturing works well as a teaching method. Without student participation, professors have no way to assess if students actually comprehend the material. Students can easily zone out during long lectures if they are just passively listening. Active learning through discussions, activities, and questions lets students engage with content and teachers identify gaps in understanding.
下午场：
第一套
综合写作
The reading passage and the listening lecture present conflicting perspectives on methods to control the rapid spread of false bamboo in the United Kingdom. While the reading proposes three solutions, the lecture systematically argues that none are viable due to practical, financial, or ecological flaws.
The reading suggests that physically removing false bamboo from the soil can halt its growth.Proponents argue that direct extraction of weeds is a straightforward solution. However, the lecture counters that this approach is ineffective because false bamboo's root system extends several meters deep into the ground. Even if most of the plant is removed, tiny root fragments left behind will quickly regenerate, allowing the bamboo to recover. The lecturer emphasizes that the process would require excessive time and labor with minimal long-term results, as complete eradication is nearly impossible. This makes manual removal an impractical strategy for managing the invasive species.
The reading advocates using the powerful herbicide glyphosate to eliminate false bamboo, claiming it can efficiently target the plants. The lecture, however, highlights the prohibitive cost of this method. Controlling false bamboo would require applying glyphosate three to four times per quarter for multiple consecutive years. Even in a small area, the cumulative expense of frequent applications would be substantial. Given that false bamboo has already spread widely across the
UK, local governments would face overwhelming financial burdens to implement this strategy at scale. The lecturer concludes that the economic impracticality of herbicide use makes it an unfeasible solution, especially for long-term management.
The reading proposes introducing a natural predator, such as the plant louse from Asia, to control false bamboo. The lecture, however, challenges this idea by pointing out critical ecological and climatic barriers. The plant louse, native to warmer Asian regions, struggles to survive in the UK's colder climate, particularly during harsh winters. Freezing temperatures would decimate the louse population, reducing their ability to sustainably regulate false bamboo growth. Additionally,
introducing non-native species poses unforeseen risks, such as the louse adapting to feed on other local plants and disrupting the ecosystem. The lecturer argues that these challenges make biological control both unreliable and potentially dangerous.
学术讨论
Dr. Diaz
One traditional method of classroom instruction is lecturing. Lecturing involves the teacher talking about a topic for an extended period of time and expecting students to learn by listening attentively. Today, some educators believe that teachers should limit how much time they spend lecturing and instead teach by encouraging in-class discussions and having students work in groups. However, some teachers still teach primarily by lecturing. Do you believe lecturing is an effective teaching method? Why or why not?
Claire
I believe lecturing can be an extremely effective way for professors to teach if they have strong communication skills. Some of my most memorable classes have been taught by brilliant lecturers who captivated me with their engaging speaking style, ability to explain complex topics clearly, and passion for their subject matter.
Paul
I don't think pure lecturing works well as a teaching method. Without student participation, professors have no way to assess if students actually comprehend the material. Students can easily zone out during long lectures if they are just passively listening. Active learning through discussions, activities, and questions lets students engage with content and teachers identify gaps in understanding.
第二套
综合写作
Sea turtles are large graceful marine animals, but their populations are declining. The reading claims that sea turtles can be protected by three solutions: using metal fences to block predators, banning the use of plastic bags, and letting fishers use turtle excluders. However, the lecturer disagrees with the reading's ideas and believes that its reasonings all have weaknesses.
First, the article mentions that setting up metal fences around sea turtle's nests would keep predators away and allow young turtles to hatch safely from the eggs. On the contrary, the listening material demonstrates the opposite idea that this solution might disable or negatively affect the sea turtle's magnetic sensory system, which is a crucial sensory that allows sea turtles to navigate in the sea to find places to feed and mate.
In addition, the author states that the use of plastic bags should be banned since the turtles can take them for jellyfish and eat, which block their digestive tracts. In contrast, the lecturer casts doubt on this theory and asserts that there have already been millions if not trillions of plastic bags floating in the ocean, so even if plastic bags are permanently banned, there wouldn't be a great difference. Also, even if they break down, the plastic pieces can still be harmful.
Last but not least, the speaker opposes the writer's third idea that by using a device called turtle excluder, accidental sea turtle kills by fishing vessels would be prevented. He then further explains that this method will not work out because fishermen are reluctant to use turtle excluders. They will it greatly reduce the amount of fish they can catch, thus reducing their profit. Moreover, it is also very easy for fishermen to avoid using turtle excluders. They can simply take off the turtle excluders at sea and put them back on when they return to the dock as if they were using the turtle excluders all the time.
学术讨论
Professor Achebe
In recent years, there has been ongoing debate regarding the relevance and necessity of public libraries. Some argue that in the digital age, where information is readily available online, libraries may have lost their significance. What are your thoughts on the importance of libraries today? Do you believe cities should continue to maintain public libraries?
Claire
Libraries were relevant when books were the main source of knowledge and people couldn't afford personal libraries. But in our digital world, public funding for libraries is an unnecessary expenditure. With so much information online, who needs physical books? Very few people read anymore. I haven't stepped foot in a library for years.
Paul
Public libraries are still valuable community resources. While digital information is widespread, libraries offer engaging programs that inspire kids' love of reading. From story times to summer reading clubs, these activities get children excited about books in a way websites can't match. Libraries nurture the next generation of readers - we shouldn't abandon them yet.
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