Recollections of March 6th, 2024 TOEFLibt Exam
Edited by Derek. All rights reserved.
Reading
1. Targeted changes in the film industry’s audience.
Decades ago, the advent of television led to a significant decline in U.S. movie theater attendance. Television became the primary way people watched entertainment at home, reducing the need for viewers to travel to movie theaters. In order to attract specific audience groups, the film industry began to introduce rating systems to distinguish films suitable for audiences of different age groups. This is to ensure the film can strike a balance between families, children, teenagers and adults and cater to a variety of audiences.
As the film industry developed, films specifically made for young audiences appeared, including rock music films and science fiction films. These films often focus on the fun aspects of teenage life, as well as elements such as pop music and dating, to appeal to younger audiences. For example, Disney movies.
Film sales and distribution are also affected by economic and political factors. Some countries may not allow cash withdrawals within the country, so U.S. studios need to invest profits into the product and earn returns through exports. Imported films became a popular way to attract an educated audience. Imported films are often popular for their bold and edgy themes, not just for their profound content. Some countries have looser censorship systems, making it easier for these films to be introduced and shown in cinemas.
2. The American Agricultural Revolution was an important period in American history. At its core was the American rectangular land measurement system proposed by Thomas Jefferson. This system was proposed to divide land into small parcels for easy management and trade, thus promoting the settlement and commercialization of agriculture in the American West and becoming one of the most influential land plans in world history. However, behind this system was not only the management of land, but also influenced by the cultural background of the United States at that time.
The implementation of this system demonstrated the democratic side because it enabled millions of Americans to become independent landowners, thereby accelerating the rapid settlement of the country. At the same time, it is also closely related to markets and transactions, transforming land into commodities and promoting the commercialization of agricultural products. Farmers supported the growth of eastern industry by purchasing land and plowing it to grow cash crops such as corn and wheat. Over time, they began to specialize in growing a single crop and shipping it to eastern markets.
As rail transportation improved, the commercialization of agricultural products continued to accelerate. The emergence of railways changed the way agricultural products were transported and traded, from bagged transportation to container transportation, making agricultural products an abstract commodity and no longer just a physical product itself. This change promoted the development of the agricultural product market and accelerated the development of the US economy.
3. In nature, animals adapt to their environment in various ways, including changing their color to gain a survival advantage. The types of visual cells in an animal's eyes play an important role in behavior in low-light conditions. Visual cells are divided into rod cells and cone cells. Rod cells play a major role in low-light environments, while cone cells are responsible for color discrimination in bright environments.
The visual ability of predators is affected by the type and number of cones, which directly affects their ability to hunt prey. Take a hound chasing a rabbit as an example. The hound tracks the rabbit through its abundant rod cells and superior low-light vision, while the rabbit uses its color discrimination ability to adapt to different environments and camouflage itself as much as possible.
There are interactions between predators and prey, especially in terms of color. Some prey evolve camouflage colors to avoid detection by predators, and predators gradually adapt and learn to detect these camouflage colors. For example, crab spiders use the color of flowers and their own color shifts to catch insect prey. Crab spiders can adjust their color according to the color of the flower they are in to achieve better camouflage. Research suggests that the crab spider's color changes may be affected by the UV reflection of the flowers, rather than the red color that humans can detect.
Although crab spiders are visible to birds, research shows that birds do not often prey on crab spiders and more often prey on their insect prey. This suggests that bird vision is more influential in crab spider color adaptations. To increase their predation success, crab spiders adopt flexible behavioral strategies, including moving between flowers and flexibly choosing flower colors to make their camouflage more effective. This phenomenon reveals the complex and exquisite adaptive strategies adopted by animals in their struggle for survival, and color change is one of the key survival strategies.
Listening
01Conversation
1. The student discussed with the English literature professor the issue of choosing a thesis topic. The professor reminded the student to develop critical thinking and not rely too much on external sources. He also suggested that he choose "Robinson Crusoe" as the thesis topic first, and then explore Samuel Works by Richardson.
02Lecture
1. The Bodele Depression in the eastern Sahara Desert has been shown to have an important impact on the Amazon rainforest. This geographical area is located in northern Chad and is a narrow passage between two mountain ranges, a topographic feature that results in special climate and geological processes. Winds pass through the gaps between the mountains and create wind channels, causing Bodele to produce large amounts of ash, making it one of the dustiest places in the world. Far from being inconsequential, this dust is carried across the Atlantic by trade winds to the Amazon during the winter, where it becomes one of the main sources of minerals for the Amazon rainforest. According to research, more than half of the minerals in the Amazon rainforest come from Bodler dust. The discovery sparked widespread scientific attention and research because no one had previously realized a direct connection between this remote desert region and the South American rainforest. Further research found that the dunes of the Bodele Depression were primarily composed of diatoms rather than ordinary sand. This was a surprising discovery because diatoms are tiny diatoms that usually grow in water or moist environments. However, these microorganisms make up the bulk of the dunes in desert areas. Wind blows diatomaceous earth particles in the dunes to create dust, which in turn becomes one of the main sources of trade winds transporting minerals into the Amazon. This discovery changes people's understanding of the origin of dust in desert areas, while also revealing the complex and close ecological connections between regions on Earth. Dust from the Bodele Depression is not only affecting ecosystems in South America but may also have wider effects on the global environment.
2. As one of the most rich and diverse ecosystems on Earth, coral reef ecosystems face many dangers and challenges. Among them, the emergence of lionfish has become a prominent issue. Lionfish, native to the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, were first discovered entering the Atlantic Ocean 25 years ago. However, rather than spreading naturally into the Atlantic, they began to spread rapidly across the region, most likely due to accidental or intentional releases by breeders, becoming a real threat to the Caribbean and North American Atlantic coasts. Lionfish is a popular pet fish that attracts many people for its beautiful appearance and unique behavior. However, these fish wreak havoc on coral reef ecosystems when left unchecked. They feed on small fish and shrimps on coral reefs and compete with native fish, leading to a sharp decline in the number of many species in the coral reef ecosystem, and even some species are on the verge of extinction. To control excessive growth of lionfish populations, scientists and environmental groups have proposed various methods. Among them, encouraging people to eat lionfish is considered an effective measure. The meat of lionfish is delicious and can be made into various dishes. However, this approach has also caused some controversy. On the one hand, eating lionfish can help control its population and reduce damage to coral reef ecosystems; on the other hand, some people worry that overfishing of lionfish may lead to its local disappearance, thus affecting the ecological balance.
3. Art works are not only the artist’s personal creative achievements, but also a reflection of the social background and atmosphere of the times. Especially during the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century, buyers played a very important role in the creation process of works of art, which is very different from modern purchasing methods. A study of documents from 15th-century Florence shows that buyers stipulated details such as the painting's subject, color and payment terms in the contract. These regulations reflected the society's expectations and values for artworks at the time. For example, a buyer might ask the artist to use expensive pigments such as gold and the finest lapis lazuli to show off his wealth and status. This mentality of showing off wealth was very common in Italy in the 15th century. However, as times changed, contracts in the late 15th century gradually reduced the requirements for expensive pigments such as gold and lapis lazuli, and placed more emphasis on the artist's technique and the quality of the painting. This shows that social values are changing, with the wealthy beginning to pay more attention to hidden ways of showing off rather than outright luxury. This transformation also reflects the evolution of social culture and changes in concepts. In addition to the choice of paint, the contract also stipulates the division of labor between the artist and his assistants in the painting, and the buyer can request that the main parts be completed by the master. This illustrates buyers' higher expectations for the quality of the work and the artist's skills, as well as their respect and admiration for the artist.
4. Cities have high population density and diverse economic activities, while suburbs are more dispersed and dominated by single-family homes. This difference reflects the different development characteristics and functional orientation of cities and suburbs. In terms of urban development models, the professor introduced two main models: the concentric circle model and the multi-core model. The concentric circle model means that urban development presents a ring-shaped pattern that gradually expands from the city center to the outer layers. The multi-core model believes that there are multiple independent core areas within the city, each with its own unique functions and development dynamics. Students believe that the multi-core model is more realistic because modern suburbs not only have commercial centers, but also have service facilities such as medical care and have a high level of economic activity. However, the income correlation found in the study does not imply causation, and it could be the overall state of the economy that contributes to the decline in urban and suburban incomes. This is important because the relationship between cities and suburbs affects each other. Economic activities in the city will affect the development of the suburbs, and the development of the suburbs will in turn affect the changes in the city.
Speaking
01Task1
Some people believe robots will replace humans for many types of work in the future. Others don't think so. Which do you agree and why?
02Task2
Reading：
Students proposed that the school invite graduated students to come back to give information sharing or lectures to current students, rather than just faculty and staff.
Listening:
The girl agrees.
1. I have participated in such activities before and felt that I gained a lot, especially in terms of how to find a job and fill out application forms. This kind of practical information can’t be learned in everyday classes, so she believes hearing more real-life experiences from graduates will be of great help to current students.
2. Hold multiple information sharing sessions or lectures based on specific subject areas. She believes that graduates in different fields will have different experiences and insights, so holding multiple events for different subject areas can make discussions more professional and in-depth.
03Task3
Reading:
Circannual Rhythm refers to the phenomenon that animals undergo biological processes or changes at specific times of the year. This rhythm is often associated with seasonal changes, with animals entering hibernation or other quiescent states at the same time each year in response to factors such as changing temperatures, reduced food supplies, and reduced light hours. Even in controlled laboratory settings, animals enter hibernation according to their body's own rhythms.
Listening:
Take the Carpet Beetle as an example. This beetle usually enters a dormant state in late autumn and early winter every year, when the weather gets colder, the days are shorter, the nights are longer, and food is reduced. In this way, they use less energy and can survive the cold winter more easily. And every spring, as the weather warms and food supplies increase, they become active again. Even in a controlled laboratory environment, where scientists control temperature and other environmental factors, the beetles still go into hibernation according to their inherent annual rhythm. This suggests that the annual rhythm is driven by physiological factors within the animal's body itself.
04Task 4
Just-in-Time Inventory Management
Just-in-Time Inventory Management is a business strategy designed to reduce inventory carrying costs and waste by keeping inventory at a minimum to meet demand. This strategy applies to two situations: 1. For companies that sell perishable and perishable products, such as restaurants, they adopt a just-in-time inventory management strategy and only purchase enough fruits and vegetables for a few days to ensure the freshness of the products and reduce Waste due to expiration. 2. For companies selling influencer products that are easily outdated, such as the fashion industry, merchants will adopt a just-in-time inventory management strategy and only order a limited number of fashion products, such as fashionable jackets. This way, when new fashion trends emerge in the market, they can respond more quickly to customer needs and avoid holding too many out-of-season products.
Writing
01Integrated Writing
reading:
Reasons for the decline in the number of Southern Resident Orcas along the Pacific coast of North America.
1. Industrial chemicals such as PCBs may affect the reproductive ability of whales because these whales mainly feed on fish containing PCBs.
2. There are more and more whale-watching ships, and the sound of ship engines may interfere with the echolocation ability of whales and affect their hunting.
3. Researchers have found disease-causing bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, in water droplets exhaled by orcas.
Listening:
1. Other whale species living in the same area also ingested higher amounts of the chemical, but did not affect reproduction, suggesting that PCBs may not be a major problem.
2. The study found that the noise produced by ship engines is not loud and is comparable to the sound of storms, and storms do not affect the echolocation ability of whales.
3. Bacteria are present in the bodies of orcas, but most whales tolerate it and show no obvious signs of illness, so the decline cannot be explained solely by the presence of bacteria.
02Academic Discussion
Professor Achebe
This week, we'll examine issues in education reform. For example, some educators think that by focusing mainly on foundational knowledge in subjects like reading, math, and science, schools are not fully preparing students for success in the workplace. These educators argue that soft skills-non academic skills such as empathetic or having a strong work ethic-should be part of the curriculum, with classroom time dedicated to developing these skills. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Recollections of March 2nd, 2024 TOEFLibt Exam
Edited by Derek. All rights reserved.
Reading
1. After the division of the Roman Empire, writing and book dissemination in Europe experienced a series of evolutions and developments. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the techniques and cultural traditions of writing and book production suffered. Turbulent times made the preservation and dissemination of books and documents more difficult, and the supply of writing materials was limited.
In the early days, writing mainly relied on animal skins, such as vellum and parchment. These materials were very expensive and scarce, so the number of books was limited and most were owned by institutions such as monasteries and monasteries. Monasteries were often centers of book copying and preservation, with monks within the monasteries responsible for copying books by hand.
Over time, paper gradually appeared as a writing material and was introduced to Europe from China through the Arab world. The advent of paper made book production more affordable and mass-produced. The rise of universities in Europe also promoted the production and dissemination of books. However, until the early 15th century, copying books was still a very time-consuming and expensive process, limiting their popularity.
Book production revolutionized with the invention of movable type printing by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century. Movable type printing made the mass production of books possible, greatly reduced the cost of books, and promoted the spread of knowledge and information. The famous "Gutenberg Bible" was one of the first books in history to be produced with movable type printing, marking the revolutionary impact of printing on European book culture.
2. European colonists’ deforestation of the North American continent and its impact on the ecosystem.
European colonists traded large quantities of timber from the North American continent, leading to large-scale deforestation. This is different from the Indian practice, which was more about clearing forests for subsistence cultivation needs. Deforestation has led to changes in ecosystems, allowing certain insect species to increase and attack more types of plants, including those with thick skins. These plants often contain high nutritional value because they are in direct sunlight, but they also become more susceptible to insect damage.
Deforestation results in the wider spread of pests and diseases. Without adequate tree protection and soil cover, soil is gradually eroded, which also promotes the spread of insects and viruses. Timber clearing allows sunlight to reach more areas, heating the soil, and snow also provides insulation, increasing the likelihood that insects will survive the winter. Farmers enter cleared forests to allow livestock to eat and provide manure, but this also prevents new plant growth, causes water to flow into ponds, and increases the potential for mosquitoes to breed.
3. Jovian planets are the planets in the outer solar system. They are the most massive planets in the solar system. The hypothesis for their formation is that in the early days of the solar system, dust and gas gathered to form a larger core, which then formed a huge gaseous shell around the core. This gaseous shell is composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, two gases that are abundant in the solar system. During the chaotic early days of the solar system, these gases were captured by the gravity of the giant planets in the outer solar system and eventually took their current form.
Listening
01Conversation
1. Students go to a center to ask if they can change the part-time summer job they have applied for in hotel management. There are two options. The first one is mandatory for a sophomore or junior, while the second one is paid. During questioning he gave a range of reasons but ultimately concluded he did not need to change jobs.
2. Ask the professor bioluminescent class questions.
3. The students asked the teacher to discuss transportation issues. The teacher told the students that they could choose to take the bus home or other transportation options.
02Lecture1. German painter Hans Holbein the Younger was one of the most outstanding portrait painters of the Renaissance. Holbein was known for his superb painting skills and attention to detail. His works are often characterized by realistic imagery and fine detail, and his artistic style was heavily influenced by Renaissance Italian art, particularly inspired by his time in Florence, Italy. The period in which Holbein lived was the peak of the European Renaissance. During this period, many political, religious and cultural changes occurred in European society. His portraits are not only records of the powerful and elite at that time, but also reflect the style and values of society at that time. His works often incorporate Renaissance humanist ideas, emphasizing individual dignity and human rationality. Therefore, Holbein's portraits are not only a depiction of the appearance, but also an exploration of the characters' inner world and social status. This combination makes his works have profound historical significance and artistic value.
2. The usefulness of the ruins of ancient ireland.
Speaking
01Task1
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A leader needs to be a gifted speaker.
Thoughts:
I agree that a leader needs to be a good speaker.
Reason for selection 1:
An effective leader must be able to inspire through powerful speeches.
Example: The manager’s oratory skills keep us motivated to achieve our goals.
Reason for choice 2:
Strong public speaking skills enable a leader to persuade others to follow him.
Example: I was a member of a student union, and the president convinced us to adopt new measures because of his logical arguments and clear and fluent expressions at the meeting.
02Task2
Reading
The school plans to convert an office in the library into a silent writing room to help students focus better. Reasons for the proposal include reducing distractions from classmates talking in the library and providing a quiet space for students to focus on studying or writing. This writing room will not have internet access to ensure quiet.
Listening
Half of the boys agreed and half disagreed.
1. He believes that this proposal will help students concentrate when writing papers. He was often interrupted by classmates' conversations in the library, so he thought a silent writing space was necessary.
2. Lack of internet connection may cause inconvenience to some students, especially when they need to find information. The student expressed doubts about using the writing center frequently.
03Task3
Reading
The backfire effect refers to the phenomenon that when one person tries to change another person's point of view, by providing negative examples or information, it deepens the persistence of the original point of view and makes the original point of view more firm.
Listening
The professor's friend wanted to live in a more environmentally friendly way, so he decided to switch to a new energy vehicle, thinking it would be more environmentally friendly. However, the professor told his friend that producing new cars would actually create more pollution and suggested that he use his existing vehicles for a longer period of time to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Despite the professor's negative information, the friend persisted in his decision and ultimately purchased a new car, demonstrating the existence of a rebound effect.
04Task 4
Aquatic mammals need to control their breathing while sleeping to ensure they don't drown. There are two main strategies: 1. Some aquatic mammals, such as whales and dolphins, can stay afloat on the surface of the water by adjusting the buoyancy of their bodies, which allows them to still breathe while sleeping. Additionally, these animals often have special structures on their sides, such as gills, that allow them to sleep while still getting oxygen from the water. 2. Other aquatic mammals may have the ability to wake up automatically. This means that when they need to breathe, their brains can send signals prompting them to come to the surface to breathe, a process that is often unconscious. An example of this is dolphins, which can stay alert during sleep and come up to breathe when needed, so they can still get oxygen while sleeping without drowning.
Writing
01Integrated Writing
Reading:
Protect prairie dogs (prairie dogs) should not be protected:
1. Protecting prairie dogs may harm farmers because they compete with cattle for grassland resources. This competition may lead to the reduction of grassland resources and adversely affect farmers' forage production.
2. Prairie dogs carry fleas, and these fleas may carry plague bacteria. Plague is a serious infectious disease that can cause health problems if humans come into contact with infected fleas.
3. Since prairie dogs are at the bottom of the food chain, the role of protecting them may be relatively small for the ecosystem. This is because they feed primarily on grasses, with no other species directly relying on them as a food source.
Listening(refutations)
1. Cattle are often raised in specific areas rather than on natural pastures. Therefore, competition between prairie dogs and cattle is not a real problem. In addition, prairie dogs are natural builders of grass, digging burrows to improve soil aeration and drainage, promote plant growth, and help keep grass healthy.
2. Although prairie dogs carry fleas, and these fleas may carry plague bacteria, in fact, such fleas do not survive on humans. Only a handful of people have been infected with plague over the past 50 years, so the risk of human infection is very low. Additionally, with appropriate public health measures and education, people can reduce the risk of contact with prairie dogs.
3. Prairie dogs play an important role in the grassland ecosystem. Their burrows provide habitat for other species, including rare species such as snakes and foxes. In addition, prairie dogs are also an important part of the food chain, providing a source of food for other animals. Protecting prairie dogs helps maintain balance and diversity in the ecosystem.02Academic discussion
Your professor is teaching a class on education. 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.
Professor Diaz
This week we will discuss issues faced by secondary school administrators. I'm referring to schools for teenage students. One such issue is students who change schools. Students change schools for many different reasons, the most common being a family move. On the discussion board, I want you to exchange ideas about what schools can do to make the transition to a new school easier for teenagers.
Recollections of Feb 27th, 2024 TOEFLibt Exam
Edited by Derek. All rights reserved.
Reading
1. A long time ago, no laws of the sea existed as we do now. This means that in the past, fishermen could fish anywhere in the ocean, even in other countries' waters. Over time, marine resources have come under pressure from overfishing due to increases in global human population and fishing activity. Some countries fish in the waters around India, sparking controversy. At that time, people generally believed that the ocean resources were abundant and unlimited, so it was believed that they could be fished without restrictions.
As some European countries became aware of the limited nature of marine resources, they began to enact legislation to restrict uncontrolled fishing. These countries have proposed banning indiscriminate fishing. Other countries have followed suit and begun to enact regulations to manage marine resources. Soon, many countries began to enact laws and regulations stipulating distances from the coastline.Farwhere fishing can be done. This distancing is intended to protect marine resources, but it also raises some questions. Some countries with narrow coastlines may resent such regulations because their fishing range is limited.
In order to solve the management problems of marine resources, some countries have begun to seek to expand their maritime jurisdiction for their own interests. Subsequently, the international community began to form a consensus that some international conventions were needed to regulate the use and management of sea areas. This has led to the further development of international maritime law, including international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which stipulate the rights and management of each country's territorial sea, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. In addition to fishery resources, international law also emphasizes the protection of the entire marine ecosystem. This includes banning waste emissions, reducing plastic pollution, and establishing protected areas to maintain ecological diversity.
2. Spectroscopy is an important field of science that involves the analysis of light emitted by stars or other light sources to obtain information about the composition of the object or gas that absorbs the light. The basis for this research dates back to the early 19th century, when British physicist and chemist William Wollaston first observed the many dark lines produced by sunlight passing through a prism. Shortly afterwards, the German physicist Joseph von Franzhofer also observed dark lines in the solar spectrum. These discoveries laid the foundation for spectroscopy.
In the 1850s and 1860s, spectroscopy experienced important developments. Robert Bussen and Gustav Kirchhoff made key advances in Germany. They study spectra by heating different substances and analyzing the light they emit using spectroscopy. During their research, they discovered a number of interesting phenomena, including the appearance of a large number of dark lines in the spectrum of the sun or star, each line having its own precisely determined wavelength in the spectrum. Frankov even counted 574 lines in sunlight and found that many of the same lines appeared in the light of other stars, suggesting that each luminary had its own unique pattern of spectral lines.
Busson and Kirchhoff's key discovery was that each element produces its own characteristic set of lines in the spectrum, as unique and unambiguous as a fingerprint. When a substance is heated, a bright emission line is produced; when white light passes through a cold gas, a dark absorption line is produced. For certain gases, such as hydrogen, the bright lines produced by the hot gas are located at the same locations in the spectrum as the dark lines seen when white light passes through the cold gas. These observations provide an important theoretical basis for the application of spectroscopy.
The application of spectroscopy in astrochemistry is particularly prominent. Once scientists understood the relationship between the chemical composition of a substance and its spectrum and performed spectroscopic analyzes of different elements in the laboratory using the heat of a Busson lamp, they were able to immediately identify the elements present in the sun and stars. For example, Kirchhoff first discovered the characteristic line of sodium in the solar spectrum in 1859. The development of this method provides a key tool for our in-depth understanding of chemical elements in the universe, and has wide applications in geochemistry, astronomy and other fields. The development of spectroscopy not only expands our understanding of the universe, but also promotes the development of human science.
3. Ocean currents are an important part of the movement of water in the ocean, and their formation is affected by many factors, including scientific principles such as wind and the rotation of the earth. These factors lead to a huge movement of seawater in the horizontal direction. In the vertical dimension, the movement of sea water is also very important. There are differences in temperature and salinity between the deep and surface layers of seawater, which drive the movement of seawater. Especially in polar regions, cold water sinks due to increased density, forming deep ocean currents, while warm water rises to form surface ocean currents.
Deep ocean currents and surface ocean currents reconnect after rising in specific areas, forming a closed loop of the ocean current circulation system. Such rising areas have profound implications for local climate and biological activity.FarImpact. For example, near rising areas there are usually higher precipitation and abundant marine life, which has important implications for the climate and ecosystems of the nearby area.
Ocean currents have a significant impact on the climate of the areas they pass through. A well-known example is the North Atlantic Current, which has a significant impact on temperature differences between Scandinavia and North America and plays a key role in local vegetation growth. This impact is not limited to land, but also extends to marine ecosystems, and has an important impact on the distribution and reproduction of marine life.
Overall, ocean currents play a crucial role in global heat exchange. The interconnected current system among the global oceans creates a complexmiscellaneousThe dense network is called the "ocean conveyor belt." This system not only regulates the global climate, but also plays a key role in transporting heat in the polar regions. It has profound implications for the earth's thermal balance and the operation of ecosystems.FarImpact.
4. The domestication of bison in North America is a historically important and compelling process, and although its exact time and place are controversial, through long-term research by archaeologists and biologists, we are gradually beginning to understand the details of this process. Archaeological discoveries in the Sahara Desert have revealed a large number of ruins and signs of human accommodation, indicating that the ancient Sahara may not have been arid as it is today, but rather a place with water sources, which was crucial for the survival of humans and animals. Archaeologists have also found traces of cattle bones at these sites, and the size and dimensions of these cattle ranged between wild and domestic, indicating that they were likely domesticated by humans.
There is some debate regarding the domestication of bison in North America. Some scientists believe that the first animal domesticated by humans was sheep, not cattle. However, by comparing the DNA of European and African cattle, researchers found that the DNA sequences of the two species began to evolve independently about 20,000 years ago. African humans began domesticating cattle around a few thousand years BC. However, the exact time and place of domestication remains a mystery.
Some scholars believe that the domestication of cattle may have occurred in the ancient Egyptian civilization and gradually spread throughout the Sahara region. However, due to drought in the Sahara, there have been few archaeological finds in the Nile Valley over the past 10,000 years, which poses challenges in determining the exact time and place of domestication.
5. Due to their huge size, kangaroos need to use various methods to discharge body heat. The primary cooling mechanism is through rapid, shallow breathing. When a kangaroo's body temperature rises, its breathing rate may increase severalfold. Another important way kangaroos lose heat is by regulating blood flow around their respiratory tract, as blood flow is related to how quickly heat flows. Since respiration is its only way of dissipating heat, kangaroos must have large amounts of blood to dissipate heat.
In hot environments like Australia, kangaroos could also theoretically shed heat through sweating, but this could result in more heat absorption because the sweat evaporates quickly. Additionally, to get rid of this extra heat, kangaroos need a lot of water, so breathing is a more efficient option. Because the kangaroo's jumping motion generates a lot of heat,FarMore than regular exercise and therefore requires greater breathing volume. Sometimes, the respiratory system may not be able to expel such a large amount of heat, so the kangaroo resorts to sweating. Kangaroos also have the unique ability to no longer sweat after stopping exercise and only dissipate heat through breathing, which also helps save water.
Another way kangaroos dissipate body heat is by licking their skin to moisten it, which in turn helps dissipate the moisture. Decades ago, scientists generally believed that licking was a primitive behavior, so kangaroos were initially viewed as primitive animals. However, as we discover more of the kangaroo's cooling mechanisms, we realize that it is actually a highly adapted animal. Why Kangaroo retained this less efficient way of dissipating heat remains a question. Some scientists have suggested that kangaroos' upper arms have dense blood vessels, and licking this area can effectively dissipate heat, so this method is preserved.
Listening
Conversation
1. A student expressed that he felt uncomfortable during a performance in a French literature class. The professor provided two ways of help: technical support and writing a synopsis for the program. A student asked if he only needed to summarize two scenes, and the professor suggested that in addition to introducing the content, he also provided background knowledge, such as character relationships and backstory.
2. The student chose to comment on the works of William de Morgan and found that they used a large number of symmetrical repetitions and elaborate designs. The professor encouraged her to analyze the aesthetic realization of the works through critical thinking, especially starting from the theme of the works, and delving into the details and arrangement. How to highlight symmetrical themes to improve reviews.
3. The student chose the topic of the oral report on the 19th century Stagecoach Express and planned to introduce its history, routes and interesting stories. Although the midterm exam for the chemistry course was approaching, he temporarily decided to proceed as planned despite the professor's reminder. He was advised that Hollywood movies may exaggerate historical facts and he was advised to research more deeply and think critically using academic sources.
Lecture
1. In Western culture, philosophers play multiple roles. They are both intellectuals in academia and important figures in social and public life. Their works and ideas are not only influential in the academic field, but also widely penetrated into all levels of society. The works of philosophers are disseminated through books, lectures, speeches, etc., and have a profound impact on social ideological trends and values.FarInfluence. Their ideas do not just stay in academia, but are widely discussed and applied in social life. Philosophers like Aristotle were actively involved in political and social affairs. They are not limited to academic research, but are also involved in discussions about the rights and responsibilities of citizens, providing comparative studies on government systems and other aspects, and assuming some public service responsibilities. Their participation combines philosophical ideas with practice and promotes social development and progress. Public intellectuals provide important reference opinions and decision-making suggestions to the government and society through in-depth thinking and critical analysis of social issues. Their independent and objective attitudes and profound insights provide valuable ideas and directions for solving social problems.
2. The story of the discovery of Neptune. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, astronomers established a wide range of astronomical laws through observations of the motion of celestial bodies, such as Newton's law of universal gravitation. On the basis of these laws, astronomers are able to predict the orbital positions and movements of planets. However, although astronomers used these laws to successfully predict the position of Uranus, subsequent observations revealed some deviations that did not meet expectations. The trajectory of Uranus seems to have deviated abnormally, and is different from the theoretically calculated position.
The discrepancy in these positions piqued the interest of astronomers, and some scientists began to speculate that the deviation was caused by another as-yet-undiscovered planet. They believe that if there is aFarThis deviation can be explained by the existence of planets away from Uranus and their influence on Uranus's gravity.
Through mathematical analysis of Uranus' position anomalies, French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier and British astronomer John Couch Adams independently proposed calculations and predictions about the possible existence of this unknown planet. They used mathematical and celestial mechanics calculations to predict the position and mass of this hypothetical new planet.
Subsequently, astronomical observer Johann Galle, at Urbach's suggestion, observed a new planet, Neptune, in the sky near the location predicted by Urbach in 1846. This observation successfully confirmed the predictions of Urbach and Adams and proved the existence of this new planet.
3. Peatland is a unique wetland environment. Its formation is mainly due to the difficulty of plants decomposing here, resulting in the accumulation of peat. This environment is ideal for the preservation of organic material and has attracted widespread attention from archaeologists. Ancient artifacts found in peatlands, such as wood, textiles and animal skins, often remain relatively intact for thousands of years, providing valuable clues to the study of ancient societies.
Some exceptional artifacts have emerged in some peatland archaeological finds, the most notable of which is Nordic peat butter. This butter is the result of people burying butter in peatlands in ancient times, sparking curiosity and research interest. There are two main explanations for this phenomenon.
The first is a practical explanation. People may have buried butter in peatlands to take advantage of the special environment of peatlands to preserve food. The low temperature, high humidity and lack of oxygen in peatlands can effectively prevent food from spoiling, thereby extending the storage time of butter and making it less likely to spoil. This practice may have been a common way of preserving food in ancient times when modern refrigeration facilities were lacking.
Second is the ritual explanation. Another explanation is that people burying butter in peatlands may have had religious or ritual significance. This behavior may be viewed as an offering or sacrifice to a deity, or may be associated with a special ritual activity. In the religious beliefs and ritual practices of ancient humans, sacrificial behaviors for food, animals or other items often appeared, so burying butter in peatlands may be closely related to such beliefs and rituals. This ritual interpretation provides important clues for understanding ancient social and religious activities, revealing the belief systems and cultural traditions of ancient people.
4. Desert glaze is an extremely thin natural coating formed on the surface of rocks. People in the ancient south and west often used this feature to carve rocks. These ancient rock carvings often carry important historical, cultural and mythological stories, and are of great significance to understanding ancient human society and cultural inheritance.
A petroglyph from Mesaville National Park in Colorado may depict the story of two families or tribes returning to their origins after being separated from elsewhere. This kind of rock carving not only reflects ancient humans' thinking about their own history and the origin of their ancestors, but also bears witness to the social structure and migration methods at that time.
The study of desert glazes has great potential for preserving rock carvings. By analyzing the chemical composition and exotic materials in desert glazes, we can learn about the rocksstableQualitative, tools used by ancient humans and the age of rock carvings. For example, desert glazes on rock surfaces may contain organic matter or other minerals that could provide clues about the tools and carving techniques used by ancient humans. At the same time, by analyzing the trace elements and isotope ratios in the desert glaze, scientists can determine the age of the rocks and understand the historical background and era characteristics of the rock carvings.
Speaking
01Task1
Because most students have their own laptops, your university is considering closing the campus computer lab, where students use university-owned computers. Do you think this is a good idea and why?
thoughts:
Disagree with closing computer labs.
Reason for selection 1:
Not all students can afford their own laptop
Example: I didn’t have a laptop when I was a freshman and needed to rely on the public computers in the library to complete assignments.
Reason for choice 2:
The laboratory provides a place for communication.
Example: When I do group assignments, I go to the computer lab with my classmates to practice pre.
02Task2
reading:
The professor suggested that the students visit the Egyptian sculpture exhibition in the museum.
First of all, by viewing the exhibits in person, students can understand and experience the works more deeply, because personal contact allows them to learn and remember faster and more profoundly than pictures in books;
Secondly, the professor has specially obtained a discount of half the ticket price for the students, which makes visiting the museum no longer a financial burden for the students and makes it easier to obtain this learning opportunity.
listening:
The girl agrees.
1. Seeing the statues in person can help students understand the exhibits more deeply, which is very beneficial to their learning.
2. She used to think that museum tickets were expensive, but now with the professor’s discount, she thinks this opportunity has become more affordable and more students can participate.
03Task3
reading:
Agroforestry is a management method that combines agriculture and forestry. This approach aims to make better use of land resources.
listening:
In agroforestry systems, farmers often plant crops and trees together in farmland or woodland to achieve optimal land management. Take coffee tree cultivation as an example. In the past, farmers might clear trees and vegetation in the planting area to make more space for growing coffee trees. However, doing so may damage the local ecosystem, causing migrating birds to lose their habitat and affecting the ecological balance. To solve this problem, farmers have adopted the practice of agroforestry systems, where coffee trees are planted between existing trees and the surrounding vegetation is cleared to create more space. This practice has two main benefits related to wind: First, the tree's root system canstableFirm the soil and prevent soil erosion; secondly, the presence of trees can reduce the damage to coffee trees by strong winds and provide protection.
04Task 4
The planning fallacy refers to the misjudgments that people often make when making plans, leading to larger deviations from their expectations of the actual situation. 1. The first mistake is to make plans that are so ambitious that they become unachievable. For example, some people may have a full schedule every day. Once an unexpected situation occurs and the plan cannot be completed on time, they will become frustrated and even give up the original plan. 2. The second mistake is a lack of flexibility, that is, not considering theconsiderto the influence of external factors. For example, a person plans to review an article one evening, but cannot proceed as planned because a child is sick and needs care.
Writing
01Integrated Writing
reading:
Impact of the non-native plant Honeysuckle on local ecosystems.
1. Honeysuckle helps disperse native plant seeds because animals eat the honeysuckle berries, taking away the seeds of other plants.
2. Honeysuckle can limit the spread of wildfires.
3. Honeysuckle serves as a food source and provides nutritional support to migrating birds.
Listening rebuttal:
1. The seeds of honeysuckle fall at the same time and at the same place as the seeds of other plants. Honeysuckle usually wins out and affects the growth of other plants.
2. When wildfires spread, they cause chemical and physical changes in the soil, making it more nutritious and beneficial to the growth of a variety of plants. In areas with dense honeysuckle, where wildfires are prevented from spreading, levels of nutrients such as nitrogen in the soil may be reduced, affecting the growth of other plants.
3. Only certain types of food can provide enough fat to help birds store energy. For example, the berries of the native plant dogwood contain more fat, while the berries of honeysuckle contain less fat.
02Academic Discussion
Some people believe they get the most benefit when that time off is structured: that is it involves planning in advance about what will be accomplished on that day. Others believe it is better to enjoy the day with no plan for how to spend it. In this discussion post please indicate which of those approaches to spending time off from work on school you prefer and why?
Recollections of Feb 17th TOEFLibt Exam
Edited by Derek. All rights reserved.
Reading
1. The development of newspapers and journalism in the United States in the 19th century.
In the United States 100 years ago, the demographic structure changed as more and more workers moved into cities. Urbanization and industrialization brought with it a wider demand for news. As literacy rates rise, more people can read newspapers, driving an increase in demand for newspapers that are new, easy to read, and interesting.
Advances in printing were one of the key factors in the change in journalism. New printing presses increased the speed and accuracy of typesetting, and the technology replaced the slow, limited-production equipment used over the past few hundred years. This reduces the production costs of newspapers and promotes the professional and large-scale development of journalism.
The rise of the telegraph industry made it possible to transmit information over long distances. The establishment of news agencies and the use of submarine cables greatly accelerated the speed of news delivery, shortening the time that might have taken more than ten days to just a few minutes. This rapid dissemination of information facilitates the rapid circulation of global news. The use of telegraph required more concise writing. To overcome problems caused by telecommunications instability, journalists changed the structure of their writing to put the most important information first. This style later continued into radio and television news, making headlines more concise and direct, allowing readers to quickly get to the heart of the event.
The news industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with speed becoming the key to winning readers and advertising dollars. In order to attract public attention, news content began to become more sensational, focusing on reporting attention-grabbing events rather than ordinary everyday events. These changes have had a profound impact both inside and outside the journalism industry, changing the style and content of reporting.
2. Research on human origins shows that early modern humans originated in Africa and began migrating to other parts of the world tens of thousands of years ago. Ancient human fossils and remains have been found in some areas of Southeast Asia. These fossils show similar characteristics to humans of African origin, providing evidence for the migration of early humans from Africa to Southeast Asia. Early human tools, life relics and other traces of human activities have been found at some archaeological sites. These sites show the presence of ancient humans in Southeast Asia, proving their activities and settlement in the region.
3. The period of the Industrial Revolution marked a large-scale migration of the European population from rural to urban areas, but before industrialization, European young people already had a history of leaving their families to work to a certain extent. This phenomenon mainly manifests itself in children starting to leave home at a young age to work or apprentice elsewhere. Historians have some differing views on this, and their circumstances varied among people in different regions and social classes.
Before the Industrial Revolution, many young Europeans left their families at the age of seven or eight or even younger to become apprentices or work elsewhere. This situation is common in some areas, especially for poor families, who let their children leave home early to work in order to increase family income or provide a better life.
Extended family structures were common in Europe at the time, and young people rarely left the family before marriage. Women usually leave home under the age of 20 and go to the groom's house. In some countries, young boys may also go to work on a farm, but they may end up staying with that family. In poor families, children may start working on nearby farms at an early age. In some cases, a single mother may need her children to earn money, but this is not common.
Many children leave rural areas to work in cities, maintaining contact with their parents and often sending their earned wages home. Large cities are attractive to immigrants from distant areas, who may gain a degree of autonomy once they arrive in the city.
4. Rock weathering refers to the process in which rocks are damaged, dissolved or decomposed by environmental effects on the surface or near the surface. This process can be caused by a variety of factors.
Physical weathering refers to the process of fragmentation and decomposition of rocks due to the action of natural forces. Oxygen and water promote physical weathering. The main function of oxygen is oxidation, which can cause oxidation reactions of some minerals in rocks, causing rocks to become loose or broken. The freezing and thawing of water in rock cracks can also cause physical weathering. When water seeps into rock cracks, it expands when it freezes and shrinks when it melts. Repeated this process can cause rock cracks.
Chemical weathering is the process by which minerals in rocks change as they react with water or chemicals in the atmosphere. Oxygen can cause minerals in some rocks to oxidize or otherwise chemically react, causing the rock to dissolve or break down. Carbonic acid dissolution is a common chemical weathering process that occurs when carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissolves carbonate minerals in some rocks, such as limestone.
5. Murals, Frescoes, and Easel Paintings
A mural is a large painting painted directly on a wall, ceiling, or building surface. They are integrated into the building structure, often as decorative elements. Murals can depict a variety of subjects, from historical events to cultural expressions or artistic designs. These paintings can be found in public spaces, buildings and even outdoor areas.
Fresco painting is a specific type of mural painted on fresh lime plaster. This technique involves applying water-based pigments to wet plaster, allowing the pigment to chemically bond with the plaster as it dries. The color actually becomes a permanent part of the wall or ceiling. Wall paintings are renowned for their long-term preservation and durability indoors, as the plaster maintains the integrity of the pigments. Famous frescoes include Michelangelo's artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Freestanding paintings are created on a portable support such as canvas or wood using a variety of painting techniques such as oil, acrylic or watercolor. Unlike murals and frescoes, freestanding paintings are not artworks that are directly integrated into architectural elements, but rather stand-alone pieces that can be moved and displayed in a gallery, home, or other interior space.
6. The impact of climate change on bird hatching and reproduction
Listening
Conversation
1. Students apply to extend the borrowing time.
2. Discuss the details of the questionnaire questions and answers with the professor.
Lecture
1. Neutron stars are extremely dense objects in the universe. They are the remnants of the core collapse of stars during supernova explosions.
Pulsar is a form of neutron star. It is usually a star that rotates at high speed and emits regular radio pulses. These pulses are generated by magnetic fields and rotation, and this regular radio pulse is used by scientists to identify and study neutron stars.
The Crab Nebula is a widely studied nebula related to neutron stars. It is the remnant of a supernova explosion in 1054, with a neutron star at its center.
Replenish:Neutron stars were first hypothesized in the 1930s, then a serendipitous discovery of pulses
The freq of this kind of pulse is in a range, not a fixed frequency (that is to say, it does not look like it is emitted by intelligent life), so pulsars were discovered (Listening finally emphasized that "pulsars are a type of neutron star" (This is a question))
This discovery is very helpful for the study of neutron stars
At the end of the article, the professor also mentioned, “If it weren’t for this discovery, we might still be scratching our heads now.” This sentence raises a hearing problem
2. Ancient salt production processes, including methods of extracting salt from seawater or underground salt mines. The importance of specific tools, such as a mold, a device used for the crystallization of salt. Similar remains of salt production are found in various locations. There may have been trade networks at these locations, and salt was traded and transported to different regions, becoming a cross-regional trade item. This may mean that in ancient times, there was exchange and trade between these areas.
3. Seeds that can be made into red dye.
4. Impressionist painting.
Replenish:The student asked the teacher if Impressionism originated in France? Then the teacher said it was not entirely correct, and then introduced the main content, talking about the Heidelberg School of painting in Australia. There are two special nouns that are emphasized, one is 9 by 5, and the other is air (can’t remember) (the emphasis is that they work out of studio, depict daily stuff)
5. Salmon migration routes.
6. Cloud seeding promotes the formation of water droplets or ice crystals in clouds by introducing chemicals or particles into clouds to increase the chance of precipitation or change precipitation patterns.
Speaking
Task1
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better for students to live with a roommate who is studying the same subject.
Thanks to you
Thoughts：
Students are better off living with roommates who study the same subject.
Reason for choice 1: Roommates studying the same major can understand each other’s schedules and share learning resources. For example, my roommate and I both majored in computer science. We often learn programming concepts together.
Reason 2: Roommates studying in the same field can motivate each other during tough times like exam week or project deadlines. I remember staying up many all-nighters with my roommates to complete a programming project. Having such mutual support and understanding is invaluable.
Task2
Reading：
The school requires all students to take a science course, but the courses offered are limited, resulting in many students being unable to take the courses they need. Therefore, some students suggested abolishing the compulsory requirements for science courses to free up more places for science students to take courses.
Listening：
The girl disagreed.
1. I believe that schools should increase the number of open science courses to solve the problem of students’ difficulty in grabbing classes. The belief is that schools have the financial resources and can afford to hire more teachers.
2. Art majors can apply the knowledge they learn through biology courses to their own artistic creations, which shows that non-science majors can also benefit from science courses, adding to the value of interdisciplinary learning.
Task3
The Elation Effect means that when employees receive an increase in salary or remuneration, they will show higher work efficiency or better work quality. This phenomenon may be because employees experience positive emotional states, such as joy or excitement. However, this effect is temporary and over time, employees may return to their previous level of performance.
A proofreader at a book publishing company might find more errors or read more pages per hour when they get a raise or other incentive. This increased productivity may be significant initially, but over time, this motivational effect will fade and employee work output may return to previous levels, even though the motivation remains.
Task 4
There are two ways for animals to hibernate: "Hibernation Patterns":
Hibernation patterns according to the body clock: Some animals enter hibernation at fixed times, either before the weather gets colder or before food becomes scarce. For example, a species of squirrel (desert ground squirrel) hibernates according to its biological clock. They actively store food in early summer and then go into hibernation in late summer, even when the weather is not very cold and food is not scarce.
External conditions-dependent hibernation mode: In this mode, animals only enter hibernation when the weather is extremely cold and food is very scarce. For example, a species of kangaroo mouse (pocket mouse) falls into this pattern. They only enter hibernation when food is scarce and will not enter hibernation once enough food is available.
Writing
Integrated Writing:
Reading：
The origins of the ancient European people Etruscans.
1. The writings of the ancient historian Herodotus stated that the Etruscans migrated to Italy due to famine in a kingdom in Turkey.
2. Arguments show that the language of Etruscans is related to the local language of an island in Turkey.
3. Through genetic analysis of Etruscan cattle, it was found that these cattle are more similar to cattle in Turkey.
Listening (disagree)：
1. Questioned the credibility of Herodotus's records, mentioned his descriptions of bizarre things such as giant man-eating insects, and suggested that his accounts may be more like stories than objective history.
2. One hypothesis is that the Etruscans may have brought the language to the Turkish region through navigation, contrary to the inference in the reading.
3. Considering that the Etruscans were good at trade, it is possible that they introduced Turkey's special breed of cattle to Italy through commercial contacts.
02 Academic Discussion:
Your professor is teaching a class on environment protection. 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 Achebe:
Some argue that factories, as major producers of pollution and waste, should be pushed to make dramatic changes in how they operate in order to protect and preserve the environment. Others contend that it is the small, cumulative actions of individuals that lead to the greatest impact, so public awareness and altered societal norms are most critical. I would like you to consider: who do you believe should make more efforts when it comes to environmental protection - factories or individuals?