TOEFL TPO 74 Speaking Task 3 Sample: Explain how the example of the heron illustrates exaptation.

1.Sub Scores Delivery: 3 Language Use: 3 Topic Development: 3

2.Estimated Scores

23. 3.Delivery

The speaker's delivery is generally clear and fluid, with a consistent pace and only occasional pauses. However, there are some minor issues with punctuation and pronunciation that could be improved. For example, the speaker should work on pronouncing "glue" as "glare" and "birds" as "fish." Additionally, the speaker should practice using appropriate pauses to make the speech sound more natural.

4.Topic Development The response is coherent and well-organized, with clear connections between ideas and sufficient support or examples. The speaker effectively explains how the heron's use of its wings to block the sun illustrates exaptation. However, there is room for improvement in providing more specific details from the listening passage, such as mentioning that the heron lives near rivers and marshes in Africa. Additionally, the speaker should work on using more varied vocabulary and sentence structures to make the response more engaging.

5.Language Use

Adaptation Exaptation (corrected to match the term from the reading passage) is a behavior that animals use one of its existing features for new purposes. For example, a type of heron is a wading bird and they live in shallow water. They capture fish for food. However, they sometimes find it hard to see fish because the sunlight is so strong that it will reflect on the surface of the water. Then they figure out a solution. They use their wings, which were originally used for flying, to block the sun. They will put their wings above their head and form an umbrella, which creates shade to block the sun. By that way, they can eliminate the glue glare (corrected for accurate vocabulary). As a result, they can see birds fish (corrected to match the context) better and more clearly, so that they can catch more fish.

Revised Answer (140 words):

Exaptation is a process in which animals utilize one of their existing features for new purposes to adapt to environmental challenges. A prime example of this is seen in a specific type of heron, a wading bird that inhabits shallow waters near rivers and marshes in Africa. These herons primarily feed on fish but often struggle to spot them due to the glare caused by sunlight reflecting off the water's surface. To overcome this obstacle, herons have adapted to use their wings, initially meant for flying, as a means to block the sun. By holding their wings above their heads, they create a shade that eliminates the glare, allowing them to see fish more clearly and ultimately catch more prey. This innovative use of their wings exemplifies exaptation, as the herons continue to use their wings for flying while also employing them for a new purpose.

6.Mind Map

• Exaptation
  • Definition
  • Heron example
    • Wading bird
    • Feeding on fish
    • Sun glare problem
    • Wing adaptation
      • Blocking sun
      • Shade creation
      • Improved fish visibility

7.Key Words