TOEFL TPO -1 Writing Task 1 Sample: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they reply to each of the three explanations presented in the reading passage.
Historical user samples and AI evaluation results from an older TOEFL format.
4 archived user samples
Older TOEFL Format
This task is from a previous version of the TOEFL exam. The current TOEFL has a different structure. These archived samples remain available as a reference for practice.
Task Overview
Reading Passage
Chaco Canyon, located in a desert region in the southwestern United States, is an impressive cultural and historic site. The canyon was inhabited by Chacoan people between the ninth and twelfth centuries. Because of the region's dry climate, many historians believe that the Chacoans could not grow enough crops to be self- sufficient and had to import food from other locations. There are several reasons to think that the Chacoans could not fully support themselves with agriculture. Amount of Rainfall Historical weather patterns-information about temperatures or rainfall in the past- can be reconstructed using various evidence, for example, the analysis of growth rings of old trees. Based on this evidence, scientists found that the annual rainfall in the canyon was typically below the minimum amount necessary to grow corn(maize) and beans, the Chacoans, main crops. Therefore, the water in Chaco Canyon was too limited to grow enough crops. Salty Soil The soil in Chaco Canyon was largely unsuitable for agriculture. Researchers tested samples of soil from the canyon and found that the samples contained very high levels of salts. In fact, some of the soil samples were saltier than seawater. Given that crops do not grow well in highly salty soil, it is unlikely that the Chacoans could have supported themselves with agriculture. Population Size The Chacoan population was too large to survive only on the food produced in Chaco Canyon. The canyon has ruins of many large, multi- roomed buildings. From the size of those buildings, historians estimate that the Chacoan population was around a few thousand residents. Even if all available land in the canyon had been used to grow crops, the quantity of food produced could not have fed a population of this size. The Chacoans thus had to import food from other locations
Question
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they reply to each of the three explanations presented in the reading passage.
User Samples & Evaluation Results
User Sample
The author presents 3 reasons to support the fact that the Chacoans could not self-sufficient crop to maintain necessary surriving materials, while the lecturer in the listening material refutes each of these reasons and maintains an opposing view. Firstly, the reading passage suggests that the amount of rainfall is not sufficient for cultivating crops. However, the lecturer disputes this clam by explaining that the Chacoans solve these climate limitation through consturture such as resorvio and canels. Resorvirs can store rainfalls in the rainy season, while canels can distribute water in the resorvir to fields and the irrigation problem can be solved. Secondly, the author argus that the soil in Chaco Canyon is not suitable for agriculture. The lecturer challenges this assertion by offering an research examining deeper layer of soil, eventually proved that the deeper layer of soil contains much lower salt than it is on the surface. Moreover, other salt found in deeper soil maintain minerals that is benefit for growing crops. Lastly, the reading passage contends that the available fields in Chaco Canyon fail to support around a few thousand residents according to size of local buildings. The lecturer counters this argument by pointing out that the population in Chaco Canyon is lower than 1000. The reason why such size of buildings were found is that the Chaco Canyon is a religious center, and the visitors have to find somewhere to live, thus buildings were built for them. For the locals, the Chacoans are actually able to support themselves without imported food. In conclusion, there is a clear disagreement between the author and the lecturer regarding whether the Chacoans are able to support themselves with agriculture.
Evaluation Result
1.子项得分 任务完成度：4 组织：4 连贯与衔接：4 语言使用：3
2.预估分数
25. 3.任务完成度
整体来说，你的文章回答了题目要求的问题，并且成功地概括了听力材料中的观点。然而，有一些细节可以改进。例如，在引用听力材料时，尽量避免使用过于口语化的表达方式（如“chocolates”），以保持正式和专业的写作风格。此外，注意在提到听力中的论据时保持准确性。
改进示例1： 错误：Actually, some historians now think that the chocolates could produce enough food to support themselves. 正确：Actually, some historians now think that the Chacoans could produce enough food to support themselves.
改进示例2： 错误：The lecturer challenges this assertion by offering an research examining deeper layer of soil, eventually proved that the deeper layer of soil contains much lower salt than it is on the surface. 正确：The lecturer challenges this assertion by referring to research that examined deeper layers of soil, which showed that these layers contained much lower levels of salt than those on the surface.
4.文章结构与组织 你的文章结构清晰，包括引言、正文和结论。每个段落都集中讨论了一个特定的观点，并提供了支持细节。然而，在段落之间添加更明确的过渡词或短语可以使文章更连贯。此外，注意保持一致的时态。
改进示例1： 原文：Firstly, the reading passage suggests that the amount of rainfall is not sufficient for cultivating crops. However, the lecturer disputes this clam by explaining that the Chacoans solve these climate limitation through consturture such as resorvio and canels. 改进：Firstly, the reading passage suggests that the amount of rainfall is not sufficient for cultivating crops. However, the lecturer disputes this claim by explaining that the Chacoans solved these climate limitations through constructions such as reservoirs and canals.
改进示例2： 原文：Lastly, the reading passage contends that the available fields in Chaco Canyon fail to support around a few thousand residents according to size of local buildings. 改进：Lastly, the reading passage contends that the available fields in Chaco Canyon could not support around a few thousand residents based on the size of local buildings.
5. 语法批改
The author presents 3 reasons to support the fact that the ChacoansCharcoals(misspelling) could not self-sufficient crop to maintain necessary surrivingsurviving(misspelling) materials, while the lecturer in the listening material refutes each of these reasons and maintains an opposing view.
Firstly, the reading passage suggests that the amount of rainfall is not sufficient for cultivating crops. However, the lecturer disputes this clam by explaining that the ChacoansCharcoals(misspelling) solve these climatethis climate('this' vs. 'these') limitation through consturtureconstitute(misspelling) such as resorvioreserve(misspelling) and canelspanels(misspelling). ResorvirsReservoirs(misspelling) can store rainfalls in the rainy season, while canelspanels(misspelling) can distribute water in the resorvirreservoir(misspelling) to fields and the irrigation problem can be solved.
Secondly, the author argusArgus(misspelling) that the soil in ChacoChico(misspelling) Canyon is not suitable for agriculture. The lecturer challenges this assertion by offering ana(Use of 'a' vs. 'an') research examining deeper layer of soil, eventually proved that the deeper layer of soil contains much lower salt than it is on the surface. Moreover, other salt found in deeper soil maintain minerals that is benefit for growing crops.
Lastly, the reading passage contends that the available fields in ChacoChico(misspelling) Canyon fail to support around a few thousand residents according to size of local buildings. The lecturer counters this argument by pointing out that the population in ChacoChico(misspelling) Canyon is lower than 1000. The reason why such size of buildings were found is that the ChacoChico(misspelling) Canyon is a religious center, and the visitors have to find somewhere to live, thus buildings were built for them. For the locals, the ChacoansCharcoals(misspelling) are actually able to support themselves without imported food.
In conclusion, there is a clear disagreement between the author and the lecturer regarding whether the ChacoansCharcoals(misspelling) are able to support themselves with agriculture.
Section Title: 6.文章修订
The author presents three reasons to support the idea that the Chacoans could not produce enough crops to sustain themselves, while the lecturer in the listening material refutes each of these reasons and maintains an opposing view.
Firstly, the reading passage suggests that the amount of rainfall in Chaco Canyon is insufficient for cultivating crops. However, the lecturer disputes this claim by explaining that the Chacoans overcame these climate limitations through constructing reservoirs and canals. Reservoirs stored rainwater during rainy seasons, while canals distributed water from the reservoirs to fields, effectively solving irrigation problems.
Secondly, the author argues that the soil in Chaco Canyon is unsuitable for agriculture due to high salt levels. The lecturer challenges this assertion by offering research examining deeper layers of soil, which revealed much lower salt concentrations than on the surface. Moreover, other salts found in deeper soil contain minerals beneficial for crop growth.
Lastly, the reading passage contends that available fields in Chaco Canyon could not support a population of a few thousand residents based on local building sizes. The lecturer counters this argument by pointing out that Chaco Canyon's population was actually lower than 1,000. The reason for such large buildings was due to Chaco Canyon being a religious center; visitors needed accommodations during their stay and often brought their own food supplies. Thus, it is plausible that local Chacoans were able to support themselves without imported food.
In light of these counterarguments presented by the lecturer, it becomes evident that there is a clear disagreement between both perspectives regarding whether or not agriculture was sufficient for sustaining Chacoan life in Chaco Canyon. (273 words)
Revised essay: Section Title: 7.文章批改
The author presents 3 three reasons to support the fact idea that the Chacoans could not self-sufficient produce enough crops to sustain themselves (changed "self-sufficient crop to maintain necessary surriving materials, materials" for clarity and proper wording), while the lecturer in the listening material refutes each of these reasons and maintains an opposing view.
Firstly, the reading passage suggests that the amount of rainfall in Chaco Canyon is not sufficient insufficient for cultivating crops. However, the lecturer disputes this clam claim (corrected "clam" to "claim") by explaining that the Chacoans solve overcame these climate limitation limitations through consturture constructing reservoirs and canals (corrected "consturture such as resorvio and canels. Resorvirs can store rainfalls in the canels" for proper spelling and phrasing). Reservoirs stored rainwater during rainy season, seasons, while canels can distribute canals distributed water in the resorvir to fields and the from the reservoirs to fields, effectively solving irrigation problem can be solved. problems.
Secondly, the author argus argues that the soil in Chaco Canyon is not suitable for agriculture. unsuitable for agriculture due to high salt levels. The lecturer challenges this assertion by offering an research examining deeper layer layers of soil, eventually proved that the deeper layer of soil contains which revealed much lower salt concentrations than it is on the surface. Moreover, other salt salts found in deeper soil maintain contain minerals that is benefit beneficial for crop growth (corrected "benefit for growing crops. crops" to proper phrasing).
Lastly, the reading passage contends that the available fields in Chaco Canyon fail to could not support around a population of a few thousand residents according to size of based on local buildings. building sizes. The lecturer counters this argument by pointing out that the Chaco Canyon's population in Chaco Canyon is was actually lower than 1000. 1,000 (corrected "lower than 1000" for consistency). The reason why for such size of large buildings were found is that the was due to Chaco Canyon is being a religious center, and the center; visitors have to find somewhere to live, thus buildings needed accommodations during their stay and often brought their own food supplies. Thus, it is plausible that local Chacoans were built for them. For the locals, the Chacoans are actually able to support themselves without imported food.
In conclusion, light of these counterarguments presented by the lecturer, it becomes evident that there is a clear disagreement between the author and the lecturer both perspectives regarding whether the Chacoans are able to support themselves with agriculture.or not agriculture was sufficient for sustaining Chacoan life in Chaco Canyon.
8. Mindmap
- Introduction
- Chacoans
- Agriculture sustainability
- Reading passage vs. Lecture
- Rainfall
- Reading: Insufficient rainfall for crops
- Lecture: Reservoirs and canals for irrigation
- Soil quality
- Reading: High salt levels, unsuitable for agriculture
- Lecture: Lower salt concentrations in deeper soil, beneficial minerals
- Population and field capacity
- Reading: Fields insufficient for thousands of residents
- Lecture: Lower population, religious center, visitors with own food supplies
- Conclusion
- Disagreement between perspectives
9. Keywords
| Word | Phonetic Symbol | Part of Speech | English Definition | Simplified Chinese Translation | Sample Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sustain | /səˈsteɪn/ | verb | to support or maintain | 维持 | The Chacoans were able to sustain themselves through agriculture. |
| reservoir | /ˈrezərˌvwɑr/ | noun | a place where water is stored | 水库 | The Chacoans built reservoirs to store rainwater during the rainy season. |
| canal | /kəˈnæl/ | noun | an artificial waterway | 运河 | Canals were used to distribute water from the reservoirs to the fields. |
| irrigation | /ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃən/ | noun | the process of supplying water to land | 灌溉 | Irrigation systems were essential for successful agriculture in Chaco Canyon. |
| soil | /sɔɪl/ | noun | the top layer of the earth's surface | 土壤 | The soil in Chaco Canyon was found to be suitable for agriculture. |
| concentration | /ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/ | noun | the amount of a substance in a mixture | 浓度 | The concentration of salt in the deeper layers of soil was lower than on the surface. |
| mineral | /ˈmɪnərəl/ | noun | a naturally occurring substance | 矿物 | The minerals found in the soil were beneficial for crop growth. |
| accommodate | /əˈkɒmədeɪt/ | verb | to provide lodging or space for someone | 提供住宿 | Large buildings were constructed to accommodate visitors during religious events. |
| plausible | /ˈplɔːzəbl/ | adjective | reasonable or probable | 合理的 | It is plausible that local Chacoans could support themselves without imported food. |
| counterargument | /ˈkaʊntərˌɑrɡjumənt/ | noun | an argument opposing another argument | 反驳论点 | The lecturer presented counterarguments to refute the claims made in the reading passage. |
6. Article Revision
The author presents three reasons to support the idea that the Chacoans could not produce enough crops to sustain themselves, while the lecturer in the listening material refutes each of these reasons and maintains an opposing view.
Firstly, the reading passage suggests that the amount of rainfall in Chaco Canyon is insufficient for cultivating crops. However, the lecturer disputes this claim by explaining that the Chacoans overcame these climate limitations through constructing reservoirs and canals. Reservoirs stored rainwater during rainy seasons, while canals distributed water from the reservoirs to fields, effectively solving irrigation problems.
Secondly, the author argues that the soil in Chaco Canyon is unsuitable for agriculture due to high salt levels. The lecturer challenges this assertion by offering research examining deeper layers of soil, which revealed much lower salt concentrations than on the surface. Moreover, other salts found in deeper soil contain minerals beneficial for crop growth.
Lastly, the reading passage contends that available fields in Chaco Canyon could not support a population of a few thousand residents based on local building sizes. The lecturer counters this argument by pointing out that Chaco Canyon's population was actually lower than 1,000. The reason for such large buildings was due to Chaco Canyon being a religious center; visitors needed accommodations during their stay and often brought their own food supplies. Thus, it is plausible that local Chacoans were able to support themselves without imported food.
In light of these counterarguments presented by the lecturer, it becomes evident that there is a clear disagreement between both perspectives regarding whether or not agriculture was sufficient for sustaining Chacoan life in Chaco Canyon.
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