TOEFL TPO 14 Speaking Task 3 Sample: Using the example from the lecture, explain the comfort zone bias.

Historical user samples and AI evaluation results from an older TOEFL format.

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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

Comfort Zone Bias Psychologists have found that when people make important decisions, they often choose to stay in their "comfort zones"; that is, they prefer remaining in comfortable, familiar situations, rather than entering into new, unfamiliar ones. This tendency is often referred to as the comfort zone bias. When people are reasonably content, they often decide not to pursue a new opportunity, even if it attracts them and offers more advantages. Psychologists believe that the comfort zone bias exists not only because we have a natural preference for what we already know, but also because we want to avoid taking risks.

Question

Using the example from the lecture, explain the comfort zone bias.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

Evaluation Result

1.子项得分 Delivery: 3 Language Use: 3 Topic Development: 3

2.预估分数

23. 3.表达

从表达方面来看，回答者的语言流利度和语速基本上是一致的，但偶尔会有停顿。为了提高表达能力，建议在练习时注意语音的连贯性和自然停顿的使用。同时，注意发音准确性，以避免拼写错误。

4.话题发展从话题发展方面来看，回答者提供了一个连贯且组织良好的回应，并在例子中清晰地阐述了舒适区偏见。为了进一步提高话题发展能力，可以尝试在回答中更深入地分析和解释例子，以便更充分地支持观点。同时，注意在回答中使用恰当的过渡词和连接词，使得整个回答更加流畅。

5.语言使用

Original Answer: The reading passage introduces a concept named comfort zone bias, which means people ~~refer~~prefer(更正为prefer，因为原文中的意思是“更喜欢”而不是“参考”) to remaining in comfortable and unfamiliar situations, instead of trying new and unfamiliar ones. And the professor used an example of his friend to illustrate it. The friend used to love movie and write in the universe, so after graduating, he wanted to work with newspaper on filming. However, he couldn't find one, so he found a job about writing stories. At first, he was not good at it, but eventually he did a good job. But after years, the film job can be open to him, and this new job paid more. However, he didn't accept it because he didn't want to change.

Revised Answer (140 words): The reading passage introduces the concept of comfort zone bias, which means people prefer to remain in comfortable and familiar situations rather than trying new and unfamiliar ones. The professor illustrated this concept using an example of his friend who had a passion for movies and writing. After graduating, the friend wanted to work as a film reviewer for a newspaper but couldn't find such a position. Instead, he took a job as a news reporter writing stories. Initially, he struggled but eventually became proficient in his role. After several years, an opportunity arose for him to become a film reviewer with higher pay. However, he declined the offer because he had grown accustomed to his current job and was reluctant to embrace change.

6.思维导图

Comfort Zone Bias
├─ Reading Passage
│   ├─ Definition
│   └─ Reasons for existence
└─ Professor's Example
    ├─ Friend's background
    ├─ Initial career choice
    ├─ Adjustment to news reporter role
    └─ Declining the film reviewer opportunity

7.关键词

Word	Phonetic Symbols	Parts of Speech	English definitions	Simplified Chinese translations	Sample sentences
bias	/ˈbaɪəs/	noun	A preference for one thing over another	偏见	The comfort zone bias prevents people from exploring new opportunities, even if they offer more advantages.
reluctance	/rɪˈlʌktəns/	noun	Unwillingness to do something	不情愿	His reluctance to change jobs was due to his fear of the unknown and potential risks involved.
proficient	/prəˈfɪʃənt/	adjective	Skilled or competent in a particular activity	熟练的	After years of practice, he became proficient in his role as a news reporter.
accustomed	/əˈkʌstəmd/	adjective	Familiar with something through habit or experience	习惯的	He had grown accustomed to his current job and was hesitant to leave his comfort zone.
embrace	/ɪmˈbreɪs/	verb	Accept or support willingly and enthusiastically	欣然接受	Embracing change and stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.