TOEFL TPO 74 Speaking Task 3 Sample: Explain how the example of the heron illustrates exaptation.
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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
Exaptation The physical features of an animal's body usually serve a specific purpose-they function to increase the animal's chances of survival. But over time in response to a particular challenge in its environment an animal species will sometimes use one of its existing features for a new purpose. This is known as exaptation. By finding another use for one of its physical features exaptation allows animals to respond to additional challenges in their environment. The animal may continue to use the physical feature for its older purpose while also using it for the new purpose.
Question
Explain how the example of the heron illustrates exaptation.
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,这个回答的发音和语速基本上是清晰和流畅的,但有时会出现不必要的停顿。为了提高口语表达能力,建议练习更自然地连接句子,减少不必要的停顿。同时注意正确发音,避免拼写错误。
4.话题发展 从话题发展方面来看,回答内容基本上是连贯和有组织的,但可以进一步完善。建议在解释鹭鸟如何运用翅膀进行适应时,更详细地描述这一过程,以便更好地说明这个例子如何体现了“异化适应”的概念。此外,在提供支持或例证时,尽量确保内容充分且相关。
5.语言使用原文:Exhortation Exaptation(这里应该是“异化适应”,而不是“敦促”) is a phenomenon while where(这里应该用“where”而不是“while”) wild animals use their body parts designed for an old purpose and use them to cope with a new situation to improve their survival. For example, the bird heron, which eat fishes fish(“fish”在这里作为复数形式更自然) in shallow waters, they are hard to see the fish below the water surface because of the sun glare. So they use their wings, which were initially used to fly, and use the wings as an umbrella to create a shade, which enables them to see the swimming fish more clearly and more easily, so that their rate of survival improved.
修订版(140词):
Exaptation is a phenomenon where wild animals repurpose their body parts, initially designed for one function, to adapt to new situations and enhance their survival chances. A prime example is the heron, a bird that feeds on fish in shallow waters. Due to sunlight glare on the water surface, it becomes challenging for herons to spot fish swimming beneath. Ingeniously, herons have adapted by using their wings, originally meant for flying, as a makeshift umbrella to create shade. This innovative adaptation allows herons to see fish more clearly and easily, consequently improving their survival rate.
6.思维导图
-
Exaptation
- Phenomenon
- Repurpose body parts
- Adapt to new situations
- Enhance survival chances
-
Example: Heron
- Feeds on fish in shallow waters
- Sunlight glare on water surface
- Uses wings as makeshift umbrella
- Creates shade to see fish clearly
- Improves survival rate
7.关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English definitions | Simplified Chinese translations | Sample sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exaptation | /ˌɛksæpˈteɪʃən/ | Noun | The process of adapting a trait for a new purpose. | 异化适应 | Exaptation plays a crucial role in the evolution of species, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. |
| Makeshift | /ˈmeɪkʃɪft/ | Adjective | Serving as a temporary substitute. | 权宜之计 | The heron uses its wings as a makeshift umbrella to create shade and see fish more clearly. |
| Glare | /ɡlɛr/ | Noun | Harsh, bright light that is difficult to look at. | 刺眼的光线 | The glare from the sun on the water surface makes it challenging for herons to spot fish swimming beneath. |
| Ingeniously | /ɪnˈdʒiniəsli/ | Adverb | In a clever and inventive way. | 巧妙地 | Ingeniously, herons have adapted by using their wings to create shade and improve their chances of survival. |
| Enhance | /ɪnˈhæns/ | Verb | To increase or improve in value, quality, or power. | 提高,增强 | The heron's exaptation enhances its survival rate by allowing it to see fish more clearly in shallow waters. |
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