TOEFL TPO None Speaking Task 3 Sample: Explain how the example from the professor's lecture illustrates the concept of an information cascade.
Historical user samples and AI evaluation results from an older TOEFL format.
74 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
Information Cascade People often find themselves in situations in which they must choose between different options. In such cases, many people tend to observe the choices of others and then imitate those choices. They believe it is best to do what others are doing, even when it contradicts what they know to be true. When the decision of a few affects the behavior of a larger group, this is said to be due to an information cascade. Many people follow the decisions of a few, even when they believe a better option is available.
Question
Explain how the example from the professor's lecture illustrates the concept of an information cascade.
User Samples & Evaluation Results
Evaluation Result
1.子项得分
Delivery: 2 Language Use: 2 Topic Development: 2
2.预估分数
Estimated Score: 15
3.表达
在表达方面,发言者的语速不够流畅,有时会出现不必要的停顿。此外,发音也有一些不准确的地方。建议发言者多加练习,提高语言的流利度和准确性。可以尝试朗读练习和模仿地道英语发音,以提高口语表达能力。
4.话题发展
The response does address the concept of information cascade, but it could be better organized and clearer in its explanation. The speaker should first briefly explain the concept of information cascade from the reading passage, then describe the professor's example in detail, and finally connect the example to the concept by explaining how it illustrates an information cascade. To improve topic development, the speaker should practice organizing their thoughts and providing a more coherent response with clear connections between ideas and sufficient support or examples.
5.语言使用Original Answer: The passage describes a phenomenon called information cascade, which means when the decision of a field affects the behavior of a large group. The professor gave us an example to explain the concept. While he traveled in a new city, he had a guidebook with a location restaurant. First, he chose an Italian restaurant with a high rating, but it was very crowded. As a result, he chose a French place to eat with a lower rating. But more people came to eat there because the professor ate in the restaurant. When he went to a hotel, the Italian restaurant still had many people.
Corrected Answer: The passage describes the phenomenon of information cascade, which occurs when the decision of a few influences the behavior of a larger group. The professor provided an example to illustrate this concept. While visiting a new city, he consulted a guidebook for restaurant recommendations. Initially, he considered an Italian restaurant with high ratings but found it to be empty. Consequently, he opted for a French restaurant with lower ratings that appeared more crowded. More people continued to arrive at the French restaurant, likely influenced by its popularity. Later, when passing by the Italian restaurant again, it remained relatively empty. (修改了句子结构、词汇和语法,使表达更自然流畅。例如,“phenomenon called information cascade”改为“phenomenon of information cascade”,“a field”改为“a few”,“location restaurant”改为“restaurant recommendations”等。)
Revised Answer (140 words):
The passage introduces the phenomenon of information cascade, which occurs when the decisions of a few individuals influence the behavior of a larger group. The professor provided an example to illustrate this concept from his personal experience in a new city. He consulted a guidebook for restaurant recommendations and initially considered an Italian restaurant with high ratings. However, he found it to be empty and opted for a French restaurant with lower ratings that appeared more crowded. As more people continued to arrive at the French restaurant, it became evident that they were likely influenced by its apparent popularity. Later, when the professor passed by the Italian restaurant again, it remained relatively empty, demonstrating the impact of information cascade on people's decision-making process in this situation.
6.思维导图
-
Information Cascade
- Definition
- Influence on larger group
-
Professor's Example
- New city
- Guidebook for restaurant recommendations
- Italian restaurant (high ratings, empty)
- French restaurant (lower ratings, crowded)
- People influenced by popularity
- Italian restaurant remains empty
7.关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English Definition | Simplified Chinese Translation | Sample Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cascade | /kəˈskeɪd/ | noun | A process whereby something, typically information, passes successively to others. | 级联,连锁反应 | The information cascade led many people to choose the crowded restaurant over the empty one with better reviews. |
| phenomenon | /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ | noun | A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause is in question. | 现象 | Information cascade is a phenomenon that affects people's decision-making processes in various situations. |
| consult | /kənˈsʌlt/ | verb | To seek information or advice from someone with expertise in a particular area. | 咨询 | Before making a decision, it's wise to consult experts or gather information from reliable sources. |
| recommendation | /ˌrɛkəmɛnˈdeɪʃən/ | noun | A suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action, especially one put forward by an authoritative body. | 推荐 | The guidebook's recommendation for the Italian restaurant was accurate, but the information cascade misled people. |
| popularity | /ˌpɒpjʊˈlærɪti/ | noun | The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people. | 受欢迎程度 | The French restaurant's popularity influenced others to dine there, even though it had lower ratings. |
Current TOEFL Format
The TOEFL exam has been updated. Explore the latest format and practice with current question types.
More Legacy Practice Samples
Rooting for Your Goal Score Today!
With LingoLeap, an expert in English exams
Get to Your Dream Score Faster