TOEFL TPO 22 Speaking Task 4 Sample: Using the example of the mole, explain the two different types of underground adaptation.

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

8 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

Question

Using the example of the mole, explain the two different types of underground adaptation.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

Evaluation Result

1.Sub Scores Delivery: 3 Language Use: 3 Topic Development: 4

2.Estimated Scores

23. 3.Delivery

The speaker's delivery is generally clear and fluid, but there are some occasional pauses that could be improved. To enhance the delivery, the speaker should practice speaking at a consistent pace and reduce unnecessary pauses. This will make the speech sound more natural and fluent.

4.Topic Development The topic development in the response is well done. The speaker provides a coherent and well-organized response, using the example of the mole to explain two different types of underground adaptations. The ideas are connected clearly, and sufficient support is provided through examples. No significant improvements are needed in this aspect.

5.Language Use

Original: The professor in the lecture gives the example of mole to illustrate how animals adapt to underground environment. First, moles have strong front feet with big claws to help them move through dirt swiftly. Because their feet would dig into the dense and thick soil, they would throw the soil behind which allows them to move quickly. Second, in order to protect the vulnerable part of their body, moles have developed tiny hairs with hairy membranes. So the particles of soil would just slide by instead of getting into their eyes.

Corrected: The professor in the lecture ~~gives~~ provides ('provides' is a more formal word choice) the example of ~~mole~~ a mole (adding 'a' for proper grammar) to illustrate how animals adapt to ~~underground environment~~ the underground environment (adding 'the' for proper grammar). First, moles have strong front feet with big claws to help them move through dirt swiftly. Because their feet would dig into the dense and thick soil, they would throw the soil behind, which allows them to move quickly. Second, in order to protect the vulnerable part of their body, moles have developed tiny hairs with hairy membranes. So, the particles of soil would just slide by instead of getting into their eyes.

Revised (140 words): The professor in the lecture provides the example of a mole to illustrate how animals adapt to the underground environment. Firstly, moles possess powerful front feet equipped with large claws, enabling them to move through dirt swiftly. Their feet dig into the dense and thick soil, and as they throw the soil behind them, it allows for rapid movement. Secondly, to protect the vulnerable parts of their body, moles have developed tiny hairs with hairy membranes. Consequently, the particles of soil simply slide by instead of entering their eyes. These adaptations demonstrate how moles have evolved to overcome the challenges of living underground, such as moving efficiently through dense soil and protecting their sensitive body parts from potential harm.

6.Mind Map


- Introduction
  - Professor's lecture
  - Mole example

- Adaptation 1: Movement
  - Powerful front feet
  - Large claws
  - Swift movement through dirt

- Adaptation 2: Protection
  - Tiny hairs
  - Hairy membranes
  - Soil particles slide by, not entering eyes

- Conclusion
  - Overcoming challenges of living underground

7.Key Words

Words	Phonetic Symbols	Parts of Speech	English Definitions	English Translations	Sample Sentences
Adaptation	/ˌædəpˈteɪʃən/	Noun	A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.	A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.	The mole's adaptations allow it to thrive in the underground environment.
Membrane	/ˈmɛmbreɪn/	Noun	A thin, pliable layer of tissue covering surfaces or separating or connecting regions, structures, or organs of a living organism.	A thin, pliable layer of tissue covering surfaces or separating or connecting regions, structures, or organs of a living organism.	The mole's eyes are protected by a hairy membrane that prevents soil particles from entering.
Vulnerable	/ˈvʌlnərəbəl/	Adjective	Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.	Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.	Living underground can be problematic for animals, as their sensitive body parts are vulnerable to damage.
Efficiently	/ɪˈfɪʃəntli/	Adverb	In a way that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.	In a way that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.	Moles have evolved to move efficiently through the dense soil, thanks to their powerful front feet.
Swiftly	/ˈswɪftli/	Adverb	At high speed; quickly.	At high speed; quickly.	The mole's large claws enable it to move swiftly through the dirt, avoiding potential predators.