7月9日的托福考试结束啦~
大家发挥如何？
最近几场考试藏着一个重要信号：
旧题重现的频次正在悄然攀升。
这意味着，
在新题型完成迭代的半年窗口期里，
经典题库将成为绕不开的核心战场。
尤其本场听力，不少同学反馈难度系数拉满。
托福 “上岸” 从无捷径，
扎实的语言功底与解题能力，
才是穿越难度波动的定海神针。
快来看看本场托福考情回顾吧👇
01
阅读部分
R1
一个古老文明在多岛有遗迹，其宫殿始建于公元前 2000 年，经数百年断续建成。希腊神话与考古均证实该岛曾有火山喷发，约在公元前 1600 年。虽火山喷发带来影响，但文明未消亡：火山后有海洋风格陶器，说明制陶业兴盛且贸易活跃，火山灰上层有陶器和近代建筑，年轮等数据也印证火山喷发早于宫殿倒塌，文明后来恢复并超越以往。
而在十几年前，一个欧洲的团队发现了当时火山当中的一棵树，发现这棵树木的生长时间大概也是在公元前1600年。那么这个火山喷发之后，这个文明就应该仍然在继续发展。其实通过考古遗迹可以发现当时火山的喷发确实带来了很大的影响，一方面是他们粮食的生产和储存遭遇到了很大问题，另外一方面是他们的贸易网络也遭到了很大影响。但他们的文明实际上很快就恢复了，甚至还超越了之前的文明。
R2
为探究候鸟导航机制，科学家将大量鸟类从英格兰运至遥远的美洲大陆后放飞。追踪显示，这些鸟能迅速朝着英国的 “家” 飞去，这表明它们在陌生环境中找路速度极快，即便没有人类 GPS 也能顺利归巢。
对此，科研人员展开了细致研究，提出了多种可能的导航方式：一是依据日月星象，结合时间校正航线，如同脑中装了 GPS；二是感知地球磁场，不过将磁铁绑在鸟身上的实验显示，人工磁场并未对其产生影响，这一推测有待进一步验证；三是依靠嗅觉，部分鸟类能通过嗅闻海洋浮游生物（海洋食物链重要组成部分，会在特定海域聚集并释放大量化学物质）产生的特定化学物质导航，当它们的嗅觉受影响时，便无法返回巢穴，这证实了部分鸟类确以嗅觉导航，且这种方式被认为颇为先进。
02
听力部分
C1
这段对话讲述了一名新生与住房部门工作人员的交流，学生担心自己错过了下一学年的住宿申请截止日期。工作人员解释了住宿申请的三阶段流程，并表示目前的截止日期还未过去，学生仍然有时间处理相关事宜。
在第一阶段，学生需要在本周内完成网上住宿重新申请，并支付1000美元不可退还的住宿押金。学生对不可退还的部分表示担忧，因为他申请了学校的留学项目，且尚未收到录取通知。工作人员解释，如果学生被留学项目录取，可以提交《留学通知表格》，这样1000美元的押金将被退回，学生仍可保持未来住宿的资格。
在第二阶段，学生可以参加开放日活动，参观不同的学生宿舍并了解周围的社区。工作人员还提到，如果学生有特定的室友要求，可以在开放日后提交室友偏好表格，但随着空间有限，可能会被分配到不同的宿舍楼。
最后，工作人员说明第三阶段是选择具体房间的过程。
C2
在这段对话中，一位学生与她的文学教授讨论了关于童话故事的复杂性。学生表示，她一直认为童话仅仅是儿童故事，但现在发现它们有更深层的意义，能够反映文化价值观，并且虽然结构简单，实际上却充满了复杂性。教授解释，童话不仅是给儿童的，它们包含了英雄或英雄、任务、魔法元素以及通常的幸福结局等典型元素，这些元素帮助我们辨别童话与其他类型的故事。
学生提到，尽管这些元素很常见，但她在创作自己的童话时感到受到限制，尤其是在她的创意写作课上，总是被告诫避免使用公式化的写作方式。教授回应说，虽然有这些固定的元素，但她仍然可以发挥创造性，故事的核心结构可以相似，但细节和角色可以有所不同。他举例说明，虽然很多童话都包含英雄面对看似不可能的任务，并获得一个魔法帮助者的帮助，但任务和帮助者的形式可以变化，例如帮助者可以是人、动物或物品，任务也可以是任何富有创意的设定。
教授还补充道，童话的背景时间和地点不必是模糊的过去，可以设定在现在或未来，只要捕捉到童话的永恒特质。学生最终意识到这将是一个有挑战性的任务。
L1
这篇讲座讲的是英国在美洲的早期殖民历史，重点讨论了人们通常认为什么是“最早的英国殖民地”，以及实际历史中的一个被忽略但更早的殖民尝试。
教授一开始提到，很多人认为詹姆斯镇（Jamestown）是英国在北美最早的殖民地，但事实上还有一个更早的殖民地—罗阿诺克殖民地（Roanoke），只不过它后来神秘消失了，因此不如詹姆斯镇出名。
接着，教授解释了罗阿诺克殖民地消失的可能原因。她指出，当时英国正与西班牙处于紧张关系中，而西班牙在全球范围内的殖民活动非常成功，拥有大量财富和强大的海军力量。相比之下，16世纪的英国并不富裕，资源有限。
由于与西班牙的冲突，英国女王伊丽莎白一世还曾下令将舰队用于国防而非海外探索，这也影响了对罗阿诺克的支援。原本负责运送补给的沃尔特•雷利（或John White）因船只损坏而耽误了前往殖民地的时间。当他最终抵达时，整个殖民地已经人去楼空，留下的只有“Croatoan”这个神秘的字样。
教授借此强调，历史记录并不总是完整的，表面上“最早”的殖民地可能只是最成功、存续时间更久的那个，而不是时间上真正的第一。
L2
这篇讲座讲的是动物行为学，研究对象是一种蜜蜂，主题是它们是否具备使用工具的学习能力。教授介绍了一项相关实验，目的是探究蜜蜂是否能学会通过推动一个小球来获取甜水作奖励。
实验分为三个阶段进行：
一、引导学习阶段：研究人员首先一步一步地教蜜蜂完成任务，即引导蜜蜂推动小球到指定位置以获得甜水。这一阶段帮助蜜蜂建立起任务行为与奖励之间的关联。
二、独立学习阶段：在这个阶段中，蜜蜂不再被展示操作过程，而是被单独放置在实验装置中，研究人员观察它们是否能够在没有演示的情况下独立完成相同的任务。
三、社会学习阶段：研究人员测试蜜蜂是否可以通过观察同伴来学习任务。他们让一只蜜蜂先完成任务，其他蜜蜂观看，并在之后的实验中检验这些观察者是否也能模仿并成功完成任务。
通过这些实验，教授指出，这项研究显示出蜜蜂具备一定的学习能力，甚至有可能通过模仿他人行来掌握特定技能，这在昆虫中是非常引人注目的发现。
L3
这篇讲座讨论的是艺术鉴赏中的一个争议性话题：为什么汽车可以被作为展览的一部分，甚至被视为艺术品。
教授一开始提出问题：许多人会好奇，为什么汽车也能出现在博物馆展览中。她解释，这并不是因为汽车本身是传统意义上的艺术作品，而是因为它们兼具功能性与美学价值。有些展览强调汽车在工程设计方面的精妙，而另一些则着重于其视觉设计与艺术表现。
接着，教授提到了两个与汽车艺术化相关的艺术流派（art movements），包括可能的未来主义（Futurism）和波普艺术（Pop Art）。她指出，这些艺术运动都关注现代生活、技术、速度与大众文化，这使得汽车成为它们关注的对象。
此外，教授还引用了一位艺术评论家的观点，该评论家认为某些汽车的造型与线条设计堪比雕塑艺术，它们不仅仅是交通工具，更是精致的艺术品，能够唤起观众的情感与审美体验。
最终，教授引导学生思考：艺术的定义不一定局限于画布与雕刻，日常生活中的设计产物也可能具备艺术价值，关键在于我们如何去看待它们。
03
口语部分
TASK 1
独立口语部分
上午场：
（第一套）
Some people prefer to live in many different places throughout their lives; while others prefer to stay and live in one place throughout their lives. Which do you prefer and why?
sample 示范：
I prefer to live in one place throughout my life. Stability and familiarity provide a sense of comfort and belonging. Staying in one location allows me to build deep connections with my community and develop lasting relationships. It also gives me the opportunity to fully explore and appreciate my surroundings, creating a rich personal history. Moreover, living in one place fosters a stable environment for personal and professional growth, as I can invest time in local opportunities and activities. While experiencing different places can be enriching, I believe the depth of connection and stability in one location is ultimately more fulfilling.
（第二套）
Some people believe that teaching children good manners is entirely the responsibility of families. Others believe that schools should also spend timeteaching young children good manners and politeness. What do you think and why?
sample 示范：
I believe that teaching children good manners is a shared responsibility between families and schools. Families play a crucial role in instilling the foundational values and behaviors that shape a child’s character. However, schools also have a significant influence, as they provide a structured environment where children interact with peers and learn social norms. By collaborating, families and schools can reinforce the importance of good manners and politeness, ensuring that children understand how to navigate different social situations. This dual approach helps create well-rounded individuals who are respectful and considerate in various settings.
（第三套）
Do you prefer to be taught by experienced teachers or new teachers who have just finished their training?
sample 示范：
I prefer to be taught by experienced teachers. They bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insights that enhance the learning experience. Experienced teachers have honed their skills over time, allowing them to effectively manage the classroom and address diverse learning styles. Their ability to provide real-world examples makes lessons more relatable and engaging. While new teachers can bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm, the depth of understanding and expertise that experienced teachers offer is invaluable. I believe that their guidance can significantly enrich my educational journey and help me achieve my academic goals.
下午场：
暂缺
04
写作部分
第一套
综合写作
The reading claims that the stripes of zebras serve the biological function of helping them protect themselves from predators, with three arguments supporting this theory. But the lecturer disagrees with the reading and believes that the stripes do not have such a protective effect.
First, the passage mentions that the vertical stripes create an optical illusion, making a zebra seem closer than it actually is. This may cause a predator to leap when the zebra is not within the leaping range, leading the predator to land short, alerting the zebra and its companions, who then flee. In contrast, the listening material demonstrates an opposing argument that there is no leap stage in the hunting process of zebra predators. To be more specific, since predators do not leap during hunting, the optical illusion caused by stripes has no effect at all.
In addition, the author states that the stripes make it hard for predators to single out an individual zebra when pursuing a herd, as the herd looks like an undifferentiated mass of black and white vertical lines, allowing the herd to escape before the predator focuses on one. Conversely, the lecturer argues that for predators, there is no difference between stripes and solid colors, nor is there a difference between an individual and a herd. According to the listening material, predators can target their prey regardless of whether the zebras have stripes or are solid - colored, and whether they are alone or in a group. Thus, the author is heavily challenged by the lecturer again.
Last but not least, the article suggests that the zebra's vertical stripes act as camouflage, helping them blend into the environment by paralleling tall grasses and mimicking light - and - shadow patterns under trees. However, the speaker doubts the article and asserts that zebras generally do not hide but expose themselves in open grasslands. Since they are in open areas, the stripes cannot help them blend into the surroundings as described in the reading.
学术讨论
Doctor Achebe
As you approach graduation, you may be considering your next steps for further education. Some opt to enroll full-time to complete an advanced degree as quickly as possible. Others choose to work while slowly progressing towards a degree. Given these options, I'm curious to know your thoughts. After finishing your undergraduate studies, do you prefer pursuing an advanced degree full-time or continuing work while studying part-time?
Andrew
I think it's better to go to college full-time instead of trying to balance part-time classes and a full-time job. For me, l know l wouldn't be able to focus on my studies if I was exhausted from work all the time. Full-time college allows me to put all my energy into my classes and get the most out of my education. Trying to do both college and work full-time seems way too stressful for me to handle. I'd rather get my degree done faster by being a full-time student.
Claire
I think going to college part-time while working is better because l can use what I learn in class at my job right away. The classes feel more relevant when I'm able to apply the material to real work situations. Instead of just memorizing concepts, l get to see how they work in practice. And getting work experience while l study looks good on my resume. l think balancing the two helps me get more out of my classes and prepares me for my career at the same time. I'd rather take classes part-time and work than just study full-time.
第二套
综合写作
Fourteen stone labyrinths, dating back to around 3000 B.C.E., are on an island a few kilometers from northeastern Russia. Although their purpose remains unknown, the reading claims that three hypotheses have been advanced. However, the lecturer disagrees with the reading and believes that all the explanations in the reading are flawed.
First, the passage mentions that the labyrinths were designed as fish traps. In the past, the sea level was high enough to flood the labyrinths.
Therefore, the labyrinths may have served as traps to confuse and capture fish. On the contrary, the listening material demonstrates the opposite idea that these labyrinths must have served a different function. To be more specific, some ancient labyrinths worldwide were built near the sea, and some were built hundreds of kilometers inland, which means they are far away from coastal areas and could not serve as fish traps.
In addition, the author states that the labyrinths may have an astronomical purpose. Since ancient people usually constructed stone structures to record astronomical observations, such as the position of the Sun. Hence, the Russian labyrinths may have been built to line up with astronomical phenomena since these structures usually correspond with the position of the Sun or other astronomical objects or events. In contrast, the lecturer asserts that the astronomical theory has a problem as well. According to the listening material, the entrances of these labyrinths must be toward a specific astronomical object if they were designed to line up with some astronomical phenomena.
However, these entrances point in many different directions, which is unrelated to astronomical phenomena. Thus, the author is heavily challenged by the lecturer again.
Last but not least, the article suggests that the labyrinths were important in ancient people’s burial practices and rituals for the dead. Ancient structures like Stonehenge played a role in such rituals. Therefore, the labyrinths may have been built as passages to the afterlife, which ensured the spirits of deceased people would be guided to the land of the dead. However, the speaker is suspicious of the article and asserts that the hypothesis that the labyrinths were related to burial practices does not hold up. This is because human remains, bones, and human possessions are always discovered near sites related to burial ceremonies, such as the Stonehenge Circle.However, no such remains have ever been found near the labyrinths, even though they had been dug up extensively.
学术讨论
Doctor Achebe
This week, we will be discussing space exploration. Some people think that it is a waste of money for governments to fund space exploration. Others disagree with this view arguing that space exploration is a valuable and necessary investment for our future. They think that it is worthy for governments to fund space exploration. I want to know what you think about this topic. Do you think that governments should fund space exploration? why or why not?
Kelly
I don't think that governments should fund space exploration because it will be too costly to build spaceships and develop related technologies. Though space exploration tech costs billions, it doesn't offer direct benefits to most people, which makes its funding a controversial issue.
Andrew
Personally, l do think that all the costs will be worth it. The potential scientific discoveries and technological advancements could have far-reaching impacts that justify the initial investment. I imagine the new inventions that might come from this exploration. Such technology could greatly improve our everyday lives.
第三套
综合写作
暂无资源
学术讨论
Doctor Achebe
Let's continue talking about consumer behavior. We have been discussing different ways people go about choosing what products to buy, and there are many potential sources of information and advice for consumers. in your opinion, which is the better strategy for making purchasing decisions, relying on advice from friends and family, or depending on information from online sources? Why?
Claire
Asking friends and family members for product recommendations might seem like an easier option, but it might take too much time to get all the information you need. An internet search would be much more efficient. There are many consumer magazines available online that compile lots of data to compare the advantages and disadvantages of one product versus another.
Paul
The last time l bought a computer, l just watched a few videos online to make a decision, and now l regret that. My friends could have advised me better because they know my preferences and the kind of features that l am interested in. Consumers should get advice from the people around them to find the most suitable products.
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