スピーキング道場:TOEFL編その5

以下の4つがTOEFLのスピーキングである。

Q1: Independent task: 1問、準備は15秒、回答時間は45秒。

Q2: Integrated task: 3問、準備は30秒、回答時間は60秒。

Q3: アカデミックな内容に関する講義を聞いて説明。

Q4: アカデミックな内容を聞いて説明。


Q1: Independent task: 1問、準備は15秒、回答時間は45秒。

Question:
Describe a place you have visited that you found particularly interesting. Explain what made this place special to you.


Sample Answer:
One place that I found particularly interesting is Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto is known for its beautiful temples, traditional wooden houses, and stunning gardens. What made it special for me was the blend of modern and ancient culture. Walking through the streets of Gion, I could see traditional tea houses alongside modern cafes. The highlight of my visit was the Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, which is a breathtaking Zen temple covered in gold leaf. The serene atmosphere and the reflection of the pavilion on the pond were mesmerizing. Additionally, experiencing the traditional tea ceremony gave me a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. Overall, Kyoto’s unique blend of history and culture made it an unforgettable destination.

Q2: Integrated task: 3問、準備は30秒、回答時間は60秒。

Reading Passage:
Students are required to take part in extracurricular activities as part of their university education. These activities provide valuable skills that cannot be learned in the classroom.


Listening Passage:
“Extracurricular activities are crucial for students’ personal development. Through these activities, students learn teamwork, leadership, and time management—skills that are important in the workplace and cannot be effectively taught through traditional lectures and exams. Additionally, participating in clubs and sports helps students build a network of friends and professional contacts, which can be beneficial for their future careers.”


Question:
Summarize the main points made in the reading and listening passages. Explain how they are related.


Sample Answer:
The reading passage states that extracurricular activities are an essential part of university education because they provide valuable skills that are not taught in the classroom. The listening passage supports this by emphasizing that these activities help students develop important skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management, which are crucial for success in the workplace. Additionally, the speaker mentions that extracurricular activities help students build a network of friends and professional contacts, which can aid their future careers. Both passages highlight the importance of extracurricular activities in personal and professional development, showing that they complement academic learning by providing practical experiences.

Q3: アカデミックな内容に関する講義を聞いて説明。

Listen to a short lecture excerpt and then respond to a question about it. You have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.


Lecture Excerpt:
(Professor): “Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are becoming more popular due to their environmental benefits. These sources help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. However, there are significant challenges. The high initial costs of setting up renewable energy infrastructure can be a barrier. Additionally, technological advancements are needed to improve the efficiency of these energy sources and to enhance storage capacity, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.”


Question:
Summarize the professor’s main points about the advantages and challenges of renewable energy sources.


Sample Answer:
The professor discusses the growing popularity of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, primarily due to their environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. However, she also points out several challenges. One major challenge is the high initial cost of setting up renewable energy infrastructure. Additionally, there is a need for technological advancements to enhance the efficiency of these energy sources and to improve storage capacity, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. Despite these challenges, the professor believes that investing in renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable future.

Q4: アカデミックな内容を聞いて説明。

Listen to another short lecture excerpt and respond to a question about it. You have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.


Lecture Excerpt:
(Professor): “Migration is a common behavior among many animal species, driven by the need to find food, reproduce, or escape harsh weather conditions. For example, birds often migrate seasonally to access abundant food sources and suitable breeding grounds. Similarly, whales migrate over long distances to warmer waters to give birth and then return to colder waters to feed. These migratory patterns are crucial for the survival and reproductive success of these species.”


Question:
Explain why animals migrate and provide examples from the lecture.


Sample Answer:
The professor explains that migration is a behavior observed in many animal species, driven by the need to find food, reproduce, or escape harsh weather conditions. For example, birds often migrate seasonally to access abundant food sources and suitable breeding grounds. Another example is whales, which migrate over long distances to warmer waters to give birth and then return to colder waters to feed. These examples illustrate that migration is a survival strategy that helps animals adapt to their changing environments and ensure their species’ continuity.