スピーキング道場:TOEFL編その14

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。

Prompt: What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Explain why this activity is enjoyable to you.


Sample Response:
My favorite way to spend a day off is by going on a hike in the mountains. Hiking allows me to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature. The fresh air, the sound of birds, and the sight of scenic landscapes are incredibly refreshing. I also enjoy the physical challenge of hiking, as it helps me stay fit and energized. After a long hike, I always feel accomplished and rejuvenated. This activity is not only good for my physical health but also for my mental well-being, making it the perfect way to spend my day off.

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

Prompt: Read the following announcement from the university’s event calendar:


“The university will be hosting a job fair next Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Student Center. Students are encouraged to attend and meet with potential employers from various industries. Workshops on resume writing and interview skills will also be available.”


Now, listen to a conversation between two students discussing the job fair.


Student A: I’m definitely going to the job fair. It’s a great opportunity to meet employers and learn about different careers.
Student B: I’m thinking about it, but I’m a bit nervous. I’m not sure if I’m ready to talk to employers yet.


Question: The man expresses his opinion about attending the job fair. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.


Sample Response:
The man in the conversation is uncertain about attending the job fair because he feels nervous and unsure if he’s ready to talk to employers. Although he recognizes that it’s a good opportunity to meet potential employers and learn about careers, his anxiety about not being fully prepared is making him hesitant. This suggests that while he sees the value in the event, his lack of confidence is holding him back from fully committing to attending.

Q3: アカデミックな内容に関する講義を聞いて説明。

Prompt: Read a short passage about a concept in biology:


“Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process is essential for the survival of most life forms on Earth, as it is the primary source of organic matter for nearly all organisms.”


Now, listen to a lecture where the professor provides an example of photosynthesis.


Professor: To better understand photosynthesis, let’s look at how it works in a typical green plant. The plant absorbs sunlight through its leaves, which contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy. This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose, a type of sugar that the plant uses as food. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process. Photosynthesis is crucial because it produces the energy that plants need to grow, and it also releases oxygen into the atmosphere, which is essential for the survival of most animals, including humans.


Question: Using the example from the lecture, explain the process of photosynthesis.


Sample Response:
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. The professor explained that plants absorb sunlight through their leaves, which contain chlorophyll. This light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose, which the plant uses as food. Oxygen is released as a byproduct. This process is essential not only for the plant’s growth but also for producing oxygen, which is vital for the survival of most animals, including humans. Photosynthesis is, therefore, a fundamental process for life on Earth.

Q4: アカデミックな内容を聞いて説明。

Prompt: Listen to a portion of a lecture from a sociology class about cultural diffusion.


Professor: Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another. This process can occur through various means, such as trade, migration, or communication. A classic example of cultural diffusion is the spread of Buddhism from India to other parts of Asia. As Buddhist monks traveled and spread their teachings, the religion took root in countries like China, Japan, and Korea, each of which adapted Buddhism to fit their own cultural contexts. Another example is the global influence of Western fast food, which has been adopted and modified by many cultures around the world. Cultural diffusion plays a significant role in shaping societies and promoting cultural diversity.


Question: Explain the concept of cultural diffusion using the examples provided by the professor.


Sample Response:
Cultural diffusion refers to the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another. The professor provided the example of Buddhism spreading from India to other parts of Asia, such as China, Japan, and Korea. As Buddhist monks traveled, they shared their teachings, and the religion was adapted to fit the cultural contexts of each new region. Another example is the global spread of Western fast food, which has been adopted and modified by various cultures worldwide. These examples illustrate how cultural diffusion shapes societies and contributes to cultural diversity by introducing new ideas and practices across different regions.