01
阅读部分
R1
非洲的铁技术传播
古代非洲的冶金技术对人类历史影响深远。除黄金用于装饰外，铜是最早被广泛使用的金属，约公元前5000年始于现代塞尔维亚地区。
铜的冶炼始于公元前5000年。青铜（铜锡合金）约公元前2800年始于安纳托利亚（今土耳其）。铁的生产约公元前1500年始于安纳托利亚，公元前1100年左右传入欧洲；其硬度使工具和武器远优于铜和青铜。
过去学者认为非洲铁技术自安纳托利亚传入。但新研究表明非洲其他地区也可能独立发展。首批非洲铁制品出土于与埃及关系密切的Meroe，有学者认为其技术可能源自迦太基而非安纳托利亚。
铁技术的传播对非洲的农业、手工业和社区产生了深远影响，尽管过程缓慢，但最终在整个大陆普及应用。
R2
动物交流
本文探讨了动物沟通的多样性及其在生存和繁殖中的作用。动物通过声音、舞蹈和信号等方式沟通，以应对捕食者、寻找食物和吸引配偶。沟通不仅限于同类之间，也存在于猎物与捕食者之间（例如猎物通过特定跳跃警告捕食者，捕食者会监听猎物通讯）。沟通的复杂性体现在信号的真伪上：一些信号（如孔雀的羽毛、青蛙的鸣叫）真实反映个体的健康状况和体型大小；而另一些动物则会进行伪装或模仿以欺骗对方（例如萤火虫的天敌模仿其闪光求偶信号进行捕食）。文章强调了沟通在动物行为中的多重功能及其对生态系统的影响。
R3
北极狐的起源
过去研究认为北极狐起源于欧洲。但基因研究表明，北极狐与其他狐类的亲缘关系比之前认为的更近，其中最接近的是北美迅猛狐（swift fox）。这引出两种可能：一是北极狐是更古老的祖先，为迅猛狐的生存腾出了空间；二是迅猛狐是北极狐的祖先——在冰河时期，位于高冰盖边缘苔原带的迅猛狐可能与草原栖息地的种群相遇，并逐渐演化以适应极端环境。
尽管这种演化看似难以置信，但迅猛狐的小体型、耐饥饿特性以及在寒冷地区的适应能力可能促成了这一过程。研究表明，许多北极物种都是从生物丰富的温带区域演化而来的，一些动物逐渐进化得更适应极端北极环境。
R4
木星及其卫星欧罗巴
木星是太阳系最大的行星，拥有众多卫星，其中欧罗巴（Europa）大小与地球月球相似。
欧罗巴表面被冰层覆盖，布满不断变化的交错裂缝，这表明冰层可能漂浮在一个全球性的液态海洋之上。这一假设得到了“旅行者号”和“伽利略号”探测器数据的支持。
液态水的存在归因于木星及其他卫星（如伊欧Io和甘尼米德Ganymede）施加的潮汐力。这些力使欧罗巴内部的岩石弯曲产热，防止水冻结，尽管其远离太阳，温度极低。
伊欧是木星最内侧的卫星，也是太阳系中地质活动最活跃的天体，其频繁的火山活动也由类似潮汐力驱动。相比之下，欧罗巴受到的潮汐弯曲较少，产热也较少，但其冰下海洋因冰层的压力而得以保持液态，不易蒸发或冻结。
R5
罗马道路
在罗马帝国占领英国期间，他们建立了一个庞大的道路网络，按重要性和资金来源分为四种类型：公共道路、军事道路、地方道路和私人道路。
为缩短距离，罗马人投入大量劳动力移山填泽。他们采用分层铺设大小不同的石块和碎石来确保道路坚固。重要道路会被抬高并设置排水沟以防洪水。这些精心修建的高架道路经受住了时间和恶劣天气的考验，成为英国最初的公路，并一直使用到现代。
罗马人根据道路重要性采用不同施工方法，但某些技术具有鲜明特色。他们通过精心分层和紧密压实选定的碎石等材料形成路基，此过程称为“金属化”。材料选择取决于当地可用性和土壤条件。道路表面会定期重铺，到四世纪末，一些道路总厚度可达约一米。
尽管在五、六世纪仍被使用，但罗马道路并未限定使用者。历史学家推测，该道路系统使得日耳曼新移民能迅速渗透到英国东南部，同时也方便了英国本土人口因应外患和天气变化而迁移（市民前往欧洲大陆、商人转移业务、农民寻找更适宜的田地）。即使在中世纪不再作为主要道路，其路线也常成为教区及其他行政或私人土地的边界，例如著名的Watling Street至今仍是多条现代行政边界的基础。
R6、7、8、9、暂无题源
02
听力部分
第一套
C1
学生向历史教授请教关于本杰明·富兰克林论文的写作方法，不确定应该全面概述其生平还是深入探讨某一项成就。教授建议针对短论文聚焦于富兰克林担任邮政总局长的经历，并提醒学生终期论文的选题截止日期是本周末。教授进一步鼓励学生在终期论文中继续研究富兰克林，指出其在外交、科学发明等多方面的成就，强调深入研究同一人物有助于积累专业知识、提升研究能力。学生最终接受了建议并表示感谢。整个对话体现了学术指导中聚焦具体研究方向与培养研究连续性的重要性。
L1
讲座讨论了海洋生物（如水母）的聚集现象。这种聚集体既能保护它们免受捕食者和冲刷，也会对人类活动造成影响。相关研究虽然不多，但有助于人类预警并减轻其负面影响。
C2
学生参加了学校举办的简历制作研讨会，并获得了一个面试机会。随后，他想参加面试技巧研讨会，但因其时间与自己日程冲突而未果。工作人员便推荐他阅读一本关于面试的书籍作为替代指导。
L2
小号的历史演变。它最初并非乐器，而是用于夜间示警的工具。后来，其功能才逐渐转变，最终发展成为一种正式的乐器。
L3
讲座讨论了17世纪荷兰画家维米尔对其同时代艺术家的影响。传统观点认为其影响有限，原因在于作品数量少、流通不广。但新研究通过对比画作发现，其独特的构图和主题实际上影响了包括年长画家在内的同行，表明影响力可能通过非公开途径传播。
第二套
C2
学生向老师询问树木的晃动。老师表示树木晃动和很多因素有关，比如树木树枝的浓密程度
L1
Dog and Wolf domestication
L2
地磁对动物的影响
L3
纺织品设计产业
03
口语部分
TASK 1
1. Some people believe that in the future, countries will stop producing paper money and coins, and people will just use electronic forms of payment, such as credit cards. Others believe countries will always produce coins and paper money for those who wish to use them. Which do you think is true? Use details and examples in your response.
2. When it comes to buying daily necessities, some people prefer to shop in grocery stores now and then to gather all the things they need, while others prefer to go to a supermarket and buy everything all at once. Which do you prefer and why?
3. Some people prefer jobs where they do many different tasks. Others prefer jobs where they do the same tasks every day. Which do you prefer and why?
TASK 2
· 阅读
学校计划在每个宿舍楼的一楼设立一个图书馆咨询台，目的是帮助新生更方便地获取图书馆信息、在线订阅资料，并允许他们在宿舍前台领取预定的书籍。
· 听力（学生态度）学生表示支持：
理由一：新生常常对图书馆服务感到迷茫，又不好意思主动询问。在宿舍楼内就能获得帮助，对他们来说非常方便。
理由二：新生有很多论文要写，但常不知如何查找资料。如果预定的书能送到宿舍前台领取，会比现在去图书馆大楼排队节省大量时间。
TASK 3
阅读概念
人们倾向于依赖标准化流程来解决问题，但有时这会忽略例外情况。试图用一个固定方案解决所有问题可能并不合适。
· 听力例子
教授分享个人经历。一次在拥挤的咖啡馆，她离开时不慎将装有重要物品的背包落在桌上。15分钟后返回，发现背包还在。邻座女士解释说，她早就看到了背包，但不想在公共场所大声提醒以免打扰他人。教授则认为，在这种特殊情况下，大声提醒是完全能被接受的，因为这是在帮助解决一个实际问题，咖啡馆里的其他人也不会介意。
TASK 4
讲座主题：植物适应高山强风环境的两种策略。
· 策略一：改变生长形态以抗风。高山上的灌木长得非常矮小，并紧密地簇拥成一团，而不是向上生长。这种形态能有效减少风阻，避免被强风吹倒或损坏。
· 策略二：减少水分流失以抗旱。高山土壤干燥，强风会加速叶片水分蒸发。为了应对，高山植物的叶片表面进化出了一层蜡质，这层蜡质像保护膜一样，能够锁住水分，防止过度蒸发。
More →添加老师 咨询新托福课程
04
写作部分
综合写作
套1：
The reading claims that more places in the US should ban single-use plastic water bottles, citing environmental protection, health benefits and consumer cost savings as key reasons. However, the lecturer disagrees and argues that such a ban is not advisable.
First, the passage states that banning plastic water bottles protects the environment, as their production burns fossil fuels (emitting greenhouse gases) and most bottles end up in landfills or oceans, harming animals. In contrast, the listening argues plastic water bottles are not the main plastic waste contributor. To be specific, they are the thinnest plastic products, while carbonated drinks use more plastic. Thus, a ban will not significantly improve environmental issues.
In addition, the author asserts the ban benefits health because tap water is strictly government-regulated, whereas plastic bottled water is not, and toxic chemicals in plastic may contaminate water. Conversely, the lecturer argues the ban could harm health. When people can’t access bottled water outdoors, they will turn to sugary beverages, which are also unhealthy, heavily challenging the reading’s claim.
Last but not least, the article suggests the ban helps consumers save money, as bottled water is expensive while alternatives like public water fountains are free, with an average American saving up to $1,000 yearly. However, the speaker doubts this, noting people will buy bottled water elsewhere, and local stores will raise other goods’ prices to compensate for losses. Thus, consumers won’t save money at all.
套2
The reading claims that genetically modified (GM) crops have significant benefits, including environmental protection, increasing farmers' wealth, and enhancing nutritional value. However, the lecturer disagrees with the reading and believes these benefits are overstated.
First, the passage mentions that GM crops with insect-resistant genes reduce the use of chemical pesticides, thus protecting the surrounding ecosystem. In contrast, the listening material demonstrates an opposing argument that the insect-resistant genes may spread to weeds. To be more specific, if weeds acquire these genes, they will grow uncontrollably, which also disrupts the ecological balance.
In addition, the author states that drought-tolerant GM crops can improve yields, helping African farmers increase their income. Conversely, the lecturer argues that farmers usually reuse seeds from the previous year, but GM seeds require annual purchases. According to the listening material, the extra cost of buying new seeds each year may exceed the income from increased yields, so farmers cannot really benefit financially. Thus, the author is heavily challenged by the lecturer again.
Last but not least, the article suggests that GM rice can be modified to contain more vitamin A, preventing vitamin A deficiency. However, the speaker doubts the article and asserts that there are many vegetables rich in vitamin A, with higher content than such GM rice. It is unnecessary to rely on GM rice, as people can get enough vitamin A by eating these vegetables.
套3：
The reading claims that the ancestors of mammals on Madagascar could not have reached the island from the African continent, putting forward three reasons to support this view. However, the lecturer disagrees with the reading and believes there is evidence proving the African origin of these mammals.
First, the passage mentions that mammals could only reach Madagascar by accidental factors like floods or natural disasters, which is implausible. In contrast, the listening material demonstrates an opposing argument that genetic research provides direct evidence. To be more specific, the genes of at least four species on the island are traced back to African continental mammals.
In addition, the author states that the surrounding seawater does not flow toward Madagascar, so it cannot carry animals to the island. Conversely, the lecturer argues that terrain changes have altered seawater flow. According to the listening material, the seawater flow in the area now moves southward, which could have carried animals to Madagascar. Thus, the author’s claim about seawater flow is heavily challenged.
Last but not least, the article suggests that the 400-kilometer distance between the continent and the island makes the journey too long for animals to survive. However, the speaker doubts the article and asserts that animals can reduce their basal metabolism during the journey, minimizing energy consumption. This allows them to avoid dying of thirst or hunger before reaching the island.
套4：
The reading claims that there are three feasible methods for storing solar energy, namely electrical energy storage, thermal storage, and international grids. However, the lecturer disagrees with the reading and believes none of these methods are practical.
First, the passage mentions that storing solar energy as electrical energy is affordable. In contrast, the listening material demonstrates an opposing argument that solar energy storage is complex in process and not that cheap. To be more specific, the actual cost of electrical energy storage for solar power exceeds the reading’s claim, making it economically unfeasible.
In addition, the author states that thermal storage is a viable method, which uses heat storage to drive turbines connected to generators for energy conversion. Conversely, the lecturer argues that this process produces molten salt that damages metal materials like turbines and generators. According to the listening material, the maintenance and replacement costs are extremely high, and it is difficult to recover costs in the short term, thus challenging the reading’s view.
Last but not least, the article suggests that international grids can cross borders, enabling the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to assist global solar energy utilization. However, the speaker doubts the article and asserts that while more solar energy can be utilized, it is hard for all governments and enterprises to reach a consensus. Political and economic changes make such projects short-lived, and numerous government negotiations as well as businesses pursuing maximum profits often lead to project cancellation.
套5：
The reading claims that although Russian thistle is a non-native species in the United States, it offers three benefits: being edible for farm animals, providing habitats and shade for animals, and improving soil via beneficial fungi. However, the lecturer disagrees with the reading and argues these supposed benefits are unsubstantiated.
First, the passage mentions that farm animals can feed on Russian thistle. In contrast, the listening material demonstrates an opposing argument that this plant is dangerous to animals. To be more specific, Russian thistle is excessively nutritious, which poses health risks to the animals that consume it.
In addition, the author states that Russian thistle provides habitats and shade for animals. Conversely, the lecturer argues that this plant is prone to causing fires. According to the listening material, when blown by the wind, Russian thistle can spread fires to new areas, making it a hazard rather than a beneficial habitat. Thus, the author’s claim is heavily challenged.
Last but not least, the article suggests that Russian thistle improves soil because the fungi it contains are beneficial to plant growth. However, the speaker doubts the article and asserts that the fungi in Russian thistle are scarce. Moreover, these few fungi are easily blown away by the wind, so they cannot actually improve the soil as the reading claims.
学术讨论
套1：
Doctor Gupta
Ensuring that high school students get the education they need is challenging. Some educators are recognizing that regular classes at school may not be enough to prepare students for careers and for life. Because of this, they recommend that all high school students be required to spend a specific number of hours learning useful skills outside school. Others think that this requirement is not appropriate for all students. Which view do you agree with? Why?
Claire
I think that learning outside the classroom is a necessity, and I agree that it should be required. Many students lack basic life such as budgeting, first aid, or cooking and this has many negative consequences. Students could learn basic life skills outside school under the guidance of parents or experts in various fields.
Andrew
I believe that it is important to learn some skills outside school, but I disagree that this should be a requirement. Many high school students are already overburdened with core subjects like mathematics or history. Since those students are already struggling to find time to study, learning other things outside school can wait until after they graduate from high school.
套2
Doctor Diaz
Many areas are trying to reduce fossil fuel consumption because such fuel causes pollution and may contribute to climate change. To this end, some local governments want to find ways to encourage more people to use electric vehicles. In preparation for a class discussion on this issue, please post a response indicating what policy or initiative you would recommend that governments implement to encourage more use of electric vehicles, Please explain why you think so.
Kelly
I live in an apartment building and would have difficulty charging an electric vehicle at home. I think that governments should offer financial support to encourage places such as shopping districts to install a large number of charging stations, maybe even free ones, that the public could use.
Paul
People in my city often deal with long commutes in heavy traffic. But if my local government could set aside lanes on the high-traffic roadways that only electric cars could use, that might encourage people to purchase such a vehicle because they would have shorter and easier commutes.
套3
Doctor Diaz
Today, we're discussing modern journalism. With the rise of social media anyone can express their opinions publicly, whether they have expertise in the topic they discuss or not. Social media gives everyone a voice, but some are worried that this accessibility come at the cost of accuracy and even lowers the standard of journalism. What are your thoughts? Should social media influencers or bloggers have expertise for discussing certain topics?
Claire
I believe that people who express their ideas on social media, especially on topics related to news or important issues, should have expertise. Without proper knowledge or qualifications, they risk spreading misinformation or over simplifying complex topics, which can mislead the public. Journalism has always relied on credibility and accuracy, and allowing anyone to share unverified information reduces journalism quality.
Andrew
I disagree. Social media is a platform for everyone to share their thoughts and ideas, not just experts. Limiting expression to only those with expertise would go against the democratic nature of the internet, where diverse voices and perspectives are valued. Many influencers and bloggers offer valuable insights based on personal experience, which can be just as meaningful as expert opinions.
套4
Doctor Gupta
This week, we covered the future of education in a global world. We discussed whether schools should focus on equipping students with skills that will help them be successful anywhere in the world. These skills include being respectful of unfamiliar cultures and studying the history of those cultures. In your post, I would like you to discuss whether schools should make it a priority to prepare students for a global society. Please explain your opinion.
Claire
To not forget my true identity, students should prioritize learning the values cherished in their local culture. Attempting to cultivate global citizens may result in students losing their own identities. Only after schools have provided students with a solid foundation in the history of their local culture can they then focus on studying the histories of other countries.
Kelly
Technology has made it easier than ever for people to connect with the world. Therefore, we anticipate that more individuals will work in countries other than their own and benefit from acquiring global skills that will help them succeed anywhere.
套5：
新题，改编自此前的独立写作真题：政府是否应该用税收（tax）为养育孩子的家庭提供低价的托儿服务（childcare）？
Parents of younger children need to go out to work, but they also need to find a way to take care of their children. Some countries use taxpayers’ money to subsidize the cost of child care for these families. In some countries, childcare is so expensive that people have to quit their jobs and stay at home. Do you think the government should use taxpayers’ money to subsidize the cost of childcare?
