PART C - TOEFL 1 - Practice Test 1

Summary

This transcript features a series of talks on various topics, including a tour guide discussing crocodiles at Everglades National Park, a professor lecturing on clipper ships, and a drama coach offering tips on overcoming stage fright. The talks highlight unique subjects such as the behavior of crocodiles, the history and significance of clipper ships in 19th-century transportation, and strategies for performers to manage nerves before a show. Each segment provides engaging insights into these areas, blending education with practical advice for the audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The test requires participants to listen to various talks and answer multiple-choice questions based on what they hear.
• 😀 Participants are not allowed to take notes or write in their test book during the listening section.
• 😀 The first example in the transcript discusses Grant Wood, an artist, and his famous painting 'American Gothic' which is part of American Regionalism.
• 😀 The phrase 'crying crocodile tears' refers to humans pretending to be sad, although crocodiles do not actually cry out of emotion.
• 😀 Crocodiles have tears in their eyes to expel excess salt from their bodies, as they do not sweat like humans do.
• 😀 In the Everglades National Park, visitors are advised not to leave the tram due to the presence of crocodiles.
• 😀 Clipper ships were 19th-century vessels designed for maximum speed and could travel from New York to San Francisco in under 100 days.
• 😀 The primary use of clipper ships in the U.S. was initially to transport tea from China, but later they carried gold prospectors and mining supplies after gold was discovered in California.
• 😀 The professor's lecture on clipper ships highlights their historical importance and their role in speeding up trans-oceanic travel in the 19th century.
• 😀 Stage fright is a common experience for performers and can cause physical reactions like shaking knees or a fluttering stomach, often before a public performance.
• 😀 To overcome stage fright, individuals are encouraged to use relaxation techniques like deep breathing and focus on their performance rather than worrying about what others think.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the first talk in the Everglades National Park?

The first talk is about the crocodiles in the Everglades and the expression 'crying crocodile tears'. The tour guide explains why crocodiles have tears in their eyes and provides safety advice for the tram tour.

Why does the tour guide mention 'crying crocodile tears' during the talk?

The tour guide explains that the expression 'crying crocodile tears' refers to someone pretending to be sad, but in reality, crocodiles have tears in their eyes due to the need to expel excess salt from their bodies, not because they are crying out of sadness.

What is the reason given for why crocodiles shed tears?

Crocodiles shed tears to get rid of excess salt from their bodies. Unlike humans, they do not sweat, so they use their tear ducts to remove the extra salt.

How does the professor describe the clipper ships of the 19th century?

The professor describes clipper ships as elegant, multi-sailed vessels designed for maximum speed. These ships were used for fast ocean travel and had six to eight sails on multiple masts.

What historical role did clipper ships play in the United States?

Clipper ships were first used to transport tea from China to the United States, and later they were employed to carry gold prospectors and mining supplies to California during the Gold Rush in 1848.

What major historical event led to the increased use of clipper ships?

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to the increased use of clipper ships to carry prospectors and supplies from the East Coast to California.

What is one significant feature of clipper ships mentioned in the lecture?

One significant feature of clipper ships is their ability to travel at fast speeds, such as completing the journey from New York to San Francisco in less than 100 days.

What advice does the drama coach give to actors experiencing stage fright?

The drama coach advises actors to control their physical reactions (such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation) and to focus on their performance instead of worrying about what others will think.

What is the main cause of stage fright as described by the drama coach?

Stage fright occurs when a performer is nervous about looking foolish in front of an audience and is worried about how their performance will be perceived.

What does the drama coach recommend for combating negative thoughts associated with stage fright?

The coach recommends focusing on the performance and the task at hand rather than on the potential judgment of others. They also suggest using deep breathing techniques to relax.