Domesticated Mammals - TOEFL Speaking Integrated Practice Questions with Answer Key
We know that preparing for the TOEFL Speaking section is essential for achieving success in the exam and engaging in simulated assessments on both Integrated and Independent types, allows us to become familiar with the exam format and structure.
So, we present to you our Speaking Integrated practice test personalized to help you hone essential skills and also enable you to develop efficient comprehension strategies, identify key information, and manage your time effectively during the exam.
Therefore, let’s take up this TOEFL speaking integrated practice test on the topic - Domesticated Mammals - for a better understanding of the areas we need to improve!
Instructions
- The narrator will introduce you to the question format, consisting of reading a short academic passage followed by a related lecture on a similar topic.
- Subsequently, you will be asked to respond to a question, integrating information from both the passage and the lecture.
- After hearing the question, you will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to deliver it.
- Following the initial instructions, the narrator will prompt you to read the passage on Domesticated Mammals within 45 seconds.
- The reading passage will be displayed on the screen for your convenience.
Domesticated Mammals
For hundreds of years, humans have possessed the ability to domesticate numerous large mammals found in the wild, particularly those that naturally gather in herds. Once subjected to domestication, these mammals serve various purposes such as aiding in agricultural tasks and facilitating transportation. However, the domestication process is not equally successful for all herd mammals.
A key determinant of an animal's suitability for domestication lies in its territorial behavior. Non-territorial animals prove to be more amenable to domestication compared to their territorial counterparts, primarily because they can coexist harmoniously with individuals from other herds. Additionally, the presence of a hierarchical social structure within a herd significantly influences the ease of domestication. Animals that exhibit such hierarchical dynamics, where members follow a leader, are more readily domesticated, as humans can effectively assume the role of the leader in guiding and managing them.
Directions: A clock displayed at the top of your computer screen will indicate the remaining time for reading. Once the reading time ends, an image of a professor teaching a class will appear on the screen. Then, you will hear the following instructions.
Now, listen to the Audio below and answer the question that follows.
Audio Transcript:
Narrator: Now listen to a lecture on this topic in an ecology class.
Professor: We have been discussing the suitability of animals for domestication, particularly those that live in herds. Take horses, for instance. In the wild, horses form herds consisting of one male, several females, and their offspring. When the herd moves, the dominant male leads, followed immediately by the dominant female and her young. Subsequently, the second most important female and her young follow, and so forth. This hierarchical structure allows domesticated horses to be harnessed in a row, as they are naturally inclined to follow the lead of another horse. Additionally, different horse herds in the wild often occupy overlapping territories without engaging in territorial disputes.
Conversely, the behavior of antelopes presents a contrasting scenario. While antelopes also live in herds, they exhibit territorial behavior distinct from horses. During the breeding season, male antelopes fiercely defend their territory against intruding males. Unlike horses, antelopes lack a social hierarchy and do not follow a leader instinctively. Consequently, controlling the behavior of male antelopes becomes challenging for humans, especially when housed together in confined spaces.
Directions: Once the lecture concludes, the picture of the professor will be replaced by a screen instructing you to prepare for answering the question. Subsequently, the following question will appear on the screen and will be read aloud by a narrator.
Question:
Explain the correlation between the behavior of horses and antelope in herds and their suitability for domestication, as described by the professor.
Preparation Time: 30 seconds
Response Time: 60 Seconds
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Speaking Test - Domesticated Mammals
Listen to the audio recording to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.
High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
The professor discusses the behavior of horses and antelopes in herds, emphasizing their impact on their suitability for domestication. Horses, characterized by a hierarchical social structure, demonstrate the ease of domestication due to their tendency to follow a leader within the herd. This hierarchical organization allows for efficient harnessing and management of domesticated horses, as they naturally adhere to the lead of another horse. Additionally, the professor highlights the lack of territorial disputes among horse herds in the wild, further facilitating their domestication process. In contrast, antelopes exhibit territorial behavior, particularly during the breeding season, where male antelopes fiercely defend their territory against intruding males. This territorial behavior, coupled with the absence of a hierarchical social structure, poses challenges in controlling the behavior of domesticated antelopes, especially when housed together in confined spaces.
Rater’s Comment:
The high-level response covers all the key points discussed in the lecture, including the hierarchical social structure of horses, their tendency to follow a leader, and the challenges posed by the territorial behavior of antelopes. It provides detailed explanations and examples to support each point, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. It is well-organized, with clear transitions between ideas and a logical progression of arguments. It effectively structures the response by introducing the main points, providing supporting details, and concluding with a summary. It demonstrates a strong command of academic vocabulary and sentence structures, effectively conveying complex ideas with precision.
Listen to the audio recording to hear a mid-level answer to the provided question.
Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
The professor discusses how the behavior of horses and antelopes in herds influences their suitability for domestication. Horses, with their hierarchical social structure, are easier to domesticate due to their inclination to follow a leader within the herd. This hierarchical organization allows for the orderly harnessing and management of domesticated horses. Additionally, horse herds in the wild tend to occupy overlapping territories without engaging in territorial disputes, further facilitating their domestication process. Conversely, antelopes exhibit territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season, where male antelopes fiercely defend their territory against intruders. Moreover, antelopes lack a hierarchical social structure, making it challenging to control their behavior when housed together in confined spaces.
Rater’s Comment:
The mid-level response briefly touches upon some key points but may lack depth and detail in the explanation. It may lack organization, with ideas presented in a less coherent manner or with weaker transitions between points in comparison to the high-level response. It may lack sophistication in vocabulary and sentence structures. However, the spoken response is likely to be fluent and intelligible.
Ready to take your TOEFL skills to the next level? Try more practice tests and build your confidence for the big day!
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