托福閱讀長難句實例分析

在托福閱讀中,，長難句常常是考生們感到棘手的部分,。以下是一個關于海洋爬行動物滅絕的句子解析，幫助考生更好地理解和應對類似結構的句子,。

原句：

The K-T event marked the end of the marine reptiles, such as the mosasaurs and the plesiosaurs, which were the largest creatures that had ever lived in the seas and which ruled the seas long before whales evolved.

結構分析：

這是一個復合句,，包含兩個由 which 引導的定語從句，以及一個由 that 引導的定語從句和一個由 before 引導的時間狀語從句,。

句子分析：

主句 The K-T event marked the end of the marine reptiles 中,，The K-T event 是主語，marked 是謂語,，the end 是賓語,，of the marine reptiles 為定語修飾 the end,。插入語 such as the mosasaurs and the plesiosaurs 進一步解釋了海洋爬行動物的例子。該部分的意思是：K-T事件標志著滄龍,、蛇頸龍等海洋爬行動物的滅絕,。

接下來的兩個定語從句 which were the largest creatures that had ever lived in the seas 和 which ruled the seas long before whales evolved 分別修飾 the marine reptiles。在第一個定語從句中,，which 作主語,，were the largest creatures 為系表結構；that 引導的定語從句修飾 creatures,，其中 that 在從句中作主語,，had ever lived 為謂語，in the seas 為狀語,。第二個定語從句中,，which 作主語，ruled 作謂語,，the seas 作賓語,；before 引導的時間狀語從句中，whales 作主語,，evolved 為謂語,。這部分的意思是：它們是曾經(jīng)生活在海洋中的最大生物，并且在鯨魚進化之前,，它們已經(jīng)統(tǒng)治了海洋,。

參考翻譯：

K-T事件標志著滄龍、蛇頸龍等海洋爬行動物的滅絕,。它們是曾經(jīng)生活在海洋中的最大生物,，并且在鯨魚進化之前，它們已經(jīng)統(tǒng)治了海洋,。

通過以上分析,，考生可以更有效地應對托福閱讀中的長難句，提升自己的理解能力和答題技巧,。希望大家在備考過程中能掌握這些技巧,，輕松面對托福考試中的挑戰(zhàn),。

Understanding Long Sentences in TOEFL Reading

As a TOEFL test taker, you may often encounter long and complex sentences in the reading section. These sentences can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can improve your comprehension skills. ?? Here are some effective tips to help you parse long sentences more easily.

1. Identify the Main Clause

The first step in understanding any long sentence is to identify the main clause. This is the part of the sentence that can stand alone and usually contains the main idea. For instance, in the sentence:

"The scientist, who had been researching for years, finally published her findings, which revealed significant insights into climate change."

The main clause is "The scientist finally published her findings." Recognizing this can help you focus on the essential information.

2. Break Down the Sentence

Once you have identified the main clause, break down the remaining parts of the sentence. Look for subordinate clauses and phrases that provide additional information. In the example above, "who had been researching for years" and "which revealed significant insights into climate change" are subordinate clauses. By separating these components, you can understand how they relate to the main idea.

3. Look for Keywords

Keywords can guide you through complex sentences. Words like however, therefore, additionally, and consequently signal relationships between ideas. For example:

"Many species are endangered; however, conservation efforts are making a difference."

Here, "however" indicates a contrast between the two clauses, helping you grasp the overall meaning more effectively.

4. Practice with Sample Sentences

Practicing with sample sentences can enhance your skills. Here’s a practice example:

"Despite the challenges posed by urbanization, many communities have found innovative ways to preserve their local ecosystems."

Try identifying the main clause and breaking down the sentence. The main clause is "many communities have found innovative ways to preserve their local ecosystems." The phrase "Despite the challenges posed by urbanization" provides context.

5. Use Context Clues

Context clues within the text can help you infer meanings of unfamiliar words or phrases. If you encounter a word you don’t know, look at the surrounding sentences for hints. For example:

"The phenomenon of bioluminescence, which allows certain organisms to emit light, has fascinated scientists for decades."

Even if you don’t know "bioluminescence," the context indicates it involves organisms emitting light.

6. Time Management

In the TOEFL reading section, time management is crucial. Don’t spend too long on any single sentence. If a sentence seems overly complicated, move on and return to it later if time permits. This strategy ensures you cover all questions efficiently. ?

7. Review Common Topics

Familiarize yourself with common TOEFL reading topics such as:

• Environmental Science
• History
• Psychology
• Technology

Understanding the vocabulary and themes in these areas will make it easier to tackle long sentences during the exam.

8. Stay Calm and Focused

Finally, maintaining a calm and focused mindset during the exam can significantly impact your performance. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you can handle the material. ??

By employing these strategies, you can improve your ability to comprehend long sentences in the TOEFL reading section. Remember, practice is key! Good luck with your studies! ??

When we think about the extinction of marine reptiles, such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, it is essential to explore the various factors that contributed to their decline. This topic is not only fascinating but also relevant for students preparing for exams like TOEFL. Understanding these reasons can enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial for success in academic environments. ??

1. Environmental Changes

The first major factor affecting marine reptiles was significant environmental change. During the Mesozoic era, particularly at the end of the Cretaceous period, Earth experienced dramatic climate shifts. These shifts included rising sea levels and fluctuating temperatures. Such changes can disrupt habitats and food sources, making survival difficult for many species. For example, when ocean temperatures rose, the distribution of prey species shifted, leading to competition among predators. ??

2. Competition with Other Species

Another important aspect to consider is the competition with other marine animals. As ecosystems evolved, new species emerged, some of which were better adapted to changing conditions. For instance, the rise of bony fish and sharks created intense competition for food resources. Marine reptiles that could not adapt quickly enough to this competition faced a higher risk of extinction. This scenario illustrates the importance of adaptability in the survival of species. ??

3. Geological Events

Geological events also played a crucial role in the extinction of marine reptiles. The impact of asteroids, such as the one believed to have struck the Yucatán Peninsula, caused catastrophic changes in the environment. This event led to widespread destruction, including tsunamis and wildfires, drastically altering habitats. The immediate aftermath would have been devastating for marine life, including reptiles, as it disrupted breeding grounds and food availability. ??

4. Evolutionary Pressures

Evolutionary pressures cannot be overlooked when analyzing the extinction of marine reptiles. Over time, species must adapt to survive, and those that fail to evolve may face extinction. As mammals began to diversify and occupy niches previously held by reptiles, these evolutionary pressures increased. The emergence of more efficient predators and competitors forced marine reptiles into a corner, ultimately leading to their decline. ??

5. Human Impact

While human impact did not directly contribute to the extinction of marine reptiles, understanding its role in modern contexts is vital. Today, human activities, such as overfishing and pollution, threaten marine ecosystems. Drawing parallels between past extinctions and current threats can offer valuable insights into conservation efforts. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to protect existing marine life from facing similar fates. ??

In conclusion, the extinction of marine reptiles was a complex process influenced by multiple interrelated factors. From environmental changes and competition with other species to geological events and evolutionary pressures, each element played a role in shaping the fate of these fascinating creatures. As TOEFL candidates, exploring such topics enhances not only your knowledge but also your ability to analyze and articulate complex ideas effectively. Keep these insights in mind as you prepare for your exam, as they will serve you well in both writing and speaking sections. Good luck! ??