TOEFL Reading: Analysis of Complex Sentences with Examples

In this article, we will explore a challenging sentence from the TOEFL reading section, focusing on the Late Cretaceous climate and its implications. Understanding complex sentences is crucial for achieving a high score in the TOEFL exam.

Original Sentence:

Data (subject) from various sources, [including geochemical evidence preserved in seafloor sediments](inserted phrase), indicate (verb) that the Late Cretaceous climate was milder than today’s (object clause).

Structure Breakdown:

The main structure of the sentence is Data from various sources indicate that..., followed by an object clause introduced by that. It is advisable to grasp the result conveyed by the sentence first before delving into the inserted phrase. The phrase preserved in seafloor sediments serves as a past participle modifying evidence, which could also be rephrased as a relative clause: evidence which was preserved in seafloor sediments.

Vocabulary Insights:

data refers to "data," being the plural form of datum. Similar transformations include: medium (media) and stratum (strata).

geochemical means "related to geochemistry."

seafloor denotes "the bottom of the sea."

Cretaceous refers to "the Cretaceous period."

preserve as a verb indicates "to maintain or save." For instance, The wreck was preserved by the muddy sea bed. This term frequently appears in vocabulary questions in the TOEFL reading section, similar in meaning to "save, retain, or protect." Note that preserves as a noun commonly refers to "jam."

Sentence Interpretation:

The core message of this sentence conveys that data from multiple sources indicate the findings regarding the climate during the Late Cretaceous. To effectively tackle long sentences in the TOEFL reading, focus on the main clause first, then analyze additional details provided in the inserted phrases.

Reference Translation:

Data from various sources, including geochemical evidence preserved in seafloor sediments, suggest that the climate during the Late Cretaceous was more temperate than it is today.

In conclusion, mastering the analysis of complex sentences like the one discussed can significantly enhance your performance in the TOEFL reading section. By practicing with such examples, you will become more adept at navigating challenging texts, ultimately leading to better scores.

在準備托?？荚嚨倪^程中，閱讀部分常常讓考生感到困惑,，尤其是長難句的解析,。為了幫助大家更好地理解這些句子，我們將分享一些有效的策略和技巧,。??

1. 理解句子的結(jié)構(gòu)

長難句通常包含多個從句和短語,，因此了解基本的句子結(jié)構(gòu)至關重要。首先,，識別主語,、謂語和賓語是關鍵。比如,，在句子“The discovery of a new species, which was found in a remote area, has changed our understanding of biodiversity.”中,，主語是“the discovery”，而“which was found in a remote area”是一個定語從句,，修飾主語,。

2. 注意連接詞的使用

連接詞可以幫助你理解句子之間的關系。例如,，“although”, “however”, 和 “therefore”等詞匯常常用于引導從句或表示轉(zhuǎn)折,。掌握這些連接詞的用法,，可以幫助你更流暢地理解句子。例如：“Although the study was comprehensive, it had some limitations.”這里的“although”表明了前后兩部分的對比關系,。

3. 劃分句子成分

將長句劃分為幾個部分,，有助于逐步理解。例如,，句子“The effects of climate change on marine life, including coral reefs and fish populations, are becoming increasingly evident.”可以被劃分為“the effects of climate change on marine life”和“including coral reefs and fish populations”,。這樣可以更清晰地理解句子的主要意思。

4. 練習常見的長難句

多做練習是提高理解能力的有效方法,。以下是一個練習題目：

Practice Question: Read the following sentence and identify its main idea:

“The implementation of renewable energy sources, which has gained momentum in recent years due to environmental concerns, is essential for sustainable development.”

Answer: The main idea is that using renewable energy sources is crucial for sustainable development.

5. 注重上下文的理解

在閱讀時,，關注上下文能夠幫助你更好地理解句子的含義。通過了解段落的主題和作者的意圖,，你可以更準確地把握長難句的核心內(nèi)容,。比如，在討論環(huán)境保護的段落中提到的“sustainable practices”可能會幫助你理解相關句子的背景,。

6. 使用詞匯工具

托福閱讀中常常會遇到不熟悉的單詞,。利用詞匯工具，如詞典或在線翻譯軟件,，可以幫助你快速理解這些詞匯的意思,。記住，了解單詞的詞義和用法是理解長難句的基礎,。??

7. 多讀英文材料

多接觸英語閱讀材料,，包括學術(shù)文章、新聞報道和文學作品,，可以提高你的閱讀能力和理解力,。通過不斷練習，你將逐漸適應長難句的結(jié)構(gòu)和用法,，從而提高托福閱讀部分的成績,。

最后，保持耐心和積極的態(tài)度是成功的關鍵,。在備考過程中,，遇到困難是正常的，重要的是不斷練習和總結(jié)經(jīng)驗,。祝大家在托?？荚囍腥〉脙?yōu)異的成績！??

Introduction ??

The Cretaceous period, spanning from about 145 to 66 million years ago, is known for its significant climatic changes that had profound effects on the planet's ecosystems. Understanding these changes is crucial for TOEFL candidates, as it not only enhances their knowledge of Earth’s history but also helps improve their reading comprehension and essay writing skills. In this article, we will explore the climate changes during the Cretaceous period, their causes, and their impacts on the environment.

Climate Characteristics of the Cretaceous Period ??

The climate during the Cretaceous was generally warmer than today, with higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This period experienced a greenhouse climate, characterized by high temperatures and elevated sea levels. The warm conditions facilitated the proliferation of diverse plant life, including ferns, cycads, and flowering plants. Fossil evidence suggests that even polar regions were relatively warm, supporting a variety of reptiles and other species.

Major Climate Changes ???

Throughout the Cretaceous, there were notable fluctuations in climate. Early in the period, the climate was stable and warm, but towards the late Cretaceous, significant cooling events occurred. These shifts were likely influenced by tectonic activity, which altered ocean currents and atmospheric circulation patterns. Additionally, volcanic eruptions released large amounts of ash and gases into the atmosphere, contributing to short-term climate changes.

Causes of Climate Change ??

Several factors contributed to the climate changes observed during the Cretaceous. One key factor was the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, leading to the formation of new ocean basins. This geological activity impacted ocean circulation, which in turn influenced global climate patterns. Furthermore, the increase in volcanic activity released greenhouse gases, exacerbating the warming trend. Understanding these causes can help TOEFL students grasp the complex interactions between Earth's systems.

Impacts on Biodiversity ??

The climatic changes during the Cretaceous had significant impacts on biodiversity. The warm periods allowed for the expansion of tropical and subtropical ecosystems, which supported a wide array of dinosaur species. However, the cooling events led to habitat loss and extinction for many organisms. For instance, the end of the Cretaceous is marked by the mass extinction event that wiped out approximately 75% of all species, including the non-avian dinosaurs. This extinction reshaped the course of evolution and paved the way for mammals to become the dominant terrestrial vertebrates.

Relevance to TOEFL Preparation ??

For TOEFL candidates, understanding the climatic shifts of the Cretaceous period can enhance their comprehension skills, particularly in reading passages related to Earth sciences. When preparing for the exam, students should focus on developing their ability to analyze cause-and-effect relationships, as this is a common theme in both reading and writing sections. Practice summarizing information and drawing connections between different concepts to improve overall performance.

Practice Questions ?

• What were the main characteristics of the climate during the Cretaceous period?
• How did tectonic activity influence climate change during this time?
• What were the consequences of the climatic changes on biodiversity?

Vocabulary to Know ??

• Greenhouse Effect: A warming of Earth's surface due to trapped heat.
• Tectonic Activity: Movement of Earth's plates that can cause geological changes.
• Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Conclusion ??

Understanding the climate changes during the Cretaceous period provides valuable insights into Earth's history and the evolution of life. By studying these changes, TOEFL candidates can enhance their knowledge and improve their test-taking skills. Engaging with this topic not only prepares students for potential questions on the exam but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the dynamic nature of our planet.

Mastering TOEFL High-Difficulty Articles: Tips for Success ??

The TOEFL exam is a significant milestone for many students aiming to study abroad. Among the various sections, the reading component often poses a challenge, especially when it comes to high-difficulty articles. Here, I will share some effective strategies that can help you tackle these complex texts with confidence.

By incorporating these strategies into your study routine, you can approach high-difficulty articles with greater ease and confidence. Remember, consistent practice and a positive mindset are key to mastering the TOEFL reading section. Good luck! ??