TOEFL Reading Complex Sentence Analysis: The Contribution of Politicians to the Creation of Democracy

In the realm of TOEFL reading, encountering complex sentences is a common challenge for test-takers. This article provides a detailed analysis of a specific sentence related to the contributions of politicians in establishing democracy, which can help students improve their reading comprehension skills.

Original Sentence Example:

Cleisthenes' principal contribution (to the creation of democracy at Athens) was (to complete the long process of weakening family and clan structures), (especially among the aristocrats), and (to set in their place locality-based corporations called demes), (which became the point of entry for all civic and most religious life in Athens.)

Vocabulary Explanation:

democracy /d?'m?kr?s?/ n. 民主, democracy

clan /klæn/ n. 宗族, clan

aristocrat /'ær?st?kræt/ n. 貴族, aristocrat

civic /'s?v?k/ adj. 市民的, civic

rule n. 統(tǒng)治, rule

Structural Breakdown:

The structure of the sentence is as follows:

Cleisthenes' principal contribution was infinitive phrase and infinitive phrase

First infinitive: (to complete the long process of weakening family and clan structures)

Second infinitive: (to set in their place locality-based corporations called demes)

Modifier one: (to the creation of democracy at Athens), prepositional phrase

Translation: 在雅典創(chuàng)造民主

Modifier two: (to complete the long process of weakening family and clan structures), infinitive phrase

Translation: 完成了減弱家族和宗族結(jié)構(gòu)的長(zhǎng)期過(guò)程

Modifier three: (especially among the aristocrats), prepositional phrase

Translation: 尤其是在貴族間

Modifier four: (to set in their place locality-based corporations called demes), infinitive phrase

Translation: 在他們所在地方設(shè)置基于地點(diǎn)的稱(chēng)之為demes團(tuán)體

Modifier five: (which became the point of entry for all civic and most religious life in Athens), relative clause

Translation: 這成為了雅典所有公民和大多數(shù)宗教生活的入口點(diǎn),。

Reference Translation:

Cleisthenes對(duì)于創(chuàng)造雅典民主的主要貢獻(xiàn)是他完成了減弱家族和宗族結(jié)構(gòu)(尤其是貴族家族和宗族結(jié)構(gòu))的長(zhǎng)期的過(guò)程,，并且在他們所在地方設(shè)置基于地點(diǎn)的稱(chēng)之為demes團(tuán)體，這成為了雅典所有公民和大多數(shù)宗教生活的入口點(diǎn)。

By analyzing complex sentences like this one, TOEFL test-takers can enhance their understanding and navigate through challenging reading passages with greater ease. Mastering such intricate structures is essential for achieving high scores on the reading section of the TOEFL exam.

在托?？荚囍?，閱讀部分常常會(huì)出現(xiàn)一些復(fù)雜的長(zhǎng)難句,，這些句子往往讓考生感到困惑,。為了幫助大家更好地應(yīng)對(duì)這種情況，本文將分享一些有效的解析技巧和經(jīng)驗(yàn),。??

1. 理解句子的結(jié)構(gòu)

首先,，理解句子的基本結(jié)構(gòu)是關(guān)鍵,。長(zhǎng)難句通常包含主句、從句以及各種修飾成分,。識(shí)別主語(yǔ)和謂語(yǔ)是理解句子的第一步,。例如：

“Although the research was conducted over several years, the results were inconclusive and raised more questions than answers.”

在這個(gè)句子中，“the research was conducted over several years”是一個(gè)從句,，而“the results were inconclusive”是主句,。通過(guò)分解句子，我們可以更清晰地理解其含義,。

2. 尋找關(guān)鍵詞

接下來(lái),，尋找句子中的關(guān)鍵詞也是很重要的。關(guān)鍵詞通常是名詞,、動(dòng)詞和形容詞,，它們能夠幫助我們快速把握句子的核心內(nèi)容,。例如：

“The rapid development of technology has transformed the way we communicate, making it easier to connect with others.”

在這個(gè)句子中,，“rapid development”、“technology”,、“transformed”和“connect”都是關(guān)鍵詞,，通過(guò)這些詞，我們能夠快速理解句子的主要意思,。

3. 注意連詞和轉(zhuǎn)折詞

長(zhǎng)難句中常常會(huì)有一些連詞和轉(zhuǎn)折詞,，如“however”、“although”,、“therefore”等,。這些詞可以幫助我們理解句子之間的邏輯關(guān)系。例如：

“While some people argue that technology isolates us, others believe it brings us closer together.”

這里的“while”表示對(duì)比關(guān)系,，幫助我們理解兩種觀點(diǎn)之間的差異,。

4. 多做練習(xí)

要提高對(duì)長(zhǎng)難句的理解能力，多做練習(xí)是必不可少的,?？梢赃x擇一些托福閱讀材料進(jìn)行訓(xùn)練，嘗試自己解析其中的長(zhǎng)難句,。以下是一個(gè)練習(xí)題：

“Despite the challenges faced by scientists, their dedication to finding solutions has led to significant advancements in medicine.”

解析：主句是“their dedication to finding solutions has led to significant advancements in medicine”,，而“Despite the challenges faced by scientists”是一個(gè)讓步狀語(yǔ)從句。

5. 使用輔助工具

在學(xué)習(xí)過(guò)程中,，使用一些輔助工具也能幫助我們更好地理解長(zhǎng)難句,。比如，可以借助在線詞典,、翻譯軟件等工具,，幫助我們查找不熟悉的單詞和短語(yǔ),。

6. 參加模擬考試

最后，參加一些模擬考試可以幫助我們適應(yīng)考試的節(jié)奏和壓力,。通過(guò)實(shí)際的考試體驗(yàn),，我們可以發(fā)現(xiàn)自己在長(zhǎng)難句解析方面的不足，并及時(shí)調(diào)整學(xué)習(xí)策略,。??

希望以上分享的解析技巧能夠幫助到每位托?？忌屇銈?cè)陂喿x部分取得更好的成績(jī),！加油,！??

As a TOEFL candidate, understanding the relationship between politicians and democracy is crucial for both your writing and speaking sections. This topic is not only relevant to current events but also reflects on the broader implications of governance and public participation. In this article, we will explore various aspects of this relationship, providing insights that may help you in your exam preparation. ??

1. The Role of Politicians in a Democracy

Politicians are often seen as the representatives of the people. In a democratic system, they are elected to serve the interests of their constituents. Their primary responsibility is to create policies that reflect the will of the people. This connection is vital because it ensures that the government remains accountable. Without this accountability, democracy can falter. Politicians must engage with their communities, listen to their concerns, and make decisions that benefit the majority. ???

2. Challenges Politicians Face

Despite their role, politicians encounter numerous challenges that can complicate their relationship with democracy. One significant issue is the influence of money in politics. Campaign financing can lead to a situation where elected officials prioritize the interests of wealthy donors over those of ordinary citizens. This imbalance can undermine public trust and participation in the democratic process. Furthermore, political polarization can create an environment where collaboration is difficult, making it harder for politicians to work together for the common good. ??

3. The Importance of Voter Engagement

For democracy to thrive, voter engagement is essential. Politicians rely on active participation from the electorate to remain in power. This means that citizens must educate themselves about the issues at stake and make informed choices during elections. Encouraging voter turnout is a critical responsibility for politicians, as higher participation rates can lead to more representative governance. Additionally, when citizens feel empowered to voice their opinions, it strengthens the democratic process. ??

4. The Impact of Technology

In recent years, technology has transformed the relationship between politicians and democracy. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for politicians to communicate with the public. They can share their policies, engage with constituents, and respond to concerns in real-time. However, this also presents challenges, such as the spread of misinformation and the potential for manipulation. Politicians must navigate these digital landscapes carefully to maintain credibility and trust. ??

5. The Future of Democracy

Looking ahead, the relationship between politicians and democracy will likely continue to evolve. Issues such as climate change, social justice, and economic inequality will demand innovative solutions from elected officials. As a result, politicians must be adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of society. Engaging younger generations and fostering civic education will be crucial in ensuring that democracy remains vibrant and inclusive. ??

In conclusion, the relationship between politicians and democracy is multifaceted and dynamic. By understanding the roles, challenges, and opportunities that exist within this framework, TOEFL candidates can better articulate their thoughts in both writing and speaking tasks. Remember to support your arguments with examples and maintain a clear structure in your responses. Good luck with your preparation! ??

托福高難度閱讀技巧分享

對(duì)于許多托福考生來(lái)說(shuō),，閱讀部分常常是一個(gè)挑戰(zhàn),。尤其是高難度的文章，可能會(huì)讓人感到困惑和沮喪,。本文將分享一些實(shí)用的技巧,，幫助你在托福閱讀中取得更好的成績(jī)。??

1. 理解文章結(jié)構(gòu)

首先,，理解文章的整體結(jié)構(gòu)是非常重要的,。通常，托福閱讀文章會(huì)有引言,、主體段落和結(jié)論,。注意段落的主題句，它們通常會(huì)在段落的開(kāi)頭或結(jié)尾出現(xiàn),，能夠幫助你快速把握段落的中心思想,。

2. 擴(kuò)展詞匯量

托福考試中的閱讀材料往往涉及學(xué)術(shù)性較強(qiáng)的內(nèi)容,，因此,，擴(kuò)大詞匯量是必不可少的。建議考生每天學(xué)習(xí)一定數(shù)量的新單詞,，并嘗試將這些詞匯應(yīng)用到自己的寫(xiě)作和口語(yǔ)中,。??

3. 練習(xí)快速閱讀

在考試中，時(shí)間是有限的,，因此快速閱讀技巧顯得尤為重要,。可以通過(guò)以下方法進(jìn)行練習(xí)：

• 定時(shí)閱讀短文,，并盡量在限定時(shí)間內(nèi)理解其大意,。
• 使用標(biāo)記法，在閱讀時(shí)劃出關(guān)鍵詞和重要信息,。

4. 掌握題型

托福閱讀部分主要有幾種題型,，如：主旨大意題,、細(xì)節(jié)題、推理題等,。了解每種題型的特點(diǎn),，能幫助你在做題時(shí)更加高效。例如：
Main Idea Question: What is the main idea of the passage?
Detail Question: According to the passage, which of the following is true?
Inference Question: It can be inferred from the passage that...

5. 做筆記

在閱讀過(guò)程中,，做簡(jiǎn)要筆記可以幫助你加深對(duì)文章的理解,。記錄下每段的主題和重要細(xì)節(jié)，有助于在回答問(wèn)題時(shí)迅速回憶起相關(guān)信息,。??

6. 參加模擬測(cè)試

參加托福模擬測(cè)試,，可以幫助你熟悉考試的節(jié)奏和題型。在模擬測(cè)試中,，注意自己的時(shí)間管理,，逐步提高閱讀速度和理解能力。

7. 分析錯(cuò)題

在模擬測(cè)試后,，分析錯(cuò)題是提升閱讀能力的重要一步,。找出錯(cuò)誤的原因，是因?yàn)樵~匯不熟悉,、理解偏差還是時(shí)間不足,，針對(duì)性地進(jìn)行改進(jìn)。??

8. 保持良好心態(tài)

最后,，保持良好的心態(tài)也是成功的關(guān)鍵。面對(duì)高難度的閱讀材料,，不要急于求成,，要相信自己的努力會(huì)帶來(lái)進(jìn)步。??

希望以上技巧能夠幫助你在托福閱讀中取得更好的成績(jī),！祝你備考順利,，早日實(shí)現(xiàn)自己的目標(biāo)！