在托福閱讀中，長難句往往是考生們面臨的一個重大挑戰(zhàn),。本文將通過解析一段關于“瑪雅人如何蓄水”的高難度文章,，幫助考生提升對復雜句子的理解能力，從而在考試中取得更好的成績,。

TOEFL Reading Complex Sentence Analysis: How the Maya Collected Water

Original Sentence:

The explanation is that the Maya excavated depressions, or modified natural depressions, and then plugged up leaks in the karst by plastering the bottoms of the depressions in order to create reservoirs, which collected rain from large plastered catchment basins and stored it for use in the dry season.

Vocabulary Breakdown:

excavate /'eksk?ve?t/ v. to dig out; to uncover

depression n. a sunken area; a low point

plug /pl?g/ v. to block or seal

karst /kɑ?st/ n. a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks

plaster /'plɑ?st?/ v. to coat with a mixture used for covering

catchment /'kæt?m?nt/ n. an area where water is collected

Sentence Structure Analysis:

The explanation is that the Maya excavated depressions, or modified natural depressions, and then plugged up leaks (in the karst) (by plastering the bottoms of the depressions) (in order to create reservoirs), (which collected rain from large plastered catchment basins and stored it for use in the dry season).

Detailed Breakdown:

The main structure of the sentence is: The explanation is that the Maya excavated depressions, or modified natural depressions, and then plugged up leaks.

This translates to: 這個解釋是瑪雅人挖掘低地或者改造天然低地,，然后用灰泥填滿裂縫。

Modifier 1: (in the karst) - Prepositional Phrase

Translation: 在水蝕石灰?guī)r地區(qū)

Modifier 2: (by plastering the bottoms of the depressions) - Prepositional Phrase

Translation: 用灰泥涂抹低地底部

Modifier 3: (in order to create reservoirs) - Prepositional Phrase

Translation: 目的是為了創(chuàng)造水庫

Modifier 4: (which collected rain from large plastered catchment basins and stored it for use in the dry season) - Relative Clause

Translation: 它收集來自大型灰泥蓄水盆地的雨水,，并儲存以備旱季使用

Reference Translation:

這個解釋是瑪雅人挖掘低地或者改造天然低地,，然后用灰泥填滿水蝕石灰?guī)r的裂縫以創(chuàng)建水庫，它用于收集大型灰泥蓄水盆地的雨水,，并儲存以備在干旱季節(jié)使用,。

通過以上分析，我們可以看到,，掌握長難句的結(jié)構(gòu)和修飾成分是理解托福閱讀的關鍵,。希望這篇解析能幫助考生們在面對類似句子時更加從容不迫，順利應對托?？荚?！

Exploring the Maya Water Management System ??

The ancient Maya civilization, known for its remarkable achievements in various fields, also developed an intricate water management system that played a crucial role in their survival and prosperity. Understanding this system can provide valuable insights into how they adapted to their environment and sustained their society. In this article, we will delve into the key components of the Maya water management system and its significance. ??

1. Rainwater Harvesting ?

The Maya primarily relied on rainwater harvesting to meet their water needs. They constructed cisterns and reservoirs to collect and store rainwater during the wet season. These structures were often lined with clay to prevent leakage and ensure maximum storage capacity. The ability to collect and store rainwater was vital, especially in regions with seasonal rainfall patterns.

2. Terracing and Irrigation ??

To optimize agricultural production, the Maya implemented terracing techniques on sloped land. This method helped reduce soil erosion and allowed for better water retention. Additionally, they developed irrigation systems that channeled water from nearby rivers or streams to their fields. These systems included canals and ditches that facilitated the distribution of water, ensuring that crops received adequate moisture throughout the growing season.

3. Sacred Cenotes ??

Cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with groundwater, held significant cultural and practical importance for the Maya. They served as essential water sources, especially in areas where surface water was scarce. Many cenotes were considered sacred, and rituals were performed around them. The Maya believed these sites were gateways to the underworld, reflecting their deep connection to nature and spirituality.

4. Urban Planning and Water Distribution ???

Maya cities were meticulously planned with water access in mind. The layout of urban centers often included a central plaza surrounded by important buildings, with water sources strategically located nearby. The distribution of water was managed through a network of canals and aqueducts, ensuring that all residents had access to this vital resource. This sophisticated urban planning highlights the Maya's advanced understanding of hydrology and community needs.

5. Environmental Adaptation ??

The Maya's water management strategies were not only innovative but also adaptive to their changing environment. They recognized the importance of sustainability and developed practices that minimized waste. For example, during periods of drought, they would ration water and prioritize its use for essential activities like agriculture and drinking. This adaptability was crucial for their long-term survival in a challenging climate.

6. Lessons for Modern Society ??

The Maya water management system offers valuable lessons for contemporary society, especially in the face of climate change and water scarcity. By studying their methods, we can gain insights into sustainable practices that promote efficient water use and conservation. Implementing similar strategies today could help mitigate the effects of drought and ensure a stable water supply for future generations.

7. Conclusion ??

In summary, the Maya water management system exemplifies a sophisticated understanding of environmental stewardship and resource management. Their innovative approaches to water collection, distribution, and conservation remain relevant today, providing a model for sustainable practices in our increasingly resource-constrained world. By appreciating the ingenuity of the Maya, we can inspire new solutions to contemporary challenges related to water management.

托福考試中的閱讀部分常常讓考生感到困惑,，尤其是長難句的理解問題,。掌握一些技巧可以幫助你更有效地解讀這些句子，從而提升閱讀理解能力,。以下是一些實用的技巧和經(jīng)驗分享,，希望能為你的備考提供幫助！??

1. 理解句子的基本結(jié)構(gòu)

在面對長難句時,，首先要識別出主語,、謂語和賓語。這些基本成分通常是句子的核心,。在復雜句中,，可能會有多個從句和修飾成分,，但主干結(jié)構(gòu)往往是理解句子的關鍵,。例如：

Example Sentence: The book that I borrowed from the library last week, which was recommended by my professor, is very interesting.

在這個句子中，主句是“The book is very interesting”，而“that I borrowed from the library last week”和“which was recommended by my professor”是對“the book”的修飾,。

2. 注意連接詞的使用

連接詞能夠幫助你理解句子之間的關系,。常見的連接詞包括“and”、“but”,、“although”,、“because”等。通過識別這些連接詞,，你可以更好地把握句子的邏輯關系,。例如：

Example Sentence: Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking because we had been looking forward to it for weeks.

這個句子通過“although”和“because”顯示了因果關系和轉(zhuǎn)折關系，幫助我們理解作者的意圖,。

3. 分段閱讀法

對于特別長的句子,，可以嘗試將其分成幾個部分來理解。每次集中注意力于一個小部分,，逐步構(gòu)建整個句子的意思,。這樣做可以避免信息過載，提高理解效率,。比如：

Example Sentence: The study conducted by researchers at the university, which involved over a thousand participants, revealed significant trends in consumer behavior.

你可以先理解“the study revealed significant trends”,，再慢慢加入其他修飾成分。

4. 詞匯的積累與應用

長難句中常常包含一些學術性較強的詞匯,。擴充詞匯量不僅有助于理解句子,，還能提高你的閱讀速度。建議你平時多做詞匯卡片,，記錄生詞并進行復習,。比如：

• trend: 趨勢
• reveal: 揭示
• significant: 顯著的

5. 多做練習題

通過做托福閱讀練習題，你可以熟悉長難句的結(jié)構(gòu)和常見的考點,。建議每天抽出一定時間進行閱讀練習,，可以選擇一些模擬題或歷年真題。以下是一個練習題示例：

Practice Question: What does the author imply about consumer behavior based on the study mentioned?

參考答案可以圍繞研究結(jié)果展開,，分析消費者行為的變化趨勢,。

6. 學會總結(jié)與歸納

在閱讀完一篇文章后，嘗試用自己的話總結(jié)主要觀點和細節(jié),。這不僅能幫助鞏固記憶,，還能提高你對長難句的理解能力。通過總結(jié),，能夠更清晰地看到句子之間的邏輯關系,。??

總之，面對托福閱讀中的長難句,，掌握以上技巧將大大提高你的理解能力,。記得保持耐心,，多加練習，相信你會在托?？荚囍腥〉美硐氲某煽?！??