TOEFL Reading Complex Sentence Analysis: Maya's Reservoir Construction

The explanation for this phenomenon lies in the fact that the Maya excavated depressions or altered natural low-lying areas, subsequently sealed leaks in the karst landscape by applying plaster to the bottoms of these depressions. This enabled them to create reservoirs that collected rainwater from expansive plastered catchment basins, storing it for utilization during the dry season.

Sentence Breakdown

This sentence primarily serves as an explanation, initiated by is followed by a that-clause. Within this clause, multiple verbs appear: excavated, modified, and plugged up. These actions aim to achieve the purpose expressed in the phrase in order to create reservoirs. The final part of the sentence includes a non-defining relative clause introduced by which, modifying the noun reservoirs.

The correct answer to this sentence simplification task is option A: Southern Maya populations obtained the water they needed for the dry season by collecting and storing rainwater in sealed depressions. Let's examine why the other options are incorrect: Option B suggests that The Maya are credited with creating methods for modifying natural rainwater and storing it, which is not mentioned in the original text; Option C states Leaks in the karst caused difficulties in the creation of reservoirs, which were needed to store water for the dry season, but the original sentence indicates that these leaks were addressed; Option D claims Southern Mayans were more successful at collecting rain than storing it during dry seasons, which is not supported by the original information.

Vocabulary Review

The term depression typically means “sadness” or “economic decline,” but here it refers to a “l(fā)ow area.”

Excavate depressions means “to dig out low areas.”

Modify generally means “to change,” and in this context refers to “altering natural depressions.”

Plug up leaks refers to “sealing places where water escapes.”

Karst refers to a type of landscape formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, commonly limestone.

Catchment basins are areas designed for collecting water.

Plaster can mean “a material used for covering surfaces” or as a verb “to coat with plaster.” For example: His broken leg was encased in plaster.

Translation of the Sentence

A possible translation of the original sentence could be: One explanation is that the Maya excavated or modified natural low areas and then sealed off leaks in the karst landscape with plaster, allowing them to create reservoirs that collected rainwater from large plastered catchment basins for use during the dry season.

以上就是托福閱讀中長(zhǎng)難句的訓(xùn)練分析介紹,，希望大家能夠?qū)W到有效的訓(xùn)練和提升方法,，讓自己更為輕松地面對(duì)長(zhǎng)難句得到高分。

Understanding Maya Water Management Systems

The ancient Maya civilization is renowned for its impressive achievements in various fields, including astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. One of the most fascinating aspects of this civilization is their advanced water management systems. ?? In this article, we will explore how the Maya developed these systems, the techniques they used, and the impact on their society.

Techniques Used by the Maya

The Maya utilized a variety of innovative techniques to manage their water resources. They constructed reservoirs, canals, and aqueducts to collect and distribute water effectively. One notable method was the use of *cisterns*, which are underground storage tanks that collected rainwater. ? This technique was especially crucial in regions with limited rainfall.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting played a significant role in sustaining the Maya population. By capturing rainwater during the wet season, they ensured a reliable water supply throughout the dry months. The Maya cities, such as Tikal and Copán, featured extensive water collection systems that allowed them to thrive in challenging environments.

Engineering Marvels

The engineering skills of the Maya are evident in their water management systems. They often built terracing on hillsides to reduce erosion and capture runoff water. This not only provided water for agriculture but also prevented soil degradation. The construction of canals helped redirect excess water to agricultural fields, ensuring crops received adequate irrigation. ??

Social and Cultural Impact

The water management systems of the Maya were not just practical; they also had significant social and cultural implications. Access to water influenced the layout of cities and the organization of society. Sacred rituals were often tied to water sources, highlighting the spiritual significance of these resources. ??

Challenges Faced

Despite their ingenuity, the Maya faced challenges related to water management. Climate change and deforestation led to periods of drought, straining their water supply. Some scholars believe that these environmental stresses contributed to the decline of certain Maya cities. Understanding these challenges can provide valuable lessons for modern societies facing similar issues.

Conclusion

The study of Maya water management systems reveals a sophisticated understanding of environmental engineering. Their techniques for harvesting and distributing water allowed them to flourish in a diverse landscape. As we face our own water management challenges today, the lessons from the Maya can inspire innovative solutions. ??

TOEFL Writing Practice

Sample Question: Discuss the importance of water management in ancient civilizations, using the Maya as an example. Provide specific details from your knowledge or readings.

Vocabulary: civilization, reservoir, aqueduct, cistern, terracing, runoff, irrigation.

Reference Answer: In ancient civilizations, effective water management was crucial for survival. The Maya developed advanced systems that allowed them to capture and store rainwater, ensuring a sustainable supply throughout the year...

New Topics for Discussion

1. How did the geography of the Maya influence their water management techniques?

2. What lessons can modern societies learn from the Maya's approach to water sustainability?

3. In what ways did water management impact the social structure of Maya cities?

在托?？荚囍?，閱讀部分常常讓考生感到困惑，尤其是長(zhǎng)難句的理解,。掌握一些解析技巧,，可以幫助你更有效地應(yīng)對(duì)這些復(fù)雜句子。以下是一些實(shí)用的技巧和經(jīng)驗(yàn)分享,，希望能為你的備考提供幫助,！??

1. 理解句子的結(jié)構(gòu)

長(zhǎng)難句通常包含多個(gè)從句和修飾成分,。首先,，識(shí)別主句和從句是關(guān)鍵,。可以嘗試將句子分解為幾個(gè)小部分,，逐步理解,。例如：

“Although the weather was bad, the event, which had been planned for months, went ahead as scheduled.”

在這個(gè)句子中，主句是“the event went ahead as scheduled”,，而“Although the weather was bad”和“which had been planned for months”分別是狀語(yǔ)從句和定語(yǔ)從句,。

2. 尋找關(guān)鍵詞

在閱讀長(zhǎng)難句時(shí)，注意尋找一些關(guān)鍵詞,，如連詞,、代詞和動(dòng)詞。這些詞往往能夠幫助你抓住句子的核心意思,。例如,，“however,” “because,” “which,” “that”等詞匯都能指示句子之間的關(guān)系。

3. 注意修飾成分

長(zhǎng)難句中經(jīng)常會(huì)有很多修飾成分,，這些成分可能會(huì)干擾你對(duì)句子主旨的理解,。嘗試忽略這些修飾成分，先找到句子的核心信息,，再回過(guò)頭來(lái)理解修飾部分,。例如：

“The book, which was written by a famous author, contains numerous insights into the human condition.”

這里的“which was written by a famous author”是一個(gè)修飾成分，核心信息是“the book contains numerous insights”,。

4. 多做練習(xí)

通過(guò)不斷的練習(xí)來(lái)提高自己的解析能力,。可以選擇一些托福閱讀材料進(jìn)行練習(xí),，特別是那些包含長(zhǎng)難句的文章,。每次閱讀后，試著總結(jié)句子的結(jié)構(gòu)和主要信息,。記得記錄下遇到的困難句子,，并反復(fù)練習(xí)。??

5. 利用上下文

長(zhǎng)難句有時(shí)難以理解是因?yàn)槿狈ι舷挛牡闹С?。在閱讀時(shí),，盡量關(guān)注整篇文章的主題和段落之間的邏輯關(guān)系。上下文能夠幫助你更好地理解句子的含義,。例如,，如果一段討論的是環(huán)境問(wèn)題，某個(gè)長(zhǎng)難句可能與該主題密切相關(guān),。

6. 學(xué)習(xí)常見(jiàn)句型

托福閱讀中常見(jiàn)的一些句型可以幫助你更快地理解長(zhǎng)難句,。例如：

- “Not only... but also...”

- “Whether... or...”

- “As well as...”

熟悉這些句型后，你在面對(duì)類似句子時(shí)會(huì)更加得心應(yīng)手,。

7. 參考范文

在準(zhǔn)備托福時(shí),，可以參考一些高分范文,，以便了解優(yōu)秀的寫(xiě)作和閱讀理解技巧。例如：

“The impact of technology on education has been profound, leading to new methods of teaching, increased accessibility, and enhanced student engagement.”

通過(guò)分析這樣的句子,，你可以學(xué)習(xí)到如何清晰地表達(dá)復(fù)雜的思想,。

8. 保持耐心與信心

最后，面對(duì)長(zhǎng)難句時(shí),，保持耐心是非常重要的,。閱讀理解能力的提高需要時(shí)間和不斷的練習(xí)。相信自己能夠逐漸掌握這些技巧,，提升自己的托福成績(jī),！??

希望以上的技巧能夠幫助你在托福閱讀中更好地應(yīng)對(duì)長(zhǎng)難句的挑戰(zhàn)。祝你備考順利,，取得理想的成績(jī),！??