托福背景材料：The Sea-Wolf海狼

托福考試的閱讀部分涵蓋了各類學科領域的文章,，雖然官方不要求考生具備深入的學科知識,，但了解一些相關(guān)背景信息可以顯著提高閱讀速度和準確度。今天,，我們將探討杰克·倫敦的經(jīng)典作品《海狼》,。

The Sea-Wolf

Genre: Novel

Publication Year: 1903

Main Characters:

• Wolf Larsen - the captain of the schooner Ghost
• Humphrey Van Weyden - a literary critic
• Maud Brewster - a female poet

Summary:

After a ferry accident in San Francisco Bay, thirty-five-year-old literary critic Humphrey Van Weyden is rescued by the brutal captain Wolf Larsen of the seal-hunting ship Ghost. With the first mate dead, Larsen coerces Humphrey into working as a steward aboard the ship. As Humphrey witnesses the violent interactions among the crew and Larsen's ruthless nature, he realizes that Larsen’s philosophy is rooted in a survival-of-the-fittest mindset, starkly contrasting with his own ideals. Throughout his time on the ship, Humphrey gains sailing knowledge and physical strength.

Later, the Ghost rescues Maud Brewster, a survivor from another shipwreck. Humphrey develops feelings for Maud, and they eventually escape together to a remote island inhabited by seals. Here, they endure a harsh existence while Larsen and his crew face mutiny due to his oppressive leadership. As Larsen's health deteriorates, Humphrey and Maud work to repair the Ghost. Ultimately, they manage to escape, while Larsen meets a tragic end.

Analysis:

From a literary perspective, The Sea-Wolf may not be considered a flawless work. Wolf Larsen is portrayed as a complex character, embodying both brute strength and intellectual cunning. His interactions reveal a man who uses civilization's literature to justify his primal beliefs. The plot lacks significant twists, focusing instead on the mundane conflicts aboard the ship. Additionally, the sudden emergence of romance feels jarring against the novel's earlier tone.

Jack London often excels in vividly depicting scenes and actions rather than intricate character relationships. Despite its shortcomings, the novel poses profound existential questions about the purpose of life. Larsen's view equates life to a relentless struggle for survival, where the strong consume the weak.

Larsen's materialistic philosophy dismisses the existence of God and the soul, asserting that humans are akin to animals, driven solely by survival instincts. His reflections on life and death resonate with London's overarching themes, suggesting that existence itself is fraught with challenges.

In conclusion, Larsen represents a primitive being misplaced in a civilized world. The tension between civilization and primal instincts raises questions about evolution and regression, prompting readers to reflect on what it means to be human.

托福背景材料：The Sea-Wolf海狼

When preparing for the TOEFL exam, understanding literary works can be a great asset. One such work is "The Sea-Wolf" by Jack London, which offers rich themes and character development that can enhance your analytical skills. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of "The Sea-Wolf" and how it can aid in your TOEFL preparation. ????

1. Overview of "The Sea-Wolf"

"The Sea-Wolf" is a novel published in 1904, narrating the story of Humphrey van Weyden, who finds himself aboard a seal-hunting ship after a shipwreck. The captain, Wolf Larsen, is a complex character who embodies both brute strength and philosophical depth. The novel explores themes of survival, the nature of humanity, and the struggle between civilization and savagery.

2. Themes to Consider

Understanding the themes in "The Sea-Wolf" can help you in the reading section of the TOEFL. Here are some important themes to focus on:

• Survival: The characters face extreme conditions, highlighting human resilience.
• Philosophy and Morality: Wolf Larsen's views challenge conventional morality, prompting readers to question their own beliefs.
• Civilization vs. Savagery: The conflict between civilized behavior and primal instincts is central to the narrative.

3. Character Analysis

Character analysis is crucial for the writing section of the TOEFL. Focus on the following characters:

• Humphrey van Weyden: The protagonist, representing the struggle for identity and morality.
• Wolf Larsen: A powerful antagonist whose philosophical ideas challenge the protagonist.
• Maud Brewster: A woman who represents hope and the possibility of redemption.

4. Writing Practice

To practice your writing skills, consider the following prompt:

Discuss how the theme of survival is portrayed in "The Sea-Wolf." Use examples from the text to support your answer.

In your response, aim for clarity and coherence. Begin with an introduction that states your thesis, followed by body paragraphs that explore specific examples, and conclude with a summary of your main points. This structure will help you organize your thoughts effectively. ??

5. Vocabulary Development

As you read "The Sea-Wolf," pay attention to vocabulary that may appear in the TOEFL exam. Here are some words to consider:

• Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
• Philosophical: Relating to the study of fundamental nature, knowledge, and existence.
• Antagonist: A character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict.

6. Listening Practice

For listening practice, try to find audiobooks or lectures discussing "The Sea-Wolf." Pay attention to the speaker's tone and the way they emphasize key points. This will help you improve your listening comprehension skills, which are vital for the TOEFL. ??

7. New Topics and Predictions

As you prepare for the TOEFL, keep an eye out for new topics related to literature. For example, discussions about modern adaptations of classic novels or comparisons between different literary works can be beneficial. Predicting potential essay questions based on current trends in literature can also give you an edge in your preparation.

By engaging deeply with "The Sea-Wolf," you not only enhance your understanding of literature but also improve your analytical and writing skills, which are essential for success in the TOEFL exam. Remember to take notes, practice writing, and immerse yourself in the themes and characters of the novel. Happy studying! ???

Exploring the Sea: A Guide for TOEFL Candidates

The sea is a vast and fascinating subject that often appears in TOEFL writing and speaking tasks. Understanding its significance can help you articulate your thoughts more effectively. In this article, we will explore various aspects of the sea, providing you with valuable insights and examples to enhance your TOEFL preparation. ??

1. Importance of the Sea

The sea plays a crucial role in our ecosystem and economy. It covers about 71% of the Earth's surface and is home to a diverse range of marine life. The sea provides food, regulates climate, and supports numerous industries such as fishing, tourism, and transportation. For instance, the fishing industry alone employs millions of people worldwide, highlighting its economic significance. ??

2. Common TOEFL Topics Related to the Sea

When preparing for the TOEFL, you may encounter various topics related to the sea. Here are some common themes:

• Marine Conservation: Discussing the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
• Impact of Pollution: Analyzing how human activities affect the health of the oceans.
• Cultural Significance: Exploring how different cultures view and utilize the sea.

3. Sample Writing Task

Here is a sample prompt you might encounter:

Prompt: "Do you agree or disagree that protecting the ocean is more important than other environmental issues? Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion."

Sample Answer:

Many people argue that protecting the ocean is crucial due to its impact on global biodiversity and climate regulation. Firstly, the ocean is home to countless species, many of which are endangered due to overfishing and habitat destruction. Secondly, the ocean plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. Therefore, prioritizing ocean conservation can have a ripple effect on other environmental issues. ??

4. Vocabulary to Enhance Your Responses

Using varied vocabulary can make your writing stand out. Here are some useful words related to the sea:

• Coastal: relating to the area where land meets the sea.
• Biodiversity: the variety of life in a particular habitat.
• Pollution: the presence of harmful substances in the environment.

5. Listening and Speaking Practice

Listening to discussions about the sea can improve your comprehension skills. You might encounter audio clips discussing marine life or environmental policies. Here’s a sample listening task:

Listening Text: "The oceans are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Scientists emphasize the need for immediate action to protect these vital ecosystems."

After listening, you could be asked:

Question: "What are the main challenges facing the oceans, according to the speaker?"

6. New Topics and Predictions

As global awareness of environmental issues grows, new topics related to the sea may emerge in TOEFL exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss:

• The role of technology in marine conservation
• The effects of climate change on sea levels
• Sustainable tourism practices

7. Conclusion

Incorporating knowledge about the sea into your TOEFL preparation can greatly enhance your performance. By understanding its significance, familiarizing yourself with relevant vocabulary, and practicing sample tasks, you can build confidence and improve your language skills. Remember, the sea is not just a body of water; it is a rich topic that can lead to insightful discussions and compelling arguments. Good luck! ??

對于托福考生來說,，背景材料的準備是提升考試成績的重要環(huán)節(jié),。本文將為大家推薦一些有效的背景材料，幫助你在聽力,、閱讀和寫作部分取得更好的表現(xiàn),。??

1. 聽力部分的背景材料

托福聽力部分通常包括學術(shù)講座和校園對話。為了提高你的聽力理解能力,，建議你多聽一些相關(guān)的材料,，例如：

• TED Talks: 這些短小精悍的演講涵蓋了各種主題，可以幫助你熟悉不同的口音和表達方式,。
• NPR Podcasts: 通過收聽這些播客,，你可以接觸到許多學術(shù)和社會話題，這對聽力練習非常有幫助,。
• YouTube教育頻道: 例如CrashCourse和Khan Academy，這些頻道提供豐富的學術(shù)內(nèi)容,，適合進行聽力練習。

2. 閱讀部分的背景材料

托福閱讀部分的文章通常來自于學術(shù)期刊和教材,。為了提高你的閱讀理解能力，可以參考以下材料：

• Scientific American: 這本雜志提供了許多科學領域的文章,，幫助你了解學術(shù)寫作的風格,。
• National Geographic: 該雜志的文章涉及自然科學和地理,，適合拓寬你的知識面,。
• Academic Journals: 多閱讀一些學術(shù)期刊的文章,，了解不同學科的研究動態(tài)和寫作風格,。

3. 寫作部分的背景材料

托福寫作部分要求考生能夠清晰表達觀點并支持論點,。以下是一些推薦的寫作材料：

• Sample Essays: 查閱一些高分范文,，如“Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?” 以及“Some people think that the best way to increase the quality of education is to increase teachers' salaries.” 這些范文能幫助你理解如何構(gòu)建論點和使用例證。
• Writing Prompts: 定期練習寫作,，使用網(wǎng)站上的題目生成器,，比如“What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?”
• Grammar and Style Guides: 使用一些寫作指南,，如Purdue OWL,，以提高你的語法和寫作技巧。

4. 詞匯積累

豐富的詞匯量是托?？荚嚦晒Φ年P(guān)鍵。以下是一些積累詞匯的方法：

• Flashcards: 使用Anki或Quizlet等應用程序制作詞匯卡片,，定期復習,。
• Contextual Learning: 在閱讀中記下不認識的單詞，并查找其用法,，幫助你更好地記憶,。
• Word Lists: 參考托福詞匯書籍，專注于高頻詞匯的學習,。

5. 模擬考試

參加模擬考試是檢驗自己學習效果的有效方法,。你可以使用以下資源：

• Official TOEFL Practice Tests: 這些官方模擬題能幫助你熟悉考試形式和時間管理。
• Online Practice Platforms: 如Magoosh和ETS提供的在線練習,，可以隨時隨地進行練習,。

通過以上推薦的背景材料，相信你能更好地為托?？荚囎龊脺蕚?。不斷積累知識和經(jīng)驗，你將能夠在考試中發(fā)揮出色,。祝你備考順利,！??