SELF-TEST

Try the Self-Test For the Integrated and the Independent Tasks now. Pretend you are taking the actual TOEFL. Later, as you study this course, come back to this Self-Test and take it again. When you finish the course, take the test one last time. See how much easier it is. See how much you have learned about planning, writing, and revising.

Integrated Task

Give yourself 3 minutes to read the passage. Then listen to the lecture. The lecture will take about 2 minutes. Don't forget to take notes as you listen and read. You should begin thinking about your planning as you do this. Then write an essay in response to the question within 20 minutes.

Read this passage within three minutes.

Concern about the phenomenon known as global warming has been growing in recent years. Earth's temperature is rising, largely as a result of human activity. Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have added significantly to the greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere through increases in activities such as cutting down forests and burning fossil fuels like coal and oil. Greenhouse gases hold heat in the atmosphere, and to a certain extent, their presence is natural. An artificial increase in the amount of these gases, however, leads to a rise in temperatures on Earth.

In the middle of the twentieth century, scientists discovered that Earth was getting warmer. Then they discovered that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere were increasing. They realized that there was a relationship between rising temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide. Most of this carbon dioxide comes from emissions from industrial activity and gasoline-powered motor vehicles.

Earth's average temperature increased almost 1.5°F during the twentieth century. Scientists predict that during the twenty-first century, temperatures will continue to increase. What changes could this bring about on our planet? We have already begun to see changes in weather patterns, snow and ice cover, and sea level.

Changes in weather patterns may lead to increased flooding and drought worldwide, as well as more frequent extreme weather conditions such as powerful hurricanes. Rising global temperatures may also result in increasing water scarcity and in extinction of numerous plant and animal species. But not just the weather will be affected. Changes in climate can lead to economic losses, particularly in the agricultural and transportation sectors. One report predicts a possible 1% drop in gross domestic product and a 20% decrease in per capita consumption worldwide.

Listen to the lecture.

Текст аудиозаписи внизу. Нажмите на нижний треугольник After years of warning from scientists, it has finally become widely accepted that average temperatures on our planet are rising, with many potentially serious consequences. And just in case anyone still has doubts about the actuality of global warming, a recent report on changing conditions in the northeastern United States should help dispel them. Data collected by weather stations throughout the Northeast shows that there has been a definite warming trend in that region over the past half century. The greatest warming has occurred in the winter season. Average temperatures in the December to March period increased between 1965 and 2005. In addition, yearly snowfall totals dropped, while the number of days with at least an inch of snow on the ground fell by an average of nine days. This is a significant change in a region that is traditionally known for its cold and snowy winters. One sector of the economy that has taken a direct hit from this warming trend is the ski industry. The local economy in many rural areas is dependent on recreational ski centers. Less snowfall means fewer days that ski centers can be open for business. There are also increased expenses from making artificial snow to compensate for the lack of natural snow. The economic impact reaches far beyond the owners of ski resorts. Local hotels, restaurants, ski rental centers, and gift shops all suffer from the decrease in tourism that results from a poor ski season. Warm autumns also have a negative impact on local economics. Brilliant fall foliage brings tourists, and their dollars, to many remote rural areas in the Northeast. A hot summer and warm autumn mean that the fall foliage season is less colorful and less attractive to tourists. Leading scientists have predicted that average temperatures in the Northeast will increase by several degrees Fahrenheit before the end of this century. In addition, the number of days with snow on the ground will he reduced by 25 to 50 percent. With much of the economy of the Northeast dependent on the tourism that skiing and autumn foliage bring, changes in weather patterns can have a serious effect on the economy of that region.

Summarize the main points in the reading passage and explain how they are strengthened by the information presented in the lecture.

Write an essay.

A model essay. Your essay does not have to match this model. It is only one of many possible responses.

Образец сочинения внизу. Нажмите на нижний треугольник After years of warning from scientists, it has finally become widely accepted that average temperatures on our planet are rising, with many potentially serious consequences. And just in case anyone still has doubts about the actuality of global warming, a recent report on changing conditions in the northeastern United States should help dispel them. Data collected by weather stations throughout the Northeast shows that there has been a definite warming trend in that region over the past half century. The greatest warming has occurred in the winter season. Average temperatures in the December to March period increased between 1965 and 2005. In addition, yearly snowfall totals dropped, while the number of days with at least an inch of snow on the ground fell by an average of nine days. This is a significant change in a region that is traditionally known for its cold and snowy winters. One sector of the economy that has taken a direct hit from this warming trend is the ski industry. The local economy in many rural areas is dependent on recreational ski centers. Less snowfall means fewer days that ski centers can be open for business. There are also increased expenses from making artificial snow to compensate for the lack of natural snow. The economic impact reaches far beyond the owners of ski resorts. Local hotels, restaurants, ski rental centers, and gift shops all suffer from the decrease in tourism that results from a poor ski season. Warm autumns also have a negative impact on local economics. Brilliant fall foliage brings tourists, and their dollars, to many remote rural areas in the Northeast. A hot summer and warm autumn mean that the fall foliage season is less colorful and less attractive to tourists. Leading scientists have predicted that average temperatures in the Northeast will increase by several degrees Fahrenheit before the end of this century. In addition, the number of days with snow on the ground will he reduced by 25 to 50 percent. With much of the economy of the Northeast dependent on the tourism that skiing and autumn foliage bring, changes in weather patterns can have a serious effect on the economy of that region.