有木有潜伏在G版的托福党啊，寻找托福口语小伙伴啊！！

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.4.26
today is the 31th day of me recording my progress in this blog, or on gter
though I worked really hard at the first 2 weeks, I became lazy repeatedly after that, just like the situation happened several times during my previous (not previously) preparation for GRE
I know clearly that if I give up, all the effort I have made in this period would disappear, and I have to start all over again at the next preparation. So I forced myself to go back to formal state!
Today is the first day of me back to normal!
struggle for my dream! struggle for my life!

wfxmfwjwUID: 3582171

我第一次考，打算6月底7月初考第一次，
楼主基础比我好很多，一定可以达到目标的，
刚入手了magoosh，打算开始刷题了，光背单词不太能背进去。
我和楼主一样都有down的时候，也都希望向自己的目标努力，
所以加油，一定要坚持！！！

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.4.27 comprehension note!

Currently, the paramount problem in the field of biomaterials, the science of replacing diseased tissue with human-made implants, is control over the interface, or surface, between implanted biomaterials and living tissues. The physical properties of most tissues can be matched by careful selection of raw materials: metals, ceramics, or several varieties of polymer materials. Even the requirement that biomaterials processed from these materials be nontoxic to host tissue can be met by techniques derived from studying the reactions of tissue cultures to biomaterials or from short-term implants. But achieving necessary matches in physical properties across interfaces between living and non-living matter requires knowledge of which molecules control the bonding of cells to each other—an area that we have not yet explored thoroughly. Although recent research has allowed us to stabilize the tissue-biomaterial interface by controlling either the chemical reactions or the microstructure of the biomaterial, our fundamental understanding of how implant devices adhere to tissues remains woefully incomplete.
17.        According to the passage, the major problem currently facing scientists in the field of biomaterials is
(A) assessing and regulating the bonding between host tissue and implants
relative sentence: the paramount problem in the field of biomaterials,..., is control over the interface, or surface, between implanted biomaterials and living tissues.
the interface = bonding between implanted biomaterials and living tissues = host tissue
(B) controlling the transfer of potentially toxic materials across the interface of tissue and implant
not metioned toxic materials, only mentioned nontoxic ones
(C) discovering new materials from which to construct implant devices
no new
(D) deciding in what situations implants are needed
not mentioned
(E) determining the importance of short-term implants to long-term stability of tissue-implant interfaces
not mentioned such comparison
18.        The passage suggests which of the following about the recent research mentioned in lines 19-25?
(A) It has solved one set of problems but has created another.
not mentioned about new problems
(B) It has concentrated on secondary concerns but has ignored primary concerns.
no definition of secondary or primary concerns
(C) It has improved practical applications of biomaterial technology without providing a complete theoretical explanation of that improvement.
relative sentence: Although recent research has allowed us to stabilize the tissue-biomaterial interface by controlling either the chemical reactions or the microstructure of the biomaterial, our fundamental understanding of how implant devices adhere to tissues remains woefully incomplete.
though we can do sth, understanding remains imcomplete = without providing a complete explanation
(D) It has thoroughly investigated properties of biomaterials but has paid little attention to relevant characteristics of human tissue.
no thoroughly, and not mentioned about whether scientists paid little attention
(E) It has provided considerable information on short-term implant technology but little on long-term implant technology.
no relation with long or short term thing
19.        The author’s primary purpose is to
(A) answer a theoretical question in the field of biomaterials
no answer, just stated the results of researches
(B) discuss the current state of technology in the field of biomaterials
right! which part solved, which part remains obscure
(C) resolve a research dispute in the field of biomaterial
no dispute, only hypothesis
(D) predict an ethical crisis for biomaterials researchers
no ethical thing
(E) suggest some practical benefits of biomaterial implants
no benefits mentioned at all

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.4.27 comprehension note!

Flatfish, such as the flounder, are among the few vertebrates that lack approximate bilateral symmetry (symmetry in which structures to the left and right of the body’s midline are mirror images). Most striking among the many asymmetries evident in an adult flatfish is eye placement: before maturity one eye migrates, so that in an adult flatfish both eyes are on the same side of the head. While in most species with asymmetries virtually all adults share the same asymmetry, members of the starry flounder species can be either left-eyed (both eyes on the left side of head) or right-eyed. In the waters between the United States and Japan, the starry flounder populations vary from about 50 percent left-eyed off the United States West Coast, through about 70 percent left-eyed halfway between the United States and Japan, to nearly 100 percent left-eyed off the Japanese coast.
Biologists call this kind of gradual variation over a certain geographic range a “cline” and interpret clines as strong indications that the variation is adaptive, a response to environmental differences. For the starry flounder this interpretation implies that a geometric difference (between fish that are mirror images of one another) is adaptive, that left-eyedness in the Japanese starry flounder has been selected for, which provokes a perplexing questions: what is the selective advantage in having both eyes on one side rather than on the other?
The ease with which a fish can reverse the effect of the sidedness of its eye asymmetry simply by turning around has caused biologists to study internal anatomy, especially the optic nerves, for the answer. In all flatfish the optic nerves cross, so that the right optic nerve is joined to the brain’s left side and vice versa. This crossing introduces an asymmetry, as one optic nerve must cross above or below the other. G. H. Parker reasoned that if, for example, a flatfish’s left eye migrated when the right optic nerve was on top, there would be a twisting of nerves, which might be mechanically disadvantageous. For starry flounders, then, the left-eyed variety would be selected against, since in a starry flounder the left optic nerve is uppermost.
The problem with the above explanation is that the Japanese starry flounder population is almost exclusively left-eyed, an natural selection never promotes a purely less advantageous variation. As other explanations proved equally untenable, biologists concluded that there is no important adaptive difference between left-eyedness and right-eyedness, and that the two characteristics are genetically associated with some other adaptively significant characteristic. This situation is one commonly encountered by evolutionary biologists, who must often decide whether a characteristic is adaptive or selectively neutral. As for the left-eyed and right-eyed flatfish, their difference, however striking, appears to be an evolutionary red herring.
21.        According to the passage, starry flounder differ from most other species of flatfish in that starry flounder
(A) are not basically bilaterally symmetric
the same character
(B) do not become asymmetric until adulthood
not mentioned about other asymmetry species
(C) do not all share the same asymmetry
relative sentence: While in most species with asymmetries virtually all adults share the same asymmetry, members of the starry flounder species can be either left-eyed (both eyes on the left side of head) or right-eyed.
(D) have both eyes on the same side of the head
contradict
(E) tend to cluster in only certain geographic regions
not mentioned
22.        The author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements about left-eyedness and right-eyedness in the starry flounder?
I.        They are adaptive variations by the starry flounder to environmental differences.
not mentioned about adaptation to environment
II.        They do not seem to give obvious selective advantages to the starry flounder.
selective neutral
III.        They occur in different proportions in different locations.
the last sentence of 1st paragraph
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and III only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III
23.        According to the passage, a possible disadvantage associated with eye migration in flatfish is that the optic nerves can
(A) adhere to one another
(B) detach from the eyes
(C) cross
(D) stretch
(E) twist
relative sentence: there would be a twisting of nerves, which might be mechanically disadvantageous
so twist is a possible disadvantage

24.        Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage as a whole?
(A) A phenomenon is described and an interpretation presented and rejected.
first: stated the "cline", then presented an discovery about optic nerve, finally rejected this explanation by mentioning selectively neutral
(B) A generalization is made and supporting evidence is supplied and weighed.
no generalization
(C) A contradiction is noted and a resolution is suggested and then modified.
no contradiction, but stated condition
(D) A series of observations is presented and explained in terms of the dominant theory.
no dominant theory
(E) A hypothesis is introduced and corroborated in the light of new evidence.
no corroboration of an hypothesis but exploding

25.        The passage supplies information for answering which of the following questions?
(A) Why are Japanese starry flounder mostly left-eyed?
no certain explanation yet, just rejected one wrong hypothesis
(B) Why should the eye-sidedness in starry flounder be considered selectively neutral?
relative sentence: a flatfish’s left eye migrated when the right optic nerve was on top, there would be a twisting of nerves, which might be mechanically disadvantageous. For starry flounders, then, the left-eyed variety would be selected against, since in a starry flounder the left optic nerve is uppermost.
he problem with the above explanation is that the Japanese starry flounder population is almost exclusively left-eyed, an natural selection never promotes a purely less advantageous variation.

since natural selection will lead a specie select the advantageous evolution, and the condition appearing in Japan contradicts to this normal sentence, thus it should be selectively neutral.

(C) Why have biologists recently become interested in whether a characteristic is adaptive or selectively neutral?
not mentioned recently interest
(D) How do the eyes in flatfish migrate?
(E) How did Parker make his discoveries about the anatomy of optic nerves in flatfish?
they use anatomy to discover the internal asymmetry, but not mentioned the process of making these discoveries.

26.        Which of the following is most clearly similar to a cline as it is described in the second paragraph of the passage?
cline means a phenomenon is various in different situation
(A) A vegetable market in which the various items are grouped according to place of origin
(B) A wheat field in which different varieties of wheat are planted to yield a crop that will bring the maximum profit
(C) A flower stall in which the various species of flowers are arranged according to their price
(D) A housing development in which the length of the front struts supporting the porch of each house increases as houses are built up the hill
the length is various because of the altitude
(E) A national park in which the ranger stations are placed so as to be inconspicuous, and yet as easily accessible as possible
27.        Which of the following phrases from the passage best expresses the author’s conclusion about the meaning of the difference between left-eyed and right-eyed flatfish?
(A) “Most striking” (line 4)
(B) “variation is adaptive” (line 19)
(C) “mechanically disadvantageous” (lines 3738)
(D) “adaptively significant” (lines 48-49)
(E) “evolutionary red herring” (line 54)
relative sentence: As for the left-eyed and right-eyed flatfish, their difference, however striking, appears to be an evolutionary red herring (native usage which means to transfer attention).
left-right flatfish appears to be red herring, so red herring is the expression of the conclusion.

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.4.28 summary

Recently, there is some wrong on the web when surfing the foreign website. I successfully got it over by checking it on internet! HAPPY!

tomorrow, I have to go singing with co-mates, plus, the whole afternoon I may have to deal with the conference thing which will hinder me from studying.　Thus, today is my best and only chance to fetch up my schedule! Be more efficient at afternoon and night!!

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.4.28 comprehension note!
Until about five years ago, the very idea that peptide hormones might be made anywhere in the brain besides the hypothalamus was astounding. Peptide hormones, scientists thought, were made by endocrine glands and the hypothalamus was thought to be the brains’ only endocrine gland. What is more, because peptide hormones cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, researchers believed that they never got to any part of the brain other than the hypothalamus, where they were simply produced and then released into the bloodstream.
But these beliefs about peptide hormones were questioned as laboratory after laboratory found that antiserums to peptide hormones, when injected into the brain, bind in places other than the hypothalamus, indicating that either the hormones or substances that cross-react with the antiserums are present. The immunological method of detecting peptide hormones by means of antiserums, however, is imprecise. Cross-reactions are possible and this method cannot determine whether the substances detected by the antiserums really are the hormones, or merely close relatives. Furthermore, this method cannot be used to determine the location in the body where the detected substances are actually produced.
New techniques of molecular biology, however, provide a way to answer these questions. It is possible to make specific complementary DNA’s (cDNA’s) that can serve as molecular probes to seek out the messenger RNA’s (mRNA’s) of the peptide hormones. If brain cells are making the hormones, the cells will contain these mRNA’s. If the products the brain cells make resemble the hormones but are not identical to them, then the cDNA’s should still bind to these mRNA’s, but should not bind as tightly as they would to mRNA’s for the true hormones. The cells containing these mRNA’s can then be isolated and their mRNA’s decoded to determine just what their protein products are and how closely the products resemble the true peptide hormones.
The molecular approach to detecting peptide hormones using cDNA probes should also be much faster than the immunological method because it can take years of tedious purifications to isolate peptide hormones and then develop antiserums to them. Roberts, expressing the sentiment of many researchers, states: “I was trained as an endocrinologist. But it became clear to me that the field of endocrinology needed molecular biology input. The process of grinding out protein purifications is just too slow.”
If, as the initial tests with cDNA probes suggest, peptide hormones really are made in the brain in areas other than the hypothalamus, a theory must be developed that explains their function in the brain. Some have suggested that the hormones are all growth regulators, but Rosen’s work on rat brains indicates that this cannot be true. A number of other researchers propose that they might be used for intercellular communication in the brain.

21.        Which of the following titles best summarizes the passage?
(A) Is Molecular Biology the Key to Understanding Intercellular Communication in the Brain?
narrow the scope, intercellular communication only mentioned in the last paragraph
(B) Molecular Biology: Can Researchers Exploit Its Techniques to Synthesize Peptide Hormones?
not relative, no synthesize
(C) The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Immunological Approach to Detecting Peptide Hormones
narrow the scope
(D) Peptide Hormones: How Scientists Are Attempting to Solve Problems of Their Detection and to Understand Their Function
(E) Peptide Hormones: The Role Played by Messenger RNA’s in Their Detection
narrow the scope, just the techneque used to determine peptide

22.        The passage suggests that a substance detected in the brain by use of antiserums to peptide hormones may
(A) have been stored in the brain for a long period of time
not mentioned about time
(B) play no role in the functioning of the brain
not mentioned about functioning of brain
(C) have been produced in some part of the body other than the brain
relative sentence: bind in places other than the hypothalamus, indicating that either the hormones or substances that cross-react with the antiserums are present.
(D) have escaped detection by molecular methods
not mentioned
(E) play an important role in the functioning of the hypothalamus
this is the topic of last paragraph, wrong mix

23.        According to the passage, confirmation of the belief that peptide hormones are made in the brain in areas other than the hypothalamus would force scientists to
(A) reject the theory that peptide hormones are made by endocrine glands
not rejected, just questioned it accuracy
(B) revise their beliefs about the ability of antiserums to detect peptide hormones
people already know that antiserums may bind with substances which are similar to peptide
(C) invent techniques that would allow them to locate accurately brain cells that produce peptide hormones
can't locate exacting
(D) search for techniques that would enable them to distinguish peptide hormones from their close relatives
this is not the key point, besides, they have already found such technque which is molecular approach
(E) develop a theory that explains the role played by peptide hormones in the brain
relative sentence: f, as the initial tests with cDNA probes suggest, peptide hormones really are made in the brain in areas other than the hypothalamus, a theory must be developed that explains their function in the brain.
function = role

24.        Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as a drawback of the immunological method of detecting peptide hormones?
(A) It cannot be used to detect the presence of growth regulators in the brain.
not mentioned
(B) It cannot distinguish between the peptide hormones and substances that are very similar to them.
relative sentence: whether the substances detected by the antiserums really are the hormones, or merely close relatives
(C) It uses antiserums that are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier.
can
(D) It involves a purification process that requires extensive training in endocrinology.
not the drawback mentioned here
(E) It involves injecting foreign substances directly into the bloodstream.
not mentioned

25.        The passage implies that, in doing research on rat brains, Rosen discovered that
(A) peptide hormones are used for intercellular communication
relative sentence: but Rosen’s work on rat brains indicates that this cannot be true. A number of other researchers propose that they might be used for intercellular communication in the brain.
(B) complementary DNA’s do not bind to cells producing peptide hormones
(C) products closely resembling peptide hormones are not identical to peptide hormones
(D) some peptide hormones do not function as growth regulators
(E) antiserums cross-react with substances that are not peptide hormones

26.        Which of the following is a way in which the immunological method of detecting peptide hormones differs from the molecular method?
(A) The immunological method uses substances that react with products of hormone-producing cells, whereas the molecular method uses substances that react with a specific component of the cells themselves.
specific component = mRNA
(B) The immunological method has produced results consistent with long-held beliefs about peptide hormones, whereas the molecular method has produced results that upset these beliefs.
contradict, immunological produced contradictory results
(C) The immunological method requires a great deal of expertise, whereas the molecular method has been used successfully by nonspecialists.
not mentioned that molecular method doesn't require expertise
(D) The immunological method can only be used to test for the presence of peptide hormones within the hypothalamus, whereas the molecular method can be used throughout the brain.
not mentioned their function on other aspects, the passage only talk about one aspect
(E) The immunological method uses probes that can only bind with peptide hormones, whereas the molecular method uses probes that bind with peptide hormones and substances similar to them.
contradict, immunological can bind with similar substances

27.        The idea that the field of endocrinology can gain from developments in molecular biology is regarded by Roberts with
(A) incredulity
(B) derision
(C) indifference
(D) pride
(E) enthusiasm
the attitude first is positive,  Roberts admit the usefulness of molecular approach A B C wrong
but pride may be out of scope
so E

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.4.28 comprehension note!

Echolocating bats emit sounds in patterns—characteristic of each species—that contain both frequency-modulated (FM) and constant-frequency (CF) signals. The broadband FM signals and the narrowband CF signals travel out to a target, reflect from it, and return to the hunting bat. In this process of transmission and reflection, the sounds are changed, and the changes in the echoes enable the bat to perceive features of the target.
The FM signals report information about target characteristics that modify the timing and the fine frequency structure, or spectrum, of echoes—for example, the target’s size, shape, texture, surface structure, and direction in space. Because of their narrow bandwidth, CF signals portray only the target’s presence and, in the case of some bat species, its motion relative to the bat’s. Responding to changes in the CF echo’s frequency, bats of some species correct in flight for the direction and velocity of their moving prey.

24.        According to the passage, the information provided to the bat by CF echoes differs from that provided by FM echoes in which of the following ways?
(A) Only CF echoes alert the bat to moving targets.
not all species
(B) Only CF echoes identify the range of widely spaced targets.
FM
(C) Only CF echoes report the target’s presence to the bat.
CF signals portray only the target’s presence, not only CF
(D) In some species, CF echoes enable the bat to judge whether it is closing in on its target.
relative sentence: bats of some species correct in flight for the direction and velocity of their moving prey.
right
(E) In some species, CF echoes enable the bat to discriminate the size of its target and the direction in which the target is moving.
only FM

25.        According to the passage, the configuration of the target is reported to the echolocating bat by changes in the
(A) echo spectrum of CF signals
only FM can
(B) echo spectrum of FM signals
(C) direction and velocity of the FM echoes
this is CF's characteristics
(D) delay between transmission and reflection of the CF signals
no delay
(E) relative frequencies of the FM and the CF echoes
no relative frequencies mentioned

26.        The author presents the information concerning bat sonar in a manner that could be best described as
(A) argumentative
(B) commendatory
(C) critical
(D) disbelieving
(E) objective

27.        Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
(A) A fact is stated, a process is outlined, and specific details of the process are described.
outline: In this process of transmission and reflection, the sounds are changed, and the changes in the echoes enable the bat to perceive features of the target.
(B) A fact is stated, and examples suggesting that a distinction needs correction are considered.
(C) A fact is stated, a theory is presented to explain that fact, and additional facts are introduced to validate the theory.
(D) A fact is stated, and two theories are compared in light of their explanations of this fact.
(E) A fact is stated, a process is described, and examples of still another process are illustrated in detail.

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

For an artist of such circumscribed talent, Mario was given ____________ attention, many connoisseurs ____________ over works that warranted nothing more than a(n) ____________ glance.
For ... means shift!!
as usual, an limited-talent artist only receive sporadic attention, whereas, Mario received great attention (scrupulous). second blank still express this meaning while the third blank stated the normal situation happened on such an artist
Blank (i)
scant
sporadic
scrupulous
Blank (ii)
poring
passing
faltering
Blank (iii)
derisive
cursory
tentative
End Practice and See Results

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.5.1 summary!
second time finished a practice test, I got 160 this time!
felt pretty good when read the passages!!
Practice had gained payment!!
Keep working on it!!

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.5.3 summary!

I just did a completely foreign practice test and got 153, better than my past performance!
I need to more practice! stay in my current speed!

wyd1582UID: 3567163

棒棒的具体详细很棒呢，加油我5.10

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

wyd1582 发表于 2015-5-4 13:26
棒棒的具体详细很棒呢，加油我5.10

一战吗？加油呀！！考完来交流一下咩~~

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

2015.5.4 comprehension note!

While it is true that living organisms are profoundly affected by their environment, it is equally important to remember that many organisms are also capable of altering their habitat significantly, sometimes limiting their own growth. The influence of the biological component of an ecosystem is often greater in fresh waters than that in marine or terrestrial systems, because of the small size of many freshwater bodies. Many of the important effects of organisms are related to their physiology, especially growth and respiration. By their growth many species can deplete essential nutrients within the system, thus limiting their own growth or that of other species. Lund has demonstrated that in Lake Windermere the alga Asterionella is unable to grow in conditions that it itself has created. Once a year, in the spring, this plant starts to grow rapidly in the lake, using up so much silica from the water that by late spring there is no longer enough to maintain its own growth. The population decreases dramatically as a result.

24.        Which of the following is an example of the type of organism described in the first sentence?
(A) A kind of ant that feeds on the sweet juice exuded by the twigs of a species of thorn tree that grows in dry areas.
(B) A kind of fish that, after growing to maturity in the ocean, returns to fresh water.
(C) A kind of flower that has markings distinctly perceptible in ultraviolet light to the species of bee that pollinates the flower.
(D) A kind of tree with seeds that germinate readily only in a sunny spot and then develop into mature trees that shade the area below them.
shade the area so the seeds can not germinate, that is changing the environment and even limit its own growth
(E) A kind of butterfly, itself nonpoisonous, with the same markings as a kind of butterfly that birds refuse to eat because it is poisonous.

25.        It can be inferred from the passage that which of the followings is true about Asterionella plants in Lake Windermere?
(A) They are not present except in early spring.
(B) They contribute silica to the waters as they grow.
(C) They are food for other organisms.
(D) They form a silica-rich layer on the lake bottom.
(E) Their growth peaks in the spring.
relative sentence: Once a year, in the spring, this plant starts to grow rapidly in the lake
other choices had not been mentioned in the passage

26.        The passage indicates that organisms frequently have the strongest effects on their environment in
(A) oceans, since oceans contain the largest organisms living on Earth
(B) oceans, since oceans provide habitats for many different kinds of species
(C) freshwater bodies, since such effects become pronounced in relatively small spaces
relative sentence: The influence of the biological component of an ecosystem is often greater in fresh waters than that in marine or terrestrial systems, because of the small size of many freshwater bodies.
greater in freshwater. narrows to C & D
because of small size, select C
(D) freshwater lakes, since nutrients in freshwater lakes are present only in small amounts
(E) land areas, since there exist major influences of climate on the kinds of small organisms supported in land areas

27.        The primary topic of the passage is the way in which
(A) organisms are affected by the amount of nutrients available
(B) organisms can change their own surroundings
(C) elements of freshwater habitats impede the growth of small organisms
(D) the reproduction of organisms is controlled by factors in the environment
(E) plant matter in a given locale can increase up to a limit
firstly, the passage obviously focused on talking about organisms, not elements of freshwater, not reproduction, or plant. So the answer choice is narrowed between A & B. Saving a lot of time by just reading the subject of the sentence.

logicallyUID: 3447866

无敌浩克One 发表于 2015-5-4 13:45
2015.5.4 comprehension note!

While it is true that living organisms are profoundly affected by th ...

坚持一个多月了！！给力！

现在阅读怎么样了？作文开始写了没有？

无敌浩克OneUID: 3605802

logically 发表于 2015-5-4 13:56
坚持一个多月了！！给力！

现在阅读怎么样了？作文开始写了没有？

谢谢关心，感觉油又加了一升~~
昨天模考阅读大概55%的正确率吧，和平时做老G题差不多
作文之前写过，这次还没开始系统准备