2026新托福og

Narrator: Listen to part of a science podcast. Man: Renewable energy comes from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as sunlight, wind, and water. They're an alternative to fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gases and global warming. One of the most widely used forms of renewable energy is solar power. You might have seen solar panels on rooftops of private homes or small buildings that convert sunlight into electricity. These panels can last for decades. Obviously, they wouldn't work in places that are cloudy or rainy most of the year. Even in places with plenty of sunlight, no energy is produced at night. This means that you'll need to store energy for later use, but this requires batteries to be connected to solar panels, and these batteries can be expensive. Wind is another common renewable energy source. Wind turbines are large structures with blades that spin when the wind blows. They're typically installed in open areas like farmland and coastal regions. Why are they rare in residential areas? Well, when the blades of wind turbines slice through the air, they produce a swishing or whooshing sound. The faster the blades, the louder it gets. Imagine living near a wind turbine! Unlike solar panels, wind turbines require lots of maintenance. Oil changes, blade inspections, mechanical repairs... a lot needs to be done on a regular basis. Don't forget that some wind farms are located offshore, in the open sea. Think about the extra expenses needed to reach these farms and the harsh conditions that need to be overcome.

Narrator: Listen to a talk on a podcast about art. Woman: Today, we're going to explore the fascinating world of street art and its impact on urban environments. Street art, which includes graffiti and mural painting, has evolved from being seen as mere vandalism to being recognized as a legitimate form of artistic expression. Artists use public spaces to showcase their work, often reflecting social and political themes. One of the key benefits of street art is its ability to transform drab and neglected areas into vibrant and visually stimulating environments. Murals can brighten up a dull wall, adding color and life to a community. This transformation can foster a sense of pride among residents, encouraging them to take ownership of their surroundings. Street art can also serve as a powerful tool for social change. It provides artists with a platform to address important issues such as inequality, environmental concerns, and cultural identity. For example, artists may create pieces that highlight the struggles of marginalized communities. However, street art is not without its challenges. The legality of street art is often debated, as many artists work without official permission. This can lead to conflicts with property owners and law enforcement. Additionally, the transient nature of street art means that it can be painted over or removed at any time, making it a potentially impermanent form of expression. Despite these challenges, street art remains an influential aspect of contemporary urban culture. It allows artists to reach a wider audience and engage with the public in meaningful ways while transforming urban spaces.

Narrator: Listen to a talk in an anthropology class. Woman: Cultural diffusion is the transmission of cultural beliefs, practices, and social norms from one group to another. Historically, this phenomenon has unfolded through different channels, such as commercial exchange, migratory movements, and, more recently, digital communication. A notable example is the spread of agricultural techniques. Innovations such as irrigation systems from ancient Persia or terrace farming from the Andes gradually spread to neighboring regions. This influenced food production and land use across continents. Similarly, linguistic diffusion has left indelible marks on global communication. The spread of Latin during the Roman Empire laid the foundation for Romance languages. Arabic was carried by traveling traders and scholars to enrich scientific and philosophical vocabularies from Spain to Southeast Asia. Another dimension of cultural diffusion is technological exchange. For example, the wheel was first developed in Mesopotamia, but it revolutionized transportation as it spread across Eurasia. And papermaking, which originated in China, transformed literacy and recordkeeping after reaching the Islamic world and later Europe. Religious diffusion has also shaped civilizations. Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism have all expanded far beyond their birthplaces through missionary work and trade networks like the Silk Road, though in many cases, religious traditions changed and grew to incorporate local customs. However, cultural diffusion is not always harmonious. The introduction of foreign customs can lead to resistance, especially if it's perceived as a threat to identity or tradition. But despite these kinds of frictions, cultural diffusion is a driving force behind the richness and complexity of human societies.