Listen carefully to the following passage:
Hi everyone! Today, I am going to talk about some unique cultures from around the world. First, let’s visit Japan. In Japan, there is a popular festival called Hanami, which celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms. People gather in parks to enjoy picnics under the beautiful trees. Next, we will travel to India, where the festival of Diwali is celebrated. This festival is known as the Festival of Lights. Families light oil lamps, decorate their houses, and enjoy sweets together. Now, let’s head to Brazil, where the Carnival is held. It is a vibrant festival featuring colorful parades, music, and dancing in the streets. Lastly, in Mexico, the Day of the Dead is celebrated. Families honor their deceased loved ones with altars, flowers, and traditional foods. Each of these festivals offers a glimpse into the local traditions and customs that make each culture unique. I hope you find them as fascinating as I do!
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.
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