Understanding the Purpose of Speech on Polar Bears
Professor Johnson: Today, we're going to discuss the effects of climate change on polar bear populations. As you may know, polar bears rely heavily on sea ice because they hunt seals from the ice. Unfortunately, due to rising global temperatures, the ice is melting at an alarming rate. This not only impacts their hunting habits but also affects their breeding patterns. Recently, researchers have observed that with the ice receding, polar bears are forced to swim longer distances to find food, which is exhausting and can lead to malnutrition, particularly in mothers nursing their cubs.
In addition to food scarcity, the loss of habitat due to melting ice also exposes polar bears to more human interactions, which can lead to increased danger for both bears and humans. The purpose of our discussion today is not just to highlight these issues but to inspire action towards conservation efforts that could help protect these magnificent creatures.
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.