Understanding Tone and Attitude in Academic Discussions
Listen to the following conversation between Dr. Richards, an anthropologist, and a student named Clara, who is conducting research about cultural rituals:
Clara: I’ve been studying various cultural rituals for my final paper, and I’m particularly interested in how they have evolved over time.
Dr. Richards: That’s an excellent focus, Clara. But I must caution you that while origins can be fascinating, understanding the current significance is crucial. Many modern interpretations differ dramatically from their original intents.
Clara: So, you think I should emphasize the present rather than the past?
Dr. Richards: Precisely! For example, take the annual harvest festival. It was once a community effort to give thanks for the harvest, but now it’s often turned into a commercial event, overshadowing its initial meaning.
Clara: That’s a really interesting perspective! I suppose it’s vital to examine why traditions transform.
Dr. Richards: Absolutely, and it’s equally important to consider the implications of these changes on cultural identity.
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.