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During a long listening passage, we need to write quickly but not wastefully. Also when summarizing, we need to access our notes effectively. A basic note taking-strategy is crucial. I recommend a zig-zag strategy for ease of access. Problem Zigzag Solution Notes are messy Zigzag creates clear levels Can't find examples Examples are indented under subtopics Run out of space Use fragments (not full sentences) Forget the structure The shape reminds you: Topic → Subtopic 1 → Details → Structure Subtopic 2 → Details Opening Topic statement: _________________________ Definition: _____________________ Subtopic 1 → Example/details → More detail → Example Subtopic 2 → Example/details → More detail → Example Conclusion/Note: ________________ Practice Example Practice Task 4: ThermoregulationReading Passage Thermoregulation in Animals Thermoregulation is the process by which animals maintain a stable internal body temperature, even when the outside environment changes. Animals that regulate their body temperature internally are called endotherms. Common examples include mammals and birds. These animals use internal mechanisms such as sweating, panting, or changing blood flow to control heat. In contrast, ectotherms — like reptiles and amphibians — rely on external sources like the sun to warm their bodies. Understanding thermoregulation helps scientists predict how animals will respond to climate change Lecture: Thermoregulation in Mammals (1.5–2.5 minutes – listen) Lecture Transcript
"Today we'll continue our discussion of thermoregulation. As the reading notes, endotherms maintain internal body heat. But let me give you two specific mechanisms that mammals use. The first mechanism is called diaphoresis — you probably know it as sweating. Sweating occurs through special glands in the skin called eccrine glands. These glands release water onto the skin's surface. When that water evaporates, it takes heat away from the body. This is very efficient, but not all mammals can sweat. Diaphoresis is less common in the animal kingdom. Examples of animals that do sweat include humans and horses. The second mechanism is panting. Animals that lack sweat glands — or have very few — often use panting instead. Panting involves rapid, open-mouthed breathing. As the animal breathes quickly, moisture from the mouth and tongue — mostly saliva — evaporates. This evaporation again removes heat. Panting is much more common than sweating. A good example is dogs. If you've ever seen a dog after a run, its mouth is open and it's breathing fast. Now, which mechanism is more efficient? Most biologists would say diaphoresis — sweating — because it allows the animal to cool down while still moving. Panting requires the animal to stop and breathe rapidly. So sweating is considered more adaptable for active animals. To summarize: both sweating and panting achieve the same goal — cooling — but through different physical processes and with different levels of efficiency." Question Using points and examples from the lecture, explain the two mechanisms of thermoregulation that the professor describes. Zigzag Notes (What to Write During the Lecture) Here’s what your paper should look like after listening: Topic: Thermoregulation – an effective internal heat control in mammals Definition: stable body temp even when outside changes Subtopic 1: Diaphoresis (sweating) → Through eccrine glands in skin → Water evaporates → removes heat → Less common → Examples: humans, horses Subtopic 2: Panting → For animals without sweat glands → Rapid, open-mouth breathing → Saliva evaporates → removes heat → Most common → Example: dogs Note: Sweating more efficient (can move while cooling) Panting requires stopping to breathe Model Answer (60 seconds – spoken) The reading defines thermoregulation as the process animals use to maintain a stable internal body temperature. The professor elaborates by describing two specific mechanisms that mammals use for thermoregulation. First, the professor discusses diaphoresis, which is commonly known as sweating. He points out that sweating occurs through eccrine glands in the skin. When water from sweat evaporates, it removes heat from the body. He notes that this mechanism is less common but very efficient. He gives humans and horses as examples of animals that sweat. Second, the professor describes panting. He states that animals lacking sweat glands — such as dogs — use panting instead. Panting involves rapid, open-mouthed breathing. As the animal breathes, saliva evaporates from the mouth and tongue, which also removes heat. He illustrates that panting is more common than sweating but less adaptable because the animal must stop moving to pant effectively. So the professor contrasts these two mechanisms: sweating allows movement while cooling, while panting requires the animal to pause. Post Task Assessment & Reflection Zigzag Note-Taking Check Did your zigzag notes include… Yes No Topic at the top? ☐ ☐ A short definition? ☐ ☐ Two clear subtopics (sweating & panting)? ☐ ☐ Indented details under each subtopic? ☐ ☐ At least one example for each mechanism? ☐ ☐ A final note or comparison? ☐ ☐ Part 2: Answer Content Check Did you… Yes No Begin with the reading's definition? ☐ ☐ Use reported speech (e.g., "the professor states")? ☐ ☐ Describe both mechanisms clearly? ☐ ☐ Include an example for each (humans/horses + dogs)? ☐ ☐ Stay within 60 seconds? ☐ ☐ Part 3: Reflection Questions Look at your zigzag notes.
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ Sample Reflection (for this practice) 1. Yes, the zigzag helped because I could see "sweating" and "panting" as separate blocks. My eyes went straight to the examples. 2. I took just enough notes — about 15 fragments. Next time I would write "eccrine glands" more clearly because I almost forgot the name. 3. Sweating was easier because the professor gave two clear examples (humans, horses). Panting only had dogs, so I repeated that. 4. Yes — I started by saying "two specific mechanisms" right away, then described each one. 5. Rating: ④ — very helpful, but I need to practice handwriting speed. Common Zigzag Mistakes Mistake Fix Writing full sentences Use fragments: "Sweat → skin → evaporates" Forgetting to indent Indenting shows what belongs to which subtopic No examples Always write "ex:" or "e.g." Notes too crowded Leave white space between subtopics Skipping the definition Always write the definition first (from reading) 30-Second Prep Checklist (After Listening) □ Review zigzag notes □ Find the answer to the prompt (usually 2 subtopics) □ Mentally rehearse first sentence: "The reading defines X as…" □ Choose 1–2 reported speech verbs (describes, illustrates, contrasts) □ Ready? Begin speaking.
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TOEFL
AuthorNevin Blumer (MA Applied Linguisitics, BEd, TESL Dip) is Director of TPS and has been teaching TOEFL since 1998.
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