🔹 TOEFL Speaking Task 4 (Lecture-Only) Template
In the lecture, the professor discusses [topic], explaining that it involves [collocation + collocation].
Firstly, he mentions that [topic] is connected with [collocation + collocation]. Moreover, he provides an example to show how [topic] relates to [collocation + collocation].
Secondly, the professor points out that [topic] occurs because of [collocation + collocation]. In fact, he emphasizes that [topic] can be better understood through [collocation + collocation].
So after listening, I now have a clearer understanding of [topic].
🔹 History & Civilization
61. Ancient Trade Routes (Silk Road)
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the Silk Road, which was a vast network of ancient trade routes linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. After introducing the topic, the lecturer explains that merchants carried silk, spices, and precious goods across thousands of miles. The first case shows cultural exchange because of commerce and migration. He goes on to say that another effect was the spread of ideas. For instance, religions like Buddhism expanded because of travel and cross-cultural contact. In fact, the Silk Road also transmitted technology, such as paper-making, to Europe. The professor emphasizes that it was not only about trade but also about diplomacy and communication. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of the Silk Road and its impact on history.
62. Agricultural Revolution
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the Agricultural Revolution, which was the shift from hunting and gathering to farming. After introducing the idea, the lecturer explains that people began domesticating plants and animals about 10,000 years ago. The first case shows settlement growth because of stable food supply and surplus production. She goes on to say that another result was population expansion. For instance, permanent villages developed because of farming techniques and resource control. In fact, the Agricultural Revolution laid the foundation for social classes, trade, and political structures. The professor emphasizes that it transformed human life and the course of history. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of the Agricultural Revolution.
63. Industrial Revolution
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the Industrial Revolution, which was a period of rapid technological and economic change. After introducing the topic, the lecturer explains that it began in Britain with inventions such as the steam engine and textile machinery. The first case shows productivity growth because of mechanization and factory systems. He goes on to say that another effect was urbanization. For instance, people moved to cities because of job opportunities and industrial expansion. In fact, the Industrial Revolution also led to poor working conditions and environmental pollution. The professor emphasizes that despite challenges, it marked a turning point in modern history. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of the Industrial Revolution.
64. Renaissance Art and Science
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the Renaissance, which was a cultural movement blending art and science. After introducing the era, the lecturer explains that artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo advanced both creativity and technical skill. The first case shows innovation because of perspective in painting and realism in sculpture. She goes on to say that science also flourished. For instance, Galileo and Copernicus challenged beliefs because of observation and experimentation. In fact, the Renaissance promoted humanism, focusing on individual achievement and knowledge. The professor emphasizes that this period bridged medieval traditions and modern thought. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of Renaissance art and science.
65. American Revolution
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the American Revolution, which was the struggle for independence from Britain. After introducing the conflict, the lecturer explains that colonists resisted taxation without representation. The first case shows political opposition because of economic burden and colonial unity. He goes on to say that another key event was the Declaration of Independence. For instance, leaders demanded freedom because of natural rights and self-determination. In fact, the Revolution inspired democratic movements in other countries. The professor emphasizes that it established the United States as a new nation. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of the American Revolution.
66. French Revolution
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the French Revolution, which was a social and political uprising in the late 18th century. After introducing the background, the lecturer explains that inequality, heavy taxes, and food shortages fueled unrest. The first case shows rebellion because of economic crisis and class conflict. She goes on to say that another turning point was the storming of the Bastille. For instance, citizens demanded liberty because of oppression and absolute monarchy. In fact, the Revolution spread ideas of democracy and nationalism throughout Europe. The professor emphasizes that despite violence, it reshaped French society. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of the French Revolution.
67. Ancient Egyptian Civilization
The professor goes into a ton of detail about Ancient Egypt, which was a powerful civilization along the Nile River. After introducing the culture, the lecturer explains that fertile soil supported agriculture and population growth. The first case shows development because of irrigation systems and stable harvests. He goes on to say that another achievement was monumental architecture. For instance, the pyramids were built because of engineering skills and religious belief. In fact, Egyptians also advanced in writing, medicine, and astronomy. The professor emphasizes that their influence shaped later civilizations. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of Ancient Egypt.
68. Greek Philosophy & Democracy
The professor goes into a ton of detail about Greek philosophy and democracy, which formed the foundation of Western thought. After introducing the topic, the lecturer explains that philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle questioned knowledge, ethics, and politics. The first case shows intellectual progress because of critical thinking and rational debate. She goes on to say that another contribution was democracy in Athens. For instance, citizens participated in government because of public assembly and equal voting. In fact, these ideas influenced modern governments and education systems. The professor emphasizes that Greek contributions remain relevant today. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of Greek philosophy and democracy.
69. Roman Empire Decline
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the decline of the Roman Empire, which was a complex process of political and social breakdown. After introducing the history, the lecturer explains that economic troubles and military overexpansion weakened Rome. The first case shows instability because of corruption and tax burdens. He goes on to say that another factor was foreign invasions. For instance, Germanic tribes captured territories because of weak defenses and power struggles. In fact, the fall of Rome marked the transition into the Middle Ages. The professor emphasizes that its decline had lasting effects on Europe. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of the Roman Empire’s fall.
70. Printing Press Invention
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the printing press, which was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century. After introducing the invention, the lecturer explains that movable type allowed books to be copied quickly and cheaply. The first case shows progress because of mass production and literacy growth. She goes on to say that another impact was the spread of ideas. For instance, religious reforms spread because of accessible texts and knowledge sharing. In fact, the printing press revolutionized education, science, and politics. The professor emphasizes that it was one of the most transformative inventions in human history. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of the printing press.
🔹 Art, Literature & Music
71. Impressionism in Art
The professor goes into a ton of detail about Impressionism, which was an art movement in 19th-century France. After introducing the style, the lecturer explains that artists like Monet and Renoir focused on light and everyday subjects. The first case shows innovation because of loose brushwork and bright colors. He goes on to say that another feature was capturing fleeting moments. For instance, painters depicted outdoor scenes because of natural light and changing atmosphere. In fact, Impressionism challenged traditional academic art. The professor emphasizes that it later influenced modern artistic styles. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of Impressionism.
72. Romanticism in Literature
The professor goes into a ton of detail about Romanticism, which was a literary movement focused on emotion and imagination. After introducing the trend, the lecturer explains that Romantic writers reacted against rationalism and industrialization. The first case shows creativity because of nature worship and individual expression. She goes on to say that another theme was rebellion. For instance, poets like Byron and Shelley promoted freedom because of idealism and personal passion. In fact, Romanticism spread across Europe and America, influencing art, music, and politics. The professor emphasizes that its legacy still shapes modern literature. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of Romanticism.
73. Modernism in Literature
The professor goes into a ton of detail about Modernism, which was a movement that broke with traditional literary forms. After introducing the period, the lecturer explains that writers like James Joyce and T.S. Eliot experimented with style. The first case shows innovation because of stream of consciousness and fragmented narrative. He goes on to say that another theme was disillusionment. For instance, after World War I, authors expressed alienation because of social upheaval and loss of faith. In fact, Modernism shaped the course of 20th-century literature. The professor emphasizes that it represented a new way of seeing the world. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of Modernism in literature.
74. Role of Mythology in Literature
The professor goes into a ton of detail about mythology in literature, which refers to the use of ancient myths in storytelling. After introducing the topic, the lecturer explains that myths provide universal themes such as creation, heroism, and morality. The first case shows influence because of symbolism and archetypes. She goes on to say that another example is modern adaptation. For instance, novels and films reuse myths because of timeless appeal and cultural relevance. In fact, mythology connects literature across cultures and centuries. The professor emphasizes that it enriches both classical and contemporary works. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of mythology’s role in literature.
75. Oral Tradition in Storytelling
The professor goes into a ton of detail about oral tradition, which is the passing of stories through spoken word. After introducing the idea, the lecturer explains that folktales, songs, and legends were used before writing systems existed. The first case shows preservation because of memory and performance. He goes on to say that another example is cultural identity. For instance, oral stories transmit values because of teaching and entertainment. In fact, oral tradition laid the foundation for literature and history. The professor emphasizes that many cultures still rely on storytelling today. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of oral tradition.
76. Development of Theater (Greek Drama)
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the development of theater, which began with Greek drama. After introducing the history, the lecturer explains that plays were performed in open-air amphitheaters as part of festivals. The first case shows cultural value because of religion and community gathering. She goes on to say that another feature was dramatic structure. For instance, tragedies by Sophocles explored fate because of conflict and moral lessons. In fact, Greek theater influenced Roman, Renaissance, and modern drama. The professor emphasizes that it shaped the evolution of storytelling on stage. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of Greek drama.
77. History of Photography
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the history of photography, which is the development of image recording technology. After introducing the subject, the lecturer explains that early cameras used light-sensitive chemicals to capture pictures. The first case shows progress because of innovation and mechanical design. He goes on to say that another milestone was digital photography. For instance, electronic sensors replaced film because of efficiency and accessibility. In fact, photography changed journalism, art, and memory. The professor emphasizes that it transformed the way humans document life. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of photography’s history.
78. Jazz Music Origins
The professor goes into a ton of detail about jazz music, which originated in African American communities in the early 20th century. After introducing the genre, the lecturer explains that it combined African rhythms with European instruments. The first case shows creativity because of syncopation and improvisation. She goes on to say that another influence was blues and ragtime. For instance, jazz spread through New Orleans because of cultural mixing and musical exchange. In fact, jazz influenced popular music worldwide. The professor emphasizes that it symbolized freedom and expression. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of jazz origins.
79. Folk Music Traditions
The professor goes into a ton of detail about folk music, which is traditional music passed through generations of communities. After introducing the idea, the lecturer explains that it reflects everyday life, work, and rituals. The first case shows identity because of oral transmission and regional styles. He goes on to say that another feature is cultural preservation. For instance, folk songs keep history alive because of storytelling and collective memory. In fact, folk music later influenced popular genres like country and rock. The professor emphasizes that it remains an important expression of heritage. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of folk traditions.
80. Influence of Film on Culture
The professor goes into a ton of detail about the influence of film, which has shaped modern culture and society. After introducing the subject, the lecturer explains that films reflect social issues and inspire change. The first case shows impact because of representation and mass communication. She goes on to say that another example is Hollywood’s global reach. For instance, movies spread trends worldwide because of media influence and cultural export. In fact, film also affects fashion, language, and political debate. The professor emphasizes that cinema is more than entertainment—it is a cultural force. So after hearing this lecture, I now have a better understanding of film’s influence on society.