こちらの音声はフリーのElevenLabsを使って作ったもの。

そして、この下の listening passage は自分であらすじを書いて、Google Bard に書き直しさせたり話を膨らませたりさせたものを、さらに自分で言葉の使い方や論理展開を微調整して・・・を繰り返して作ったもの。

画像は DALL・E2 に「A college classroom where a middle-aged male professor is giving a lecture on nature writing to students」と入力してアウトプットされたもの。正直、ビミョー・・・

音声もテキストも設問も選択肢もやや生煮えの感は拭えないものの、まあまあ面白い模擬テストができたのではないかと思う。TOEFL iBTが好きな人、TOEFL iBT対策をしたいという人、よろしければ感想をお知らせください。

Listen to part of a lecture in a nature writing class.

Good morning, class. Today, we delve into the enchanting world of nature writing—a genre that has profoundly shaped American literature. As the name suggests, nature writing revolves around the themes of the natural world, exploring the beauty of landscapes, and contemplating humanity's relationship with nature. This genre provides a unique lens through which writers express their thoughts, emotions, and philosophical reflections. But what is the point of learning about nature writing nowadays in the first place?
Of course, it has been a tradition for colleges to teach nature writing with the aim of providing students with a valuable cultural and literary enrichment experience. But teaching and studying nature writing is becoming even more important now. Why? Well, nature writing helps raise awareness of environmental preservation and sustainability. We are living in an era when the consequences of human actions on the environment are becoming increasingly apparent, from climate change to biodiversity loss. The need for environmental consciousness and sustainable practices has never been more urgent. Nature writing can serve as a powerful tool for fostering this awareness, so I would like for you to keep this in mind as we explore the works of two luminaries in this realm: Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

First of all, to fully appreciate nature writing, it's crucial to understand the historical and literary context in which it emerged. In the 19th century, the transcendentalist movement took root in America. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were central figures in this movement. Emerson, a prolific essayist and poet, articulated transcendentalist ideas in works such as his essay titled "Nature." Thoreau, an ardent naturalist, was known for his immersive experiences in nature, which he documented in his masterpiece, "Walden." These writers sought to transcend the limitations of the material world and connect with the divine through nature. Again, this is called transcendentalism. Transcendentalists believe that people are naturally good, and they believe in the notion that everything is interconnected—humans, animals, and nature. They view nature as something that teaches us valuable lessons about the spirit and the sacred aspects of life.

But what caused Emerson and Thoreau to become transcendentalists? Remember, this is the 19th century America we're talking about, and the United States in those days was heavily influenced by the Industrial Revolution. What followed was urbanization, of course—the loss of the wilderness and beautiful landscapes. Emerson and Thoreau witnessed the impact of industrialization on the environment firsthand, and they became concerned about the preservation of natural spaces and the harmonious coexistence of humans with nature. No wonder their writings often reflected these concerns. We see this mirrored in our own day, isn't it?

Now, let's take a look at some specific examples. In Emerson's "Nature," we encounter a philosophical exploration of the divine presence in the natural world. Emerson argues that nature serves as a conduit for spiritual experiences, urging individuals to seek a direct communion with the divine through their interactions with the environment. His eloquent prose and profound ideas laid the groundwork for the transcendentalist movement and significantly influenced Thoreau.

Thoreau, in "Walden," chronicles his two-year experiment of simple living in a small cabin near Walden Pond. He reflects on the essentials of life, advocating for a deep connection with nature as a means of achieving a more meaningful existence. Thoreau's writing is rich with vivid descriptions of the changing seasons and the intricate details of the flora and fauna surrounding him.
Within both works, we encounter allegorical elements, where the natural world symbolically represents deeper truths about life and spirituality. Thoreau's detailed observations demonstrate a keen understanding of phenomenology, the study of conscious experiences from a first-person perspective. Emerson's essays often feature philosophical musings, contemplating the broader implications of our existence in harmony with nature.

I'm assuming that the assignment last week has prepared you to discuss more detailed examples of how these two writers penned their observations of nature. Now, break into groups of four and share your ideas before we have some in-class presentation sessions.

1. What is the main argument the professor makes for studying nature writing in the present day?
(A) To gain a deeper appreciation for American literary tradition
(B) To learn about historical and philosophical perspectives on nature
(C) To develop writing skills for expressing personal reflections
(D) To raise awareness of environmental issues and sustainability

2. According to the lecture, which historical event influenced the emergence of the Transcendentalist movement in 19th-century America?
(A) The discovery of new scientific advancements and technologies
(B) The rise of individualistic values and the frontier spirit
(C) The rapid urbanization and industrialization of the country
(D) The emphasis on religious dogma and societal conformity

3. How does the professor seem to feel about the writings of Emerson and Thoreau?
(A) Critical of their philosophical ideas and unrealistic expectations
(B) Impressed by their detailed descriptions and commitment to nature
(C) Skeptical of their spiritual interpretations of the natural world
(D) Indifferent to their literary contributions and historical context

4. What is the connection between Thoreau's experiment at Walden Pond and the concept of "phenomenology" as mentioned in the lecture?
(A) Thoreau's detailed observations provided data for scientific studies in this field.
(B) His immersive experience allowed him to understand the subjective nature of perception.
(C) He used phenomenological principles to guide his writing and describe his surroundings.
(D) His isolation in nature inspired him to develop new philosophical theories.

5. Based on the lecture, what can be inferred about the professor's expectations for the upcoming group discussions?
(A) Students should focus on criticizing the flaws and limitations of Transcendentalist writing.
(B) They should analyze specific examples of how nature is used as a symbol in Emerson and Thoreau's works.
(C) They should prepare presentations comparing and contrasting the writing styles of these two authors.
(D) They should debate the relevance of Transcendentalist ideas in addressing contemporary environmental concerns.

正解
1. (D)
2. (C)
3. (B)
4. (B)
5. (B)