Irrigation, the artificial watering of land for agriculture, uses water from a number of sources: direct rainfall, direct streamflow, water stored in lakes and reservoirs, high-quality groundwater, brackish surface water, and even seawater. Water for irrigation is diverted from rivers and lakes or pumped underground. Different crops have different irrigation requirements, so there are many forms of irrigation and types of irrigation technology.
Various methods of surface irrigation deliver water to a field directly from a canal, well, or ditch. The surface technique of flooding large fields is widely used because of low capital costs and long tradition. Furrow irrigation, practiced since ancient times, involves digging numerous U- or V-shaped open furrows through irrigated land and introducing water into them from a channel at the top of a field. As with other surface techniques, water collects into ponds on the field. In surface-pipe irrigation, the water is piped to the field and distributed via sprinklers or smaller pipes.
Border irrigation is a type of surface irrigation that involves flooding land in long parallel strips separated by earth banks built lengthwise in the direction of the slope of the land. Water flows from the highest point in the field to the lowest. Basin irrigation is similar to border irrigation but includes earth banks constructed crosswise to those used for border irrigation, dividing a field into a series of basins that can be separately irrigated.
Step2. Listen to the following lecture
Step 3. Write your answer. Writing time-40 min.
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on points made in the reading passage.
The lecture casts doubt on the claims made in the reading passage regarding …
[Body]
Firstly, it challenges …, asserting that …
Secondly, it questions the validity of …, explaining that …
Finally, it undermines the theory of …, pointing out that … and suggesting … as a more plausible explanation.
Use Participles I (doing smth / being done / having done) and Infinitives (‘smb is claimed/thought/considered/believed/estimated/likely+ to do smth /to have done smth’ and such like)
TOEFL New — Build a Sentence
Move the words in the boxes to create grammatical sentences.
A clock will show you how much time you have to complete this task.
1.FRIEND: Has your family really changed its lifestyle?
YOU:
Yes, we have reduced waste
keep asking for advice.
that
neighbors
so
much
so
2.STUDENT: Why do some people still ignore global warming?
TEACHER:
Many people have difficulty
disastrous.
can
slow
accepting
become
that
changes
3.DRIVER: I am not sure whether my old wiring can handle an electric car charger.
FRIEND:
Why not
?
first
electrician
have
system
the
check
an
4.DRIVER: The queue at the gas station has not moved for twenty minutes.
YOU:
I wish people
.
cans
fill
not
shortage
would
a
extra
during
5.FARMER: The harvest failed almost completely this year.
SCIENTIST:
Had the rains
.
crops
survived
earlier,
two
would
come
have
weeks
many
6.FRIEND: You look exhausted after walking across town in this heat wave.
YOU:
Honestly, I
all.
noon
at
outside
have
rather
today
not
would
gone
at
7.NEIGHBOR: Did your grandfather feel ill because of the extreme heat?
YOU:.
outside
dizzy
he
hardly
started
again
stepped
when
feeling
had
he
8.TENANT: The cost of installing an air conditioner is absurdly high.
YOU:
Then why not demand that the landlord
?
installation
the
part
if
cover
hot
costs
apartment
unbearably
the
of
becomes
9.CHILD: Can we look out of the window while the tornado passes?
PARENT:
Absolutely not. I insist that you
.
basement
passes
from
hide
away
in
until
the
windows
stay
the
it
and
10.REPORTER: Do you think military action could still be avoided?
ANALYST:
If both sides had negotiated earlier,
.
conflict,
the
paying
avoided
civilians
would
now
they
price
are
but
have
escalating
the
Total Questions: 0
Incorrect Answers: 0
2. Write an Email
You will read some information and use it to write an email.
You will have 7 minutes to write the email.
Read the Task: 1:00
You recently stayed for five nights at a seaside hotel. During your stay, the
air conditioning in your room did not work, you found insects in the bathroom,
and some of the food served in the hotel café appeared to be spoiled.
You reported these problems several times.
Before you checked out, a hotel representative apologized and told you that you would receive a
refund because of the unsatisfactory conditions. However, the representative did not explain
how much money would be refunded or what you needed to do to receive it.
Two weeks have now passed, and you have not received any further information.
Write an email to the hotel's customer service department. In your email, do the following:
Briefly describe the problems you experienced during your stay.
Mention that a hotel representative promised you a refund.
Ask whether the refund will cover the entire stay or only part of the amount paid.
Ask what steps you need to take and whether you need to provide any documents, receipts, or booking information.
Ask when you can expect the refund to be processed.
Write as much as you can in complete sentences.
Your email should be polite, clear, and appropriately firm.
unsatisfactory conditions — неудовлетворительные условия
poor hygiene standards — низкие стандарты гигиены
air conditioning — кондиционер
the air conditioning was not working — кондиционер не работал
insects in the bathroom — насекомые в ванной комнате
spoiled food — испорченная еда
rotten food — протухшая / гнилая еда
hotel café — кафе отеля
to report a problem several times — сообщить о проблеме несколько раз
hotel representative — представитель отеля
to promise compensation — пообещать компенсацию
to follow up on a request — уточнить статус запроса
Beginning of the email
I am writing to follow up on a refund that was promised during my recent stay at your hotel.
Я пишу, чтобы уточнить вопрос возврата средств, который был обещан во время моего недавнего пребывания в вашем отеле.
I am contacting you regarding the refund I was promised because of unsatisfactory conditions during my stay.
Я обращаюсь к вам по поводу возврата средств, который мне обещали из-за неудовлетворительных условий во время проживания.
I would like to request clarification regarding the refund process for my recent booking.
Я хотел(а) бы попросить разъяснить процедуру возврата средств по моему недавнему бронированию.
Useful grammar patterns
1. During my stay, ... — во время моего пребывания...
During my stay, the air conditioning did not work, and I found insects in the bathroom.
Во время моего пребывания кондиционер не работал, и я обнаружил(а) насекомых в ванной комнате.
2. I was told that... — мне сказали, что...
I was told that I would receive a refund because of the poor conditions.
Мне сказали, что я получу возврат средств из-за плохих условий.
3. I would like to know whether... — я хотел(а) бы узнать, ...
I would like to know whether the refund will cover the entire stay or only part of the amount paid.
Я хотел(а) бы узнать, будет ли возврат покрывать всё проживание или только часть оплаченной суммы.
4. Could you please let me know...? — не могли бы вы сообщить мне...?
Could you please let me know what documents I need to provide?
Не могли бы вы сообщить мне, какие документы мне нужно предоставить?
5. It has now been + time period + since... — прошло уже ... с тех пор, как...
It has now been two weeks since I checked out, but I have not received any further information.
Прошло уже две недели с тех пор, как я выехал(а) из отеля, но я не получил(а) никакой дополнительной информации.
6. I would appreciate it if you could... — я был(а) бы признателен/признательна, если бы вы...
I would appreciate it if you could confirm the amount and expected date of the refund.
Я был(а) бы признателен/признательна, если бы вы подтвердили сумму и ожидаемую дату возврата.
Transition / linking phrases
During my stay, — во время моего пребывания
In addition, — кроме того
Moreover, — более того
As a result, — в результате
Before checking out, — перед выездом из отеля
However, — однако
Since then, — с тех пор
For this reason, — по этой причине
Polite request / call-to-action phrases
Could you please confirm whether a refund has already been approved?
Не могли бы вы подтвердить, был ли возврат уже одобрен?
Please let me know whether I should send my receipt or booking confirmation.
Пожалуйста, сообщите мне, нужно ли мне отправить чек или подтверждение бронирования.
I would be grateful if you could explain how the refund will be calculated.
Я был(а) бы благодарен/благодарна, если бы вы объяснили, как будет рассчитан возврат.
I would appreciate it if you could process the refund as soon as possible.
Я был(а) бы признателен/признательна, если бы вы обработали возврат как можно скорее.
Conclusion and wrap-up phrases
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Заранее благодарю вас за помощь.
I hope this matter can be resolved promptly.
Надеюсь, этот вопрос может быть решён в ближайшее время.
I look forward to your response.
С нетерпением жду вашего ответа.
Yours faithfully,
С уважением,
Writing for an Academic Discussion
Step 1. Read the instructions and the text below them
Your professor is teaching a class on Ecology. Write a post responding to the professor's question. In your response you should:
express and support your personal opinion
make a contribution to the discussion
An effective response will contain at least 100 words
Reading time -2 minutes, writing time-8 minutes
Read: 2:00
Professor Henson
In our region, a large farming company has recently expanded its irrigation system to support crop production. While irrigation is essential for agriculture, some local residents and environmental experts are concerned about its potential consequences, such as excessive water usage, soil degradation, and water contamination. Others argue that irrigation has brought economic benefits without causing significant environmental harm. What do you think? Do you believe that irrigation in our area is causing problems, or do you think the concerns are exaggerated? If you identify any issues, what solutions would you propose? Let’s discuss!
James
I believe the large-scale irrigation by the farming company is creating significant problems for the local environment. One major issue is water wastage. Surface irrigation methods, such as flooding and furrow irrigation, result in substantial water loss due to evaporation and seepage into the ground. This could lead to lower groundwater levels, making it harder for nearby communities to access clean water.
Additionally, over-irrigation can degrade soil quality. When too much water is applied to fields, it can cause salinization, where minerals accumulate in the soil, reducing its fertility. This could have long-term consequences for both agriculture and local ecosystems. To address these issues, I suggest that the farming company switch to more efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant roots and minimizes waste. Another solution is to implement water recycling systems, so excess irrigation water is collected and reused instead of being lost.
Emily
I don’t think the irrigation system is causing serious problems for the region. In fact, it has helped the local economy by improving crop yields and creating jobs in agriculture. While it’s true that some water is lost through evaporation, this is an unavoidable aspect of farming. The company has already implemented sprinkler irrigation in some fields, which helps distribute water more evenly and reduces excessive flooding.
Moreover, concerns about groundwater depletion seem exaggerated. Our region receives enough rainfall to replenish water sources, and farmers are aware of the need to manage water responsibly. Instead of blaming irrigation, we should focus on how to optimize water use without restricting agricultural production. For example, the company could invest in sensors that monitor soil moisture levels, ensuring that water is used only when necessary. This way, farmers can continue to grow food without harming the environment.
Step 2. Write your response.You have got 8 minutes.
This is a challenging topic, but I think that …. I strongly agree with Emily’s//James' idea that …. I’d add that …………. WhileJames/Emily raised the relevant point that …, he didn’t mention that ….. As a result, ….
While I appreciate the points mentioned by James and Emily, I think that ……………….
Remember that …, so …. Some people may feel that …., but I think …….. .