In psychology, the concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. When faced with a problem, individuals often fail to see alternative uses for familiar items, which hinders creative problem-solving. Overcoming functional fixedness requires mental flexibility and the ability to think beyond conventional functions.
🎧 Listening Lecture
Professor: Let me give you an example from a classic study. Participants were given a box of tacks, a candle, and a book of matches, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so it could burn properly. Most people tried nailing the candle directly to the wall or melting wax to stick it, but they failed. The solution was to empty the tack box, tack it to the wall as a platform, and then place the candle inside. The problem was that participants saw the box only as a container for tacks, not as a potential shelf. Once they realized the box could serve a different function, they solved it easily.
❓ Question Question: Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of functional fixedness.
📊 TOEFL Speaking Task 3 Rubric
Delivery: Fluency, pronunciation, intonation
Language Use: Grammar, vocabulary, sentence variety
Topic Development: Accurately explain the reading concept and restate the lecture examples
Scored 0-30 based on holistic scoring (original 0-4, scaled to 30). 30s preparation, 60s response.
💡 Answering Tips
Note the core concept definition from the reading (usually 1-2 sentences)
Record 1-2 specific examples the professor uses in the lecture
Start with the concept definition, then explain with lecture examples
Use template phrases: "The reading defines... The professor illustrates this by..."
Keep within 60s; ensure clarity and fluency
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⚠️ AI 自动评分基于托福官方口语三大维度（Delivery / Language Use / Topic Development）标准开发，结果仅供练习参考。
