In psychology, the concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in its traditional manner. When faced with a problem, individuals often fail to see alternative uses for familiar objects, which hinders creative problem-solving. Overcoming functional fixedness requires restructuring one's mental representation of the object and considering its potential beyond its typical function.
🎧 Listening Lecture
Professor: Let me illustrate this with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of tacks, a candle, and a book of matches. Their task was to attach the candle to a wall so that it could burn properly without dripping wax on the floor. Some participants tried to tack the candle directly to the wall, but it didn't work—the candle broke. Others tried to melt the wax to stick it, but that failed too. However, a few people realized they could empty the tack box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. Those who succeeded overcame functional fixedness by seeing the box not just as a container for tacks, but as a potential shelf.
❓ 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
🎤 免费 AI 口语评分
基于 2800+ 托福真题评分库 · 无限次免费使用
⚠️ 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。
