The construction of large-scale wind farms has been widely promoted as a key solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, a closer examination reveals that wind energy may not be as environmentally friendly or economically viable as often claimed. Three major concerns undermine the case for wind power. First, wind turbines pose a significant threat to bird and bat populations. Studies have shown that collisions with turbine blades cause hundreds of thousands of bird deaths annually in the United States alone, including species of conservation concern. Second, wind energy is unreliable because it depends on weather conditions. When wind speeds are low or calm, turbines produce little or no electricity, forcing utilities to rely on backup fossil-fuel plants, which negates some of the environmental benefits and increases costs. Third, the initial investment and maintenance costs for wind farms are prohibitively high. Building a single offshore wind turbine can cost millions of dollars, and the need for regular maintenance, especially in harsh marine environments, further escalates expenses. Consequently, wind power is not a practical or sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
🎧 听力讲座
🎯 模拟考试环境：先点「播放讲座」听完内容，再作答。听力原文默认隐藏。
The reading presents a pessimistic view of wind energy, but its arguments are flawed and overlook recent developments. Regarding bird deaths, the reading fails to mention that modern turbine designs, such as slower rotation speeds and improved siting away from migratory routes, have dramatically reduced bird collisions. Moreover, a far greater threat to birds comes from domestic cats and building glass, which kill billions of birds each year—dwarfing wind turbine fatalities. As for reliability, the reading ignores advances in energy storage technology. Large-scale batteries and other storage systems can capture excess energy generated during windy periods and release it when wind is calm, ensuring a steady power supply. Thus, the need for backup fossil fuels is diminishing. Finally, the claim of high costs is outdated. The levelized cost of onshore wind energy has fallen by over 70% in the last decade, making it one of the cheapest sources of new electricity. Maintenance costs have also decreased due to predictive maintenance using AI and drones. Therefore, wind energy is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically competitive.
📝 Инструкция по письму Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the specific points made in the reading passage.
📊 TOEFL Integrated Writing Rubric
Content Accuracy: Accurately capture the relationship between lecture and reading
Information Completeness: Cover all key counter-arguments from the lecture
Structure & Coherence: Logical organization and progression
Language Use: Grammar, vocabulary, expression accuracy
Scored 0-30 based on holistic scoring (original 0-5, scaled to 30).
