TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 038North Pole Explorer

In 1909, Robert E. Peary, a famous adventurer and arctic explorer, claimed to have reached the North Pole on April 7, making him an international celebrity. While some historians have expressed doubts about the accuracy of Peary’s claim, three key arguments support its validity.

First, the National Geographic Society conducted an investigation of Peary’s records and equipment. After a thorough review, the committee found his accounts to be consistent and persuasive, concluding that he did indeed reach the North Pole.

Second, a more recent expedition backs Peary’s timeline of reaching the North Pole in 37 days from Ellesmere Island, which had previously been doubted. Critics had argued that such a fast journey was impossible, as modern snowmobiles take longer. However, British explorer Tom Avery completed the same trek in fewer than 37 days, using the same type of dogsled and breed of dogs as Peary. This demonstrates that Peary’s claim of speed is feasible.

Third, photographs taken by Peary provide further evidence. By measuring the shadows in the photographs, researchers were able to calculate the Sun’s position in the sky. The calculated position matches exactly with the Sun’s expected location at the North Pole on that day, supporting Peary’s claim that he took the photographs there.