Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about a fascinating phenomenon called 'urban heat islands.' This refers to the fact that cities are often significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. The primary cause is the replacement of natural surfaces with materials like concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night. Additionally, waste heat from vehicles, air conditioners, and industrial processes adds to the effect. Vegetation, which provides shade and releases moisture through transpiration, is often scarce in dense urban areas. Interestingly, the intensity of an urban heat island can vary within a city itself. Parks and green spaces tend to be cooler, while densely built commercial districts can be several degrees hotter. This temperature difference influences energy consumption, as people use more air conditioning, and it also affects air quality, contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone. Urban planners are now exploring solutions like green roofs and reflective materials to mitigate these effects.
❓ Question According to the professor, what is one reason why urban areas are warmer than rural areas?
A. A) The lack of vegetation and the use of heat-absorbing materials like concrete.
B. B) The increased use of public transportation in cities.
C. C) The higher altitude of most urban centers.
D. D) The presence of large bodies of water near cities.
✅ Correct Answer
A) The lack of vegetation and the use of heat-absorbing materials like concrete.
TOEFL Listening Tips
Skim the questions first to predict the content
Watch for signal words in lectures and conversations (however, actually, in fact)
For main idea questions, focus on the beginning; for detail questions, focus on examples and data
For attitude questions, pay attention to the speaker's tone and word choice
Take notes on keywords; don't try to write down every word
