Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands. As you know, cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas. This is due to several factors. First, concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night. Second, buildings block wind, reducing natural cooling. Third, there's less vegetation, which means less shade and less evapotranspiration—the process where plants release water vapor, which cools the air. Interestingly, urban heat islands can have significant impacts. They increase energy demand for air conditioning, which leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions. They also affect human health, especially during heat waves. But there are solutions. Planting more trees, creating green roofs, and using reflective materials on buildings can reduce the effect. Some cities have even painted roads with reflective coatings. So, while the problem is serious, there are practical steps we can take.
❓ Pregunta According to the professor, which of the following is NOT a cause of the urban heat island effect?
A. A. Concrete and asphalt absorbing heat
B. B. Buildings blocking wind
C. C. Increased evapotranspiration from plants
D. D. Lack of vegetation in cities
✅ Respuesta correcta
C. Increased evapotranspiration from plants
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
