Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing the impact of urban heat islands.
"Today, I want to talk about a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This occurs when cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and the concentration of heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and asphalt. One major cause is the reduction of vegetation, which normally provides shade and cools the air through evaporation. Additionally, waste heat from buildings, vehicles, and air conditioning systems adds to the problem. The consequences are not just uncomfortable temperatures; they include increased energy consumption for cooling, higher levels of air pollution, and even health risks during heat waves. However, there are several mitigation strategies. Planting more trees and creating green roofs can help lower surface temperatures. Using reflective materials on buildings and roads can also reduce heat absorption. Another approach is to design cities with more open spaces and better airflow. While these solutions require planning and investment, they are crucial for making our cities more livable as global temperatures rise."
❓ 문제 According to the professor, what is one major cause of the urban heat island effect?
A. Excessive use of air conditioning in rural areas
B. Lack of vegetation in urban areas
C. Increased vehicle traffic on highways
D. High levels of air pollution from factories
✅ 정답
Lack of vegetation in urban areas
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
