Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing the concept of urban heat islands.
'Urban areas tend to be warmer than the surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This occurs because cities contain many surfaces like concrete and asphalt that absorb solar radiation during the day and release it slowly at night. In contrast, rural areas have more vegetation and soil, which retain moisture and cool the air through evaporation. Additionally, heat generated from vehicles, buildings, and industrial processes adds to the city's warmth. Interestingly, the intensity of the heat island effect varies with weather conditions and city size. For example, it is often more pronounced on clear, calm nights than on windy or cloudy nights. To mitigate this effect, cities have implemented strategies such as planting trees on streets, creating green roofs, and using reflective materials for pavements. These measures not only lower temperatures but also reduce energy consumption for cooling.'
❓ Вопрос According to the lecture, why are urban areas generally warmer than rural areas?
A. A. Urban areas have more vegetation that traps heat.
B. B. Urban surfaces like concrete absorb and slowly release solar radiation.
C. C. Rural areas experience more wind and cloud cover.
D. D. Vehicles and buildings in cities produce moisture that warms the air.
✅ Правильный ответ
B. Urban surfaces like concrete absorb and slowly release solar radiation.
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
