Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands, a phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. This happens mainly because of the materials we use to build our cities. Concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night, whereas natural surfaces like soil and vegetation reflect more sunlight and cool down quicker. Also, cities generate their own heat from vehicles, air conditioners, and industrial processes. This extra heat can lead to higher energy consumption, increased air pollution, and even health risks during heat waves. One solution is increasing green spaces, like parks and green roofs, which can lower temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration. Another is using reflective materials for roofs and pavements. However, these solutions require significant investment and policy changes. So, what can individuals do? Well, planting trees, using public transportation, and even painting your roof white can help, but the biggest impact comes from city-wide planning.
❓ 문제 What is the main cause of the urban heat island effect according to the professor?
A. A. Lack of rainfall in urban areas
B. B. Heat-absorbing building materials and human-generated heat
C. C. Increased use of air conditioners in rural areas
D. D. Natural vegetation trapping heat
✅ 정답
B. Heat-absorbing building materials and human-generated heat
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
