Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class.
Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands. This phenomenon occurs when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. Why? Well, one major factor is the materials we use to build our cities. Concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat much more than natural surfaces like soil or vegetation. During the day, these materials soak up solar radiation, and at night, they slowly release that heat, keeping the city warm. Another factor is the lack of vegetation. Trees and plants provide shade and release moisture through a process called evapotranspiration, which cools the air. But in cities, we've replaced many green spaces with buildings and roads. Also, human activities—like driving cars, running air conditioners, and operating factories—generate waste heat. This adds to the overall temperature. So, when you combine these factors, it's no surprise that a city can be several degrees warmer than the countryside around it. Now, there are strategies to mitigate this effect, such as planting more trees, using reflective roofing materials, and creating green roofs. But we'll discuss those solutions next class.
❓ 문제 According to the professor, why are urban areas often warmer than surrounding rural areas?
A. A. Because rural areas have more factories and vehicles.
B. B. Because building materials like concrete and asphalt retain heat.
C. C. Because urban trees release more moisture than rural vegetation.
D. D. Because cities are located closer to the equator.
✅ 정답
B. Because building materials like concrete and asphalt retain 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
