Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class.
Professor: So, we've been discussing renewable energy sources, and today I want to focus on a lesser-known but promising technology: tidal energy. Unlike solar or wind, tidal energy is highly predictable because it depends on the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, which we can calculate accurately years in advance. However, there are significant challenges. First, tidal power plants require specific coastal geography, like narrow bays or estuaries, where the tidal range is large. This limits suitable locations. Second, the equipment must withstand harsh marine conditions, including saltwater corrosion and strong currents, which drives up maintenance costs. Despite these drawbacks, some countries, like the UK and South Korea, have invested in tidal barrages and turbines. Interestingly, recent research suggests that underwater turbines, similar to wind turbines but placed on the seafloor, might be less environmentally disruptive than barrages, which can block fish migration. So, while tidal energy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, it could play a key role in a diversified energy portfolio. Now, who can tell me one advantage of tidal energy over wind or solar?
❓ 質問 What is one advantage of tidal energy mentioned by the professor?
A. A. It is more cost-effective than solar energy.
B. B. It is more predictable than wind or solar energy.
C. C. It can be generated in any coastal area.
D. D. It has no environmental impact on marine life.
✅ 正解
B. It is more predictable than wind or solar energy.
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
