Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing urban heat islands.
"Now, urban areas tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This happens because materials like concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat from the sun during the day, then release it slowly at night. In contrast, rural areas with vegetation and soil cool down more quickly. But there are ways to mitigate this effect. One solution is increasing the albedo of surfaces, for example, by painting rooftops white or using reflective pavements. This reduces heat absorption. Another approach is increasing green spaces, such as parks and green roofs, which provide shade and release moisture through a process called evapotranspiration. This has a cooling effect. However, implementing these strategies can be costly, and some cities face budget constraints. Despite this, many cities are adopting these measures because they reduce energy consumption—for instance, by lowering the need for air conditioning—and they improve air quality. So, while the initial investment may be high, the long-term benefits often justify the expense."
❓ Question What does the professor say about increasing the albedo of urban surfaces?
A. It increases the amount of heat absorbed by buildings.
B. It helps reduce heat absorption by reflecting sunlight.
C. It is a more costly solution than creating green spaces.
D. It has no effect on energy consumption in cities.
✅ Correct Answer
It helps reduce heat absorption by reflecting sunlight.
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
