Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing the concept of urban heat islands. 'Urban heat islands occur when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. This happens because materials like concrete and asphalt absorb and re-emit heat more than natural landscapes do. Additionally, cities have less vegetation, which reduces shade and evapotranspiration—a process where plants release water vapor, cooling the air. Buildings also block wind, trapping heat. One major consequence is increased energy consumption for air conditioning, which leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions. Another issue is health risks during heatwaves, especially for vulnerable populations. To mitigate this, cities can implement green roofs, plant more trees, and use reflective materials on pavements. However, these solutions require investment and urban planning changes. Interestingly, researchers have found that even small parks can create cooler pockets, but their effect is localized. Therefore, a combination of strategies is needed to address the problem effectively.'
❓ 質問 What does the professor say is a primary cause of urban heat islands?
A. A. Increased use of air conditioning in cities
B. B. The heat-absorbing properties of construction materials
C. C. A lack of wind due to tall buildings
D. D. The release of greenhouse gases from vehicles
✅ 正解
B. The heat-absorbing properties of construction materials
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
