Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about a surprising source of pollution: the humble washing machine. When we think of water pollution, we often picture factories or oil spills. But recent studies show that synthetic clothing, like polyester and nylon, sheds thousands of tiny plastic fibers during a single wash cycle. These fibers are too small to be caught by most wastewater treatment filters, so they end up in rivers and oceans. Once there, they can be ingested by marine life, entering the food chain. What's worse, these fibers can absorb toxic chemicals from the water, concentrating them as they move up the food web. Some researchers are now developing special filters for washing machines, and others are exploring ways to make fabrics that shed fewer fibers. But the problem is complex, because even natural fibers like cotton can have chemical coatings. So, while individual actions matter, we really need broader policy changes and industry innovation. Any questions?
❓ Pregunta What is the main point the professor makes about washing machines?
A. A) They use too much water and energy, causing resource depletion.
B. B) They are a significant source of plastic microfibers that pollute oceans.
C. C) They are the leading cause of chemical pollution from cotton production.
D. D) They are inefficient at cleaning synthetic fabrics compared to natural ones.
✅ Respuesta correcta
B) They are a significant source of plastic microfibers that pollute oceans.
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
