Narrator: 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, concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat much more than vegetation does. Buildings block wind, reducing natural cooling. And waste heat from vehicles and air conditioners adds to the problem. One study in Phoenix, Arizona found that nighttime temperatures in the city could be up to 10 degrees Celsius higher than in the desert nearby. Now, there are solutions. Planting trees and creating green roofs can provide shade and cool the air through evapotranspiration. Using lighter-colored materials for roads and buildings reflects more sunlight. But some researchers argue that these measures, while helpful, might not be enough if we don't also reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally. The urban heat island effect is a local manifestation of a larger climate issue. So, as we plan sustainable cities, we must consider both local design and global action.
❓ Вопрос According to the professor, what is one cause of the urban heat island effect?
A. A. The absence of trees in parks
B. B. The absorption of heat by concrete and asphalt
C. C. The use of air conditioners in rural areas
D. D. The reflection of sunlight by buildings
✅ Правильный ответ
B. The absorption of heat by concrete and asphalt
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
