Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class.
Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands, a phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. One major cause is the replacement of natural surfaces with materials like asphalt and concrete, which absorb and retain heat. Another factor is the lack of vegetation, which normally provides shade and cools the air through evapotranspiration. Additionally, waste heat from vehicles, air conditioners, and industrial processes adds to the effect.
But here's an interesting point: not all areas within a city experience the same intensity. For example, parks and green spaces can be several degrees cooler than nearby dense commercial districts. This has led to urban planning strategies, such as planting more trees and using reflective roofing materials, to mitigate the heat. However, these solutions often require significant investment and community support. So, while the problem is well understood, implementing effective measures remains a challenge.
❓ Question According to the professor, what is one reason why some parts of a city are cooler than others?
A. They have more waste heat from vehicles.
B. They contain parks and green spaces.
C. They use more asphalt for roads.
D. They are located farther from industrial areas.
✅ Correct Answer
They contain parks and green spaces.
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
