Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to discuss the concept of 'urban heat islands' and some strategies to mitigate their effects. Urban heat islands occur when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, primarily due to human activities and the prevalence of dark, heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt and concrete. One effective solution is increasing vegetation, such as green roofs and street trees, which provide shade and release moisture through transpiration. Another approach is using 'cool roofs' made of reflective materials that bounce sunlight back into the atmosphere. Additionally, altering urban design to promote better airflow can help. However, these measures face challenges, including high upfront costs and the need for public awareness. Despite these obstacles, many cities have begun implementing pilot projects, and early results show a noticeable reduction in peak summer temperatures. Clearly, a combination of strategies, tailored to local conditions, is essential for creating more livable urban environments.
❓ 문제 What is the main purpose of the lecture?
A. To explain why cities are warmer than rural areas
B. To discuss causes and potential solutions for urban heat islands
C. To compare green roofs and cool roofs in terms of cost
D. To describe a recent research study on urban temperatures
✅ 정답
To discuss causes and potential solutions for urban heat islands
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
