Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing the role of wetlands in flood control.
"Now, many people think of wetlands as just muddy, mosquito-infested areas that are good for wildlife, but they actually play a critical role in flood prevention. Wetlands act like natural sponges. When heavy rain falls, they absorb and slowly release water, reducing the peak flow that would otherwise rush into rivers and streams. In fact, a study in the United States found that wetlands can reduce flood heights by up to 60 percent in some areas. This is particularly important in regions where urbanization has increased impervious surfaces, like roads and rooftops, which prevent water from soaking into the ground. Instead, water runs off quickly, causing flash floods. By preserving and restoring wetlands, we can mitigate these risks. However, many wetlands have been drained for agriculture or development. In the past century, we've lost over half of our original wetlands. So, restoring them isn't just about biodiversity; it's a practical flood management strategy that saves money and lives."
Now, the professor mentions a statistic about wetlands reducing flood heights. What does this statistic illustrate?
❓ 문제 What is the main point the professor makes about wetlands?
A. A. Wetlands are primarily valuable for wildlife habitat.
B. B. Wetlands can significantly reduce the impact of flooding.
C. C. Wetlands are less effective than concrete flood barriers.
D. D. Wetlands are frequently damaged by urban development.
✅ 정답
B. Wetlands can significantly reduce the impact of flooding.
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
