Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about a surprising source of pollution: your laundry. When you wash synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, tiny fibers shed and go down the drain. These microfibers are less than five millimeters long, and they're too small to be caught by most wastewater treatment plants. So they end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once in the water, they can absorb toxic chemicals and be ingested by fish and other marine life. This is a growing concern because microplastics have been found in drinking water and even in seafood. Researchers are studying ways to reduce this problem, such as developing filters for washing machines or creating fabrics that shed less. But for now, consumers can help by washing clothes less often and using a full load, which reduces friction between garments. So, while it may not solve the entire issue, small changes in our habits can make a difference.
❓ 문제 What is the main problem discussed in the lecture?
A. Synthetic fabrics are too expensive for many consumers.
B. Washing synthetic clothes releases microfibers that pollute water.
C. Wastewater treatment plants are not efficient enough to clean all water.
D. Fish are ingesting toxic chemicals from factory pollution.
✅ 정답
Washing synthetic clothes releases microfibers that pollute water.
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
