Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about a phenomenon called 'urban heat island.' Essentially, cities tend to be warmer than the surrounding rural areas. Why is that? Well, several factors contribute. First, buildings and roads made of concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat during the day, then release it slowly at night. Second, there's less vegetation in cities, which means less shade and less cooling through evapotranspiration. Third, human activities—like driving cars, running air conditioners, and industrial processes—generate waste heat. Interestingly, the temperature difference is more pronounced at night and in winter. This warming can lead to increased energy consumption for cooling, which in turn raises greenhouse gas emissions. One solution is to increase green spaces, like rooftop gardens, which can help cool the air and reduce stormwater runoff. Another is to use reflective materials for roofs and pavements. So, urban planning can play a critical role in mitigating this effect.
❓ คำถาม What is the main topic of the lecture?
A. A. The benefits of urban green spaces
B. B. Causes and potential solutions for the urban heat island effect
C. C. The impact of air conditioning on energy consumption
D. D. The difference between rural and urban temperatures during winter
✅ คำตอบที่ถูกต้อง
B. Causes and potential solutions for the urban heat island effect
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
