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 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 and air conditioners adds to the effect. To mitigate this, cities are adopting strategies like green roofs, which are covered with plants, and cool pavements that reflect more sunlight. Some urban planners also promote increasing tree canopy, as trees can lower surface temperatures by several degrees. However, these solutions require careful consideration of local climate and maintenance costs. For example, green roofs may need extra structural support and irrigation systems, especially in dry regions. Despite challenges, many cities have seen measurable benefits, including reduced energy consumption and improved air quality. So, the key is to adapt these strategies to the specific urban environment.
❓ 質問 What is the main purpose of the lecture?
A. To explain the causes and solutions of the urban heat island effect
B. To compare green roofs and cool pavements in terms of cost
C. To argue that urban heat islands are unavoidable in modern cities
D. To describe the history of environmental science in urban planning
✅ 正解
To explain the causes and solutions of 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
