Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class.
Professor: Today, let's talk about urban heat islands. This phenomenon occurs when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. Why? Well, buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun's heat more than natural landscapes do. For example, asphalt parking lots can reach temperatures much higher than grassy fields. Additionally, waste heat from vehicles and air conditioners adds to the effect. But there are solutions. One approach is increasing vegetation, like planting trees on streets and creating green roofs. Trees provide shade and release moisture through transpiration, which cools the air. Another strategy is using reflective materials for rooftops and pavements, which bounce sunlight back into the atmosphere. Some cities have also implemented cool pavement programs. However, these measures require careful planning and funding. So, while urban heat islands pose challenges, they are not insurmountable. Does anyone have a question about how these strategies might affect local energy use?
❓ 質問 What is the lecture mainly about?
A. The causes and solutions of urban heat islands
B. The benefits of planting trees in rural areas
C. How asphalt and concrete affect the weather
D. The role of air conditioners in climate change
✅ 正解
The causes and solutions of 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
