Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about a surprising source of pollution: microplastics. These tiny particles, less than five millimeters in size, come from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are manufactured small, like the beads in exfoliating scrubs. They end up in our oceans, but here's the twist—they're also in the air. Recent studies have found microplastics in remote mountain areas, carried by wind and rain. This matters because these particles can absorb toxic chemicals, and when animals ingest them, those toxins enter the food chain. Now, you might think filtering water would solve the problem, but microplastics are so small that they pass through many treatment systems. So, what can we do? Reducing plastic use is the most direct solution, but also, innovations like biodegradable plastics and better filtration technology are being developed. However, the key is to prevent plastic from entering the environment in the first place. Any questions?
❓ Question What is the professor's main point about microplastics?
A. A. They only affect oceans and marine life.
B. B. They are too large to be removed by water treatment.
C. C. They are a widespread problem that requires preventing plastic pollution at its source.
D. D. Biodegradable plastics have completely solved the issue.
✅ Correct Answer
C. They are a widespread problem that requires preventing plastic pollution at its source.
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